Amazing Monica

To look at her and listen to her, Monica Marie Sanchez, 28, has knockout good-looks and a smart, energetic persona to boot.

[anonymous]

how encouraging!
what a great example of living life to the fullest :)

[Sarah]

This beautiful strong young women is not only my cousin but my hero she is so strong she has been through so much and has never gave up I love her so much and look up to her.

[Christine Sneddon]

I met Monica when I wandered into her store shortly after it opened. She was so warm and friendly and her fudge is fantastic. If you haven't stopped by her store yet, you need to. It's a great place!

[Michelle Monahan]

Wow! Monica! I am very happy to see how it is going for you. You are the most upbeat person I know! I love you!

[Ingrid]

I also have PPH and reading Mónica Sánchez story just makes me stronger and more optimistic.

[Susie]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am living with PPH too. I had my own paper do a story about PH too. It is so great to see so many getting PH the awareness it deserves. I thank you and I am sure many other PHers do too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I will have to stop into your sweet shop if ever in California. I have never been there. I live in Michigan.
Please take care and may God watch over you.

[Lora Moranti]

I too have PPH. I was diagnosed July '07 and my cardiologist told my primary care physician to refer me to Dr. Shapiro at UCLA. She is a wonderful caring doctor. I am so happy to see that everything is going well for you Monica. Yes Viagra works very well. I am on 100mg 3x daily. Also taking part in an Ambrisentan study through Dr. Shapiro. Another miracle drug. My twin sister was diagosed 15 years ago and had a double lung transplant 13 1/2 years ago. Keep up the faith and stay optimistic. I believe having a positive state of mind will help keep all of us with PPH stronger and we will live longer.

[batterygrl]

AS a PAH patient for 16 yrs, my journey of living with PH (now called PAH) is quite similiar to ms. monica's. I've also been a patient of Mr. Shapiro who is honestly quite amazing in the field of PH and PAH in the greater L.A. Area.
I know there are many stories out there similiar to Monic'a and mine.
The PHA does a wonderful job of uniting pateints and doctors globally every other year at the PHA conference being held this year in June 2008 in Houston, TX.
Good to see the media profiling another PH patient in a positive way to lend support towards the research and cure of PAH!!!

[Bernice Sami Gabi Ortiz]

We visited Monica today (5/2/08) at her Made-Over Village Sweets Store, it's awesome, just like her.  My daughters Samantha & Gabrielle are raising funds by selling Helen Grace Chocolates....(for a Field Trip with Montebello Christian School) to our surprise, Monica took out $20.00 buck and said "give me twenty bars"! I felt embarrassed, but after speaking with her, and listinging to her speak of how much she appreciates all the "blessing" she has been blessed with....I was not surprised to learn she is simply being herself, an Angel.  My little girls, were impressed by her generosity, they said "she's soooooo nice" "and pretty too". They are planning on volunteering, they are 6 and 8 years old, when they grow up they want to be like Monica. They too want to have a Candy Store, because they love candy, helping others and most important, they love the Lord, just like Monica. I am still in awwww of her gentle spirit, strength, kindness, gentleness, generosity, and love of life...Monica is a blessing in more ways than she realizes even through her difficult days, she finds the positive in everything. Monica is in our prayers, and we are thankful for being able to connect with her tonight. God Bless.

[S Sager]

I really enjoyed Monica Sanchez' story. My husband was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2000 and a story such as this, fills me with hope. He is on 3 different medications (2 oral and one which utilizes an I-Neb). I admire Monica's spirit and her attitude.
Thank you for sharing.

[audrey brown]

you know i watched that episode of peter perfect and i never would have guessed she was ill, i dont know if they mentioned it on the show cause i was busy for a few minutes and not watching, but she looked great. I loved the store but she doesnt have an online store and i live in plattsburgh ny, so.... Cheers to her i live with my own medical issues but i am not terminal, as i always say i have a life sentence of an illness not a death sentence, who is to say what is worse. You ROck Monica and so does your parents, keep going!!!!!!!!!!

[June of Mississippi]

I would have never known about Monica's condition after watching Peter Perfect, which did the make over of her candy shop. Her optimism puts me to shame in light of her many health problems. I pray for healing of this sweet, remarkable woman.

[Pam Pedersen]

Monica,

Thank you for sharing your story and for being the optimistic individual that sets such a wonderful example for others. My daughter Donna was diagnosed with PH at a very young age, and did not show the full blown symptoms until her freshman year in college. We have worked to establish a normal life for her as she works toward her masters degree in Nursing and looks forward to graduating in December. Donna lives in Baltimore Maryland and goes to classes and manages her meds, much as your article describes. I will look forward to sharing your story with her and wish you a continued sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in the years to come.

[Kathy Jones]

Thank you for sharing your story. I have been fighting PAH for 18 yrs and just diagnosed 2 yrs ago now on a drug called flolan. I have complained so much that the doctors finally listened to me. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Monica thank you once again