In 2010, Tameka “Meechy” Monroe of The Monroe Sisters made waves in the natural hair community as a natural hair vlogger, dispensing detailed tutorials and information alongside her sister MsVaughnTV. A popular presence in the natural hair community, Meechy has traveled and participated in campaigns, meetups, and panels across the country and parts of Europe. Most recently, Meechy and her sister Vaughn teamed up with Beautiful Textures for the #TryTMS campaign, and with #TeamNatural_ for the Ultimate Natural Hair Spring Affair in Dallas. That was about 15 weeks ago.
Recently, followers and subscribers of Meechy’s YouTube, Instagram, blog, and other social media networks had begun to express concern over her absence online. As BGLH and other natural hair outlets learned late yesterday, Meechy Monroe has been away for reason that caught many of us off guard. On May 31st, Meechy was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma (vascular cancerous tumor) in her brain. The tumor caused Meechy to suffer multiple mild strokes, which led to certain physical and speech challenges — including an Aphasia diagnoisis (a disturbance in the delivery of language).
We reached out to MsVaughnTV, who gave us this statement on Meechy:
On May 30th 2014, Meechy underwent her first of two brain surgeries. It was this craniotomy which actually revealed the tumor. In preparation for the procedure, rather than lose her hair, she had it carefully shaved, preserved, and donated to Locks of Love — a not for profit organization which focuses on cancer patients coping with hair loss.
Now, after her second brain surgery on July 3rd 2014, she is making drastic improvements with the help of physical, occupational, and speech therapy and is currently awaiting the next phase of her treatment — radiation and chemotherapy.
As usual, Meechy is very optimistic and has been blessed with an amazing team of renowned surgeons, oncologists, and nurses whom are walking closely with her on the road to recovery with God leading the way!
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Meechy has also penned an open letter to her fans on her blog, www.meechymonroe.com. She will also be sharing more information about her battle towards recovery via weekly blog updates.
The outpouring of love and support has been nothing short of amazing. In a little over 24 hours, Meechy’s supporters have managed to raise over $20,000 toward her costly recovery.
It is at times like this that standing as a true natural hair community has the power to make all the difference. The Monroe family has been brave and supportive during these challenging times, as Vaughn and Meechy’s mother and father are Meechy’s around-the-clock caregivers. Medical care is woefully expensive, and the Monroe family is not afraid to ask for help in this incredible time of need.
Vaughn and the Monroe family need the BGLH community’s help as Meechy fights the toughest battle of her life. Meechy’s recovery expenses will tip the scales at over $100,000, and every dollar counts. Please donate to the #GetWellMeechy Medical Expense Fund via GiveForward.com at this link: #GetWellMeechy via BGLH. For every donation made from a BGLH community member, GiveForward.com will contribute $15.
Tameka “Meechy” Monroe’s Story:
