Folsom's Monique “Mo” Glowniak is Someone You Should Know
May 14, 2015 01:22PM ● By Amber Foster
Photo by Dante Fontana © Style Media Grou
When Folsom resident Monique Glowniak discovered a lump under her armpit while in the shower, she knew better than to leave it unchecked.
Her mother is a cancer survivor, and she lost her brother, father and father-in-law to the disease. She went immediately to the doctor, only to be told she need not worry, but could keep an eye on it. Undeterred, Glowniak insisted on a mammogram—and a second opinion.
A biopsy found stage 2 breast cancer, and due to her persistence, Glowniak caught the disease in time to avoid a mastectomy. She did, however, undergo a lumpectomy along with chemotherapy and radiation to fight the aggressive cancer. Her cancer is now in full remission, but her experience taught her the importance of being one’s own health care advocate.
Glowniak says that she could not have made it through without the support of her family, but she also recommends people with cancer reach out to the many support organizations in the area. Glowniak is the team captain of the El Dorado Hills Blue Shield team for Relay for Life, an annual, 24-hour event held locally in April that helps raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
Through booths, music and other fun activities open to the public, Glowniak and the other Relay for Life teams raise awareness about cancer and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. “It’s why I think I’m still here,” she shares. “To keep spreading the word, [and] to help those trying to go through something as terrible as cancer.”
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Eat healthy, exercise more, and make sure you do self-exams and get annual mammograms.
Q: What comes to you naturally?
A: Helping people.
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
A: Rude people.
Q: Are you high or low maintenance?
A: Low, but sometimes I require a little more attention.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: My children—especially when people come up to me and say how wonderful they are.
Q: Favorite humanitarian cause?
A: Feeding the homeless.
Q: Best words of wisdom you’ve received?
A: Be with those who make you smile and happy.
For more about Monique Glowniak and other local happenings and information, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – Folsom El Dorado Hills edition.