Helping Monica scale the long road to recovery

Monica Nelson is fighting hard to recover strength and mobility after a debilitating fall. Without Monica’s performing income, she and her husband are also fighting hard to meet their financial needs. Your help can reduce the stress of managing daily expenses, a major barrier to her ability to heal. Your emotional and financial support through the dedicated Artist Relief Campaign can encourage her throughout the healing process.

By Claire Levine

Brandon Lieberman called Monica Nelson “The It-Girl” of 1980s Northwest punk. Brandon, a long-time friend, described her determination in “hacking through the mainly male thicket of local punk.” Her music was a path to healing from the devastating trauma she experienced as a teenager.

Monica’s songwriting and performance with The Obituaries had a huge influence on musicians who went on to gain national followings. Neko Case, Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill and Mia Zapata of The Gits considered her an inspiration for their own music.

Willamette Week said, “Once you've heard Monica Nelson's voice, you'll recognize it anywhere. Which is remarkable because there's no gimmick—no affected accent, no Biafra-esque vibrato. It's just completely unguarded and volatile: smooth and jazzy one moment, soaring another, screeching the next.”

After The Obituaries’ heyday in the 80s, the group occasionally reunited. And Monica continued her dynamic performances, fronting a variety of Portland ensembles like the Jack London Trio and the Highgates.

Until her career literally came crashing down. A fall in August last year left her with a broken neck and spinal cord damage.

The damage and the progress.

 Monica was operated on near the end of August of 2025, after which she spent three days in intensive care and a week and a half in the trauma ward. She then moved to an inpatient spinal cord rehabilitation ward, where she remained until Oct. 4.

Brandon reports that Monica has regained quite a bit of function – and she was delighted when she was able to sing again. But she still has quite a way to go. There are many things she still cannot do, and she is never left alone. 

Monica’s goal is to be self-sufficient and to accomplish what she needs without help and without pain. 

Spinal cord injuries are slow to heal. And the sooner individuals can work on rehabilitation, the stronger their chances of recovery.

Which is why Brandon and The JWF are hoping that this music community can come together behind Monica and Ivan with more financial assistance.

The role of the JWF.  Upon hearing about Monica’s accident, The JWF stepped up quickly with grants to help with basic expenses, particularly rent assistance. And realizing the long-term nature of Monica’s recovery, the foundation created an artist relief campaign to raise additional funds.

As always, JWF support goes well beyond money. Lead Navigator Melanie Bobbett, whose role is to guide individuals through the complex world of insurance, health care and other resources, is working actively with the family on a number of fronts.

She has helped Monica apply for Social Security Disability, which would provide a steady income as long as Monica is not able to work. Melanie is also helping them pursue ongoing rent assistance through the Oregon Health Plan. 

Melanie is in frequent touch with Monica and Ivan to see what short-term needs the foundation can provide and explore other long-term resources.

Please give.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Brandon has seen great improvement since Monica left ICU. But he knows the clock is ticking. After a certain point, healing becomes much more difficult. That’s why Brandon urges the music community to chip in to the extent they can – now.

“Attitude and emotional support are so critical during this time – having a positive attitude is so important,” on behalf of healing. And Brandon said that relieving anxiety over bills and access to additional support will help Monica sustain that positive attitude tremendously.

Read Brandon’s description of Monica’s career, the aftermath of the accident and her recovery here. And if you are so moved, contribute to Monica’s Artist Relief Fund. Monica’s family and friends – and all those who have been so moved by her music for decades – will thank you.