West Virginia Woman Achieves Taco Bell Dream Amid Health Struggles
An 86-year-old woman from West Virginia, who has longed for a Taco Bell to open in her neighborhood, recently ticked that off her bucket list. She often wondered whether she’d live to see it happen.
Affectionately dubbed the “Queen of Taco Bell,” Pauline Monk expressed her desire for a location in Sissonville, a suburb of Charleston. “I always wanted a Taco Bell here in my little town,” she shared. Her excitement peaked when her son broke the news about the restaurant’s opening.
“My son worked hard for this,” Monk recalled. “One day he told me, ‘Mom, we finally got them to come. They will be here for you.’”
However, soon after, Monk received distressing news. After contracting a virus and visiting the doctor, tests revealed she had stage 4 cancer. The prognosis was grim; doctors estimated she had just a few months to live.
“Out of nowhere, I found out I had stage 4 cancer,” she explained, voicing her disbelief. As construction of Taco Bell continued, she found herself worrying about whether she’d be around to see it open. “I walked up and down the street, watching them work. I thought to myself, will I get to see it?”
Despite the uncertainty, the Taco Bell was completed, and on opening day, Monk had a special invitation. Her son, instrumental in bringing the restaurant to town, was set to cut the ribbon.
That moment quickly transformed into something beyond just the launch of a restaurant. Monk became a local favorite and captured attention online.
“Everyone was screaming,” she recalled of the crowd outside. “They said, ‘She’s the Queen of Taco Bell.’ Now I’m recognized as the Queen of Taco Bell wherever I go.”
Monk’s go-to order? Nachos Bell Grande or a chicken quesadilla, usually topped off with a cinnamon twist for dessert. While she finds joy in this newfound attention, her life encompasses much more than just her love for fast food.
Growing up with seven siblings, Monk has always aimed to give back. She’s spent years baking for her church and neighbors. “I’ve been a Christian for many years, and baking pies brings me joy,” she noted. Her acts of kindness have recently been reciprocated as her community reaches out with support.
“Everyone in the church received a pie from me, and now they’re returning the favor. I’m getting food from everywhere,” she shared, showcasing her gratitude.
Monk emphasized that her family, especially her husband, has been incredibly supportive during this challenging time. “I have a wonderful husband. He takes good care of me,” she remarked.
Her faith remains a cornerstone for her as her health declines. “I know the Lord, and He knows me,” she affirmed, expressing peace about her journey ahead. With doctors advising against chemotherapy due to her age, she became aware of the cancer’s spread to her lungs.
“It’s just a matter of time,” Monk reflected. “But while I’m here, I want to spread kindness and help in any way I can.”
Grateful for the affection and warmth from her family, community, and newfound supporters, Monk smiles as her story continues to inspire, forever known as the “Queen of Taco Bell.”
