Rally for Rachael

Our hearts are broken. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Rachael lost her battle today, July 14, 2019. A heartfelt thank you to all who loved her and contributed to this campaign. Memorial: Tuesday, July 16th, 6:00 p.m. Strong Memorial Hospital Interfaith Chapel 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester NY 14642 Rachael’s family will be in attendance. There may be a second memorial service in NYC in the coming weeks. Information will be posted here when available. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ URGENT: Please read UPDATED info below. Rachael Bhola is a bright, ambitious, caring young woman with a loving family who is desperately in need of support.  When Rachael was very young, she was initially diagnosed with an immune disorder known as CVID (common variable immune deficiency) and had been fighting its effects her whole life.  Despite her commitment to exercise and a healthy lifestyle, her chronic illness has periodically resulted in long hospital stays, missed work and unfortunately, many incorrect diagnoses. Her health had significantly improved in recent years but last year, once again, she found herself battling crippling fatigue and chronic intense pain which resulted in many days of missed work. Rachael is currently undergoing aggressive medical treatments including major surgeries for this mysterious illness that has ravaged her body and has emotionally and financially devastated her family. She has the loving support of her toddler son and her life partner Joey but she is the *sole breadwinner* in the family.  Needless to say, her current situation has left them in dire financial straits.  Members of her church have provided invaluable spiritual support for which she is forever grateful.  But so many of us who care about Rachael and her family asked what they could do to help. We started this GoFundMe campaign in the fall of 2018 hoping that her illness was just a bad ‘flareup’ that would go back into remission but unfortunately that was not to be the case.  She has applied for long term disability but as we all know, the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly and she has already missed payments on many bills. THIS IS A FAMILY IN CRISIS. Rachael is the kind of person who never asks for anything for herself, always putting her family first --but now it’s her turn.  We are extremely grateful to all who have donated, prayed, sent love and healing thoughts in the past… and for all who are able and willing to contribute to her journey back to wellness.   Every little bit helps, no matter how small!  THANK YOU! ❤