Help Claire Gastineau Recover from a Life-Threatening Brain Bleed

Claire Gastineau, a bright, loving, and hardworking 32-year-old, recently suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and is in critical condition. She’s currently in a New Jersey hospital, and her family is by her side, but they are facing overwhelming financial and logistical challenges.

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About Claire

Claire grew up in Arlington, WA, and graduated from Arlington High School in 2011 with honors. She was a standout in athletics and taught swim lessons to hundreds of children through the Stillaguamish Athletic Club.

She moved to New Jersey for college, graduating in 2014 from Rutgers University with a double major in Linguistics and French and a minor in Psychology, earning dual degrees from Rutgers School of Science and Douglass University.

Since her sophomore year of college, Claire has worked full-time at Destination Dogs as a chef and restaurant manager, showing the same dedication and care she brings to everyone around her. She shares a home in Philadelphia with her partner of 10 years, Peter, and their three beloved rescue cats.

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Carla Rakin - is Claire’s mother and the heart of our Arlington community. She runs the Arlington Food Bank, is a major donor to Rotary, and has spent years lifting up families in need. Now, Carla faces the unimaginable: standing by helplessly as her daughter fights for her life, all while navigating her own emotional and financial burdens.

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The Challenge

Claire’s stroke has left her unable to work, and Peter is stretched thin caring for both her and his mother, who also recently suffered a head bleed and is in rehab.

They are facing:

• Medical bills that far exceed basic insurance coverage

• Rent and household bills while Claire is unable to work

• Travel and lodging costs for Peter and family staying near the hospital

• Long-term rehabilitation and recovery expenses

This young couple, already hardworking and humble, now faces a crisis they cannot manage alone.

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How You Can Help

Claire and Carla have spent their lives helping others. Now it’s our turn to stand behind them. Your donation will provide:

• Peace of mind that bills and rent are covered

• Funds for medical expenses and rehabilitation

• Support for Peter while he cares for both his mother and Claire

• Stability for their home, pets, and everyday life during this critical time

No mother should have to watch her child fight for their life. No daughter should have to face recovery without support.

Every contribution — no matter the size — will make a difference.

Please pray, share, and donate to help Claire and Carla focus on what truly matters: healing, love, and recovery.

Thank you for helping a family who has given so much to our community.