Support Rachelle's Recovery Journey

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, my childhood best friend, Rachelle, was in a devastating horseback riding accident that left her in a coma for 10 days. While she has always been a true cowgirl at heart, her passions extended far beyond the ranch—she was just two months away from graduating at the top of her class with her nursing degree in neuroscience. Her dedication, resilience, and love for helping others made this next chapter of her life so promising, which makes this tragedy feel even more surreal—a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change.

That weekend, she and her mother, Jill, set out on a mother-daughter trip to the beach, eager to soak in the fresh air and scenic views while riding their beloved horses along the shore. But just 30 minutes into their ride, Rachelle’s horse, Kimber, tripped. The fall was severe—Rachelle’s head took the full impact, and as Kimber tried to get back up, she rolled over her.

The accident left Rachelle with a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket, and severe trauma to her brain. For days, she remained completely unresponsive in a coma.

Now, she is in what’s considered a minimally conscious state, showing small but encouraging signs—opening one eye, wiggling her toes on command, and even kicking her legs, as if she’s about to get back on a horse or run out of the hospital. If you know Rachelle, you’re probably smiling at that thought. Her strength, resilience, and deep connection to nature and animals have always been extraordinary.

Every day, Rachelle is fighting to communicate, and we wholeheartedly believe she will defy the odds. While she’s making incremental but steady progress, the reality is that we don’t yet know what her full recovery will look like or how long it will take. She has recently been transferred out of the ICU to a specialized 24-hour care facility, and while we are grateful for every step forward, the financial burden of her recovery is immense.

This GoFundMe was created to help ease the financial strain on Rachelle and her family as they navigate the long and arduous road ahead. Every contribution—no matter the amount—will go toward her rehabilitation, medical expenses, and ongoing care. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing her story would mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, love, and unwavering support. We kindly ask that you refrain from reaching out to Jill directly, as she is fully devoted to Rachelle’s care at this time. Kristoffer, her brother, and my mother, Stacy—Jill’s best friend of 47+ years—will continue to provide updates. We know many of you want to visit Rachelle, but for now, we ask for privacy to protect her dignity and healing process. She is surrounded by her incredible boyfriend, Sam, and loved ones who are constantly reminding her of your love and sharing all your messages of encouragement.

Rachelle is the strongest person I know, and we have no doubt she’s fighting her way back to us. Thank you for being part of her journey.