Help Rachael and Zaria (part 2)

Just over 2 years ago, Rachael received the devastating diagnosis of terminal stage 4 colon cancer. By the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes and ovaries, resulting in a full hysterectomy.

Rachael chose to approach this battle with a smile on her face. As a mom who is single handedly raising her 15 year old daughter, Zaria, she is fighting to live long enough to see her graduate high school. She is Zaria’s only financial and emotional support. And Zaria is her world.

Rachael is currently going through a different type of chemotherapy than she did in the beginning, as the moment she stopped, the cancer spread quickly to her liver, spleen & lungs now. On top of the traditional medical avenue, she is exploring holistic/alternative methods to help improve her quality of life and well being.

Between chemo treatments, alternative methods and not being able to work full time, the financial stress is an additional hardship Rachael and Zaria do not need. Some of the holistic methods Rachael is trying have helped to make improvements in her functionality, and have also played a part in her scans improving. But financially, she can not keep up with the additional cost.

Rachael has been a pillar to everyone she knows. Even while going through her own medical nightmare, she is there for everyone as a source of strength and encouragement. We want to make sure she knows she will never stand alone. She has done the same for both strangers and loved ones alike.

Rachael would like to say this: “Advocate for yourself. And advocate hard. If you know something is wrong, do not let a medical professional brush it off. For at least 3 years, I told every medical professional I saw that something was wrong. Years of being in agony. No one would listen. No one bothered to take that extra step. I woke up from what I was told would be a simple procedure to find out I was dying. I was misdiagnosed over and over. If just 1 person had listened to me years ago, I may have had a chance.”

If you are able and willing, any donation is significant, regardless of how much. All donations will go towards Rachaels care. Your contribution will not only help with financial relief, but also offer hope to both Rachael and Zaria to keep fighting and praying for a miracle. And if all you have to offer is a prayer and a share of this post, that’s a blessing, too.