Hi, my name is Emma Pipher, and I’m reaching out during one of the most difficult times in our lives.

On November 26, 2024, my mom, Rachel Jelar, was rushed to Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center due to serious health issues. Later she was transferred and admitted to Akron Summa Hospital, where she stayed for a week undergoing extensive tests and evaluations.

Eventually, we got the diagnosis—CTEPH, or Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. It’s a rare and life-threatening condition caused by chronic blood clots in the lungs, which lead to dangerously high blood pressure and restricted oxygen flow. Most people have never even heard of CTEPH, let alone seen it in someone as young as my mom.

Since her diagnosis, everything has changed. CTEPH makes it hard for her to breathe, leaves her constantly exhausted, and has taken away her ability to do basic daily activities. But even more frightening—this condition is causing her heart failure. The strain on her lungs is putting immense pressure on her heart, making her condition even more critical.

Rachel has always been the rock of our family and our sole provider. She’s always worked hard to take care of us—but now, she can no longer work the way she used to, and she needs us to take care of her.

Treatment for CTEPH is complex. It involves frequent specialist visits, ongoing testing, medications, and a highly specialized surgery that only a few doctors in the entire country are qualified to perform. My mom has to have the surgery at a center in San Diego, California. My mom being out of work the bills are getting overwhelming, and we’re quickly falling behind—especially as day-to-day living expenses continue to grow while she focuses on treatments.

That’s why I’m asking for your help.

We’re raising funds to cover bills, treatment-related travel, essential medications, and basic living costs while my mom fights to stay with us. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. And if you’re not able to give, simply sharing this means more than you know.

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for giving us hope during the hardest chapter of our lives. Your kindness and support mean everything.

With all my heart,

Emma Pipher