One of the most incredible parts of being a member of the Berkwood Hedge community is knowing that we are family. Each day we show up as educators to our students. Outside of being educators, lasting friendships have been formed amongst the faculty and staff. Alex is more than the 4th and 5th grade co teacher. Alex’s kindness and love for the children, and for our staff family make him such a special part of the community. Let’s all come together and help Alex and Rachel, precious members of our Berkwood Hedge family, through this trying time in their young lives. On behalf of the Berkwood Hedge faculty and staff, we have decided to set up this Go Fund Me account to help with medical expenses and for meal deliveries via Freshly. 
Thank you in advance for your generosity!

A message from Alex. 

Dear  Community,

It is true. Bad things happen to good people.

In this case, we are talking about my wife, Rachel. She is a loving wife, dog mom, sister, daughter and friend to so many people in this world. Rachel has charisma and courage, and she is a little mysterious at times. She has adventured to many places and impacted so many people. Rachel can tell you endless stories of her experiences. Rachel even found love along the way.  In May of 2019, Rachel and I got married––We were ready to take on a whole new chapter in life together; we were especially excited to grow our little family.

Unfortunately, when the new year came around, life threw us a curveball. Rachel was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer) and had to start treatment immediately. Rachel has recently started chemotherapy which will last 20 weeks. This, of course, entails putting a starting a family on hold.  Once the chemo stops the cancer cells from metastasizing, Rachel will have surgery to remove the cancer.   

Rachel is an inspiration. She is strong and hopeful, and already planning on beating cancer for good and eventually starting a family. In the meantime, Rachel will be unable to work until the beginning of September and our medical expenses will be high.  

We do have some good news to share: We have already undergone fertility treatment and we were able to freeze 5 embryos! 

Thank you for your support.

Alex