Help Rachel Capiz Recover & support her daughters.

I want to start by saying it is uncomfortable being on the other side of a fundraiser. I did not wish to have friends and children meeting privately to decide how they would write this. (Fundraisers are my thing). So, I'm taking my own advice for a change and will share my story myself.

My name is Rachel Capiz, and I'm a mother, nurse, daughter, sister, friend, and so much more. I have two perfect girls, one age 11 and the other just turned 18. I am the head of my household and always have been. My ex-husband is disabled, so I also take care of him and help support multiple people, causes, and animals. I take care of everybody. My therapist just said, "Who takes care of you?!" "Who is going to take care of you?!" Honestly, I take care of it all, so I don't know how to respond to this. Even in my career, I spend more hours caring for others than myself.

On December 17th, I found out by chance that I have a grade 2 Glioblastoma. In layman's terms, I have a cancerous brain tumor that must be removed NOW. There have been some hardships over the last 2 years, starting with emergency surgery for Central Cord Syndrome, which almost led to no use of my upper extremities. My life partner decided he couldn't handle the stress and walked out on me without notice. Yes, I came home from work one day to find out that my person had other plans. It left me with a house and bills I could not afford, and I have spent the last 2 years trying to save what I could for my children. In November, I moved to a rental and have been at my newest job as director of nursing for a senior supportive living community. I was finally feeling free and on my way to being on my feet again. Unfortunately, before I got a chance to catch up, I was hit with the brain tumor news.

In just 3 weeks, I've had neuro-psych evaluations, countless MRIs and CTs, along with another diagnostic brain test, i.e., WADA. Surgery is tomorrow, 1/22/25, at Northwest Community Hospital with a great team of neuro-oncologists and neurologists who specialize in this type of brain tumor. Unfortunately, my job could not retain me because we are approaching the state survey, and I've only been there less than 4 months. Illinois is at will. It was in the best interest to take their deal of stepping down and receiving insurance through the end of the month, and then I have the option to be re-hired. I have found myself without any form of income and no benefits like STD or other insurance perks because I had just started this new job. I've spent so much time caring for everybody that I seem to have neglected myself. The tumor has been growing for years but has not been deemed malignant until this last test. I was having horrible migraines I just blamed on the stress and hours of the job. I was lucky to get a day off, which came in the way of a migraine that prevented me from going into the office and right to the doctor's office. By the grace of God, I have the opportunity to recover. With 6 weeks of recovery and another 6 weeks of radiation and some life changes, I should have a complete recovery at some point.

I have zero savings, which was drained trying to save my previous home and living off of for the 6 months I was unemployed from my neck fusion in March of 2023 while taking on the role of a dual-income household by myself. I must pay rent, utilities, insurance, car, groceries, and regular bills and care for my children. I have already contacted the township and IDPH for Medicaid and SNAP benefits when the timeframe allows. I am looking at the possible return to work in mid-March. God willing, I will find something fast or my old company will take me back. I know I have to take this time to heal, or I will be no good for my children. I'm looking for "the kindness of strangers" or "random acts of kindness" that I was raised on. My community taught me that it's ok to get by with "a little help from my friends." Thankfully, I have been blessed with a network of wonderful people I know care about me, and no matter what, with them and God, I will be fine.

I'm looking at my bank account, which has change in it, and I feel hopeless and worthless. I do not know how I will get by or survive this, but more than that, I have two girls who depend on me and have no one else, so I have to try anything I can. I do genuinely appreciate anything anybody can assist me with, including any support. Please, if not anything else, include me and my girls in your prayers. Thank you for hearing me.

*** update 1/25/25

neither attempts to remove the tumor was successful. I'll be undergoing chemo and radiation in the weeks to come. Being awake during brain surgery is exactly what you think it is. Thank you for everybody's support.

**** UPDATE 1/28/25

I wanted to update while I'm awake. Been sleeping because if I'm not then I'm in pain. The pain is a lot but I'm getting by. I need to sleep at least 1 week then I’ll see my neurosurgeon 2/6. I appreciate everyone supporting me and my girls until I can get on my feet.