Imagine waking up one day with a strange numbness in your feet. Within 24 hours, you can no longer walk. With each passing hour, the numbness spreads as your body slowly loses sensation, until you can no longer feel your hands, your arms, or even face and mouth.

For Rachel Hudson, this nightmare became a reality.

At first, doctors had no answers. What began as a visit to the emergency room for numbness and tingling quickly turned into the most terrifying two weeks of her life.

Eventually, Rachel was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. She underwent painful and invasive treatments, but her symptoms continued to worsen.

As the paralysis spread and Rachel began experiencing shortness of breath, doctors feared her condition could compromise her ability to breath on her own, potentially requiring intubation.

Thankfully, a second round of treatment finally brought signs of improvement. Rachel is now out of the ICU and beginning the long road to recovery at the VA hospital.

Rachel is a trooper in every sense of the word. A veteran of the U.S. Army, she has dedicated much of her life to serving others. She’s also a therapist, social worker, and fan of all things nerdy. She’s even suited up as a Star Wars stormtrooper for charity runs year after year, proving that even the dark side can be a force for good. As Darth Vader himself might say, “The Force is strong with this one.” Above all, she’s a kind and compassionate person who puts the needs of others above her own.

Now, during one of the most difficult chapters of her life, we’re hoping to return some of that kindness.

While Rachel has regained sensation in her hands, a major and welcome milestone, her journey is far from over. In the coming weeks and months, she’ll face the daunting task of relearning many of the basic things we take for granted, including how to walk. A full recovery could take a year or longer.

Rachel works as a therapist in private practice, which means she doesn’t have the safety net of paid sick leave. As she focuses on rehabilitation and recovery, she’ll also face the financial strain of being unable to work.

That’s where we hope you can help.

The funds raised through this GoFundMe will help ease some of Rachel’s financial burden by covering medical bills, living expenses, and other necessities while she recovers. Every donation, no matter the size, will help provide a little more stability and peace of mind during an incredibly uncertain time.

Rachel has spent her life giving back to others, whether through her military service, her work as a therapist and social worker, or the countless ways she’s supported people around her. Now, we’re hoping that same spirit of compassion and community will be there for her when she needs it most.

Please consider donating to support Rachel and her family as she navigates the long road ahead. If you’re unable to give, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Rachel in your thoughts would mean a lot.

Thank you for showing Rachel the same kindness, compassion, and generosity that she has spent her life sharing with others. And to Rachel, in the immortal words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, “Remember, the Force will be with you… always.”

You’re not facing this journey alone.