If you know Rachel, you know that sitting still, slowing down, and asking for help are probably three of the hardest things for her to do. Rachel gave me permission to do this, although I know it wasn’t easy for her. She is fiercely independent and has always been the person who would rather figure things out herself than ask anyone for help. But right now, she needs the help.

What started around June as what seemed like back/knee pain has progressed into something much more serious. By the time she went to the emergency department recently, she was barely able to walk or stand up. Her knees were extremely swollen/sore, and the pain had spread from her head to her toes. At this point, most days, she could hardly move without extreme discomfort.

But because it was summer season and because this is the short window of the year that means everything for a small business, she tried to keep pushing. She kept showing up. She tried to keep taking jobs and trying to make it through the season, telling herself she just had to get through the summer.

Being self-employed is tough in moments like this. There is no sick leave. There is no paid time off. When you stop working, the income stops too.

Rachel has now been in the hospital for the past week while doctors work to figure out what is happening. She has undergone test after test, including a bone marrow biopsy (0/10 — absolutely do not recommend ).

There are still more questions than answers.

While she focuses on getting answers and getting well, the financial reality is already becoming difficult. Photography jobs have had to be cancelled. Contracts have been lost. Future work and opportunities that she had been counting on are now uncertain. She has already missed some major one of a lifetime opportunities and large contracts, and the coming months are looking much the same.

And honestly, that’s heartbreaking.

If you know Rachel, you know how much she loves what she does and how much she gives to the people and community around her. She is someone who is constantly moving, dreaming, creating, working, helping, photographing, building, and finding ways to support other people, the community and small businesses.

Asking for help is not something she does easily. But right now, she needs her community.

This GoFundMe is being created to help take some of the financial pressure off while Rachel focuses on the one thing she can’t keep pushing aside: getting healthy.

Funds raised will help cover lost income, cancelled work, ongoing business and personal expenses, and the financial gap created by being unable to work while answers are being sought.

If you are able to contribute, even a small amount, it would mean more than we can put into words. Every dollar helps.

Rachel has spent years showing up for her community. Right now, we’re hoping her community can show up for her.

And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as appreciated.

Thank you for reading, sharing, donating, checking in, and simply being there.