Help Scott Beat Cancer and Smile Again

Barbara Schatz is organising this fundraising appeal on behalf of Rachel Schatz.

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My brother-in-law Scott Rubel is 64 years old and fighting for his life in a battle with esophageal cancer. He and his wife Rachel have been together since college and have two grown children. They live in rural Oregon. Scott is a devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. For the last six years, he has been working tirelessly toward opening a cidery. All on his own, he has cleared acres of blackberries, planted dozens of apple trees, fenced, pruned, watered, and perfected his cider-making process. In September, he was about to get his state license when wildfires erupted throughout Oregon. He and Rachel lost 18 acres of timber, were evacuated for 11 days, and came back to a house and farm covered with ash. Just as they were finishing cleaning up, a fire broke out in their home. They again had to deal with ash and fire damage.

In December, Scott went to the doctor because of stomach pains, and after testing we were shocked to discover that he has esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat and cure. Scott is currently undergoing six weeks of daily radiation and chemotherapy necessitating a 3-hour round trip drive. No one has been able to visit or help because of the Covid epidemic. After this, Scott will have surgery to remove most of his esophagus and part of his stomach. The surgery involves a long recovery period in the hospital and then at home. He will be on a special diet for the rest of his life. It will be a year before he can get back to work in the orchard and making cider – the dream that makes him smile and will keep him going through this painful process.

We are seeking funds to help Scott and Rachel stay afloat during this incredibly difficult time. Rachel is a teacher and has lost her income due to Covid. Their car is old and gas costs add up. Scott will need full-time care after surgery, including expensive liquid nutrition. They have health insurance, but it doesn't cover everything. This summer, they will have to hire someone to water the trees and mow the fields or everything will die. Fighting cancer is incredibly hard - losing the fruits of years of loving labor adds even more to the heartbreak.

If you can help in any way, we would sincerely appreciate it. Please share to help spread Scott's story, even if a monetary donation is out of reach. Thank you so much, with love from Scott and his family.