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“I am past my expiration date,” my beautiful friend Rachel said to me. What a powerful, vulnerable mantra—and it’s so true. From a deeply humble, sometimes frightening place, Rachel needs us now.
I feel both proud and profoundly honored to share her story and to lead this effort with my dear friend Frances, to support Rachel Friday. She is a 12-year breast cancer survivor, still bravely navigating this disease.
Her full journey is on CaringBridge
Only when you read her story will you truly understand what it means to walk this path with such fierce courage.
Rachel’s fight began in 2014. As she said, “This was the first moment that changed everything, though at the time, I couldn’t have known how far it would go.” In 2014, doctors gave her just three years - yet she defied that. She’s endured countless surgeries, including a full mastectomy. Then, when the cancer metastasized to her bones, alongside lymphedema, she could no longer work. Years of radiation, surgeries on her legs, spine, hips, and other bones followed—rods, pins, more radiation, and blood transfusions. Yet, through it all - 10 surgeries and 41 rounds of radiation - Rachel has stayed remarkably positive. Don’t let appearances fool you; you don’t always have to look ravaged or weak. She chose a different path, with an inner strength that’s not always visible - but it’s there, and so is her will to keep fighting.
Her devout attention to holistic care and what Mother Nature provides has been a guiding light in her survival. And at the same time, she has relied on conventional medicine - on her dedicated doctors and their critical protocols. Both paths have worked together in balance for her survival - and this integration is so important. Yet, it all comes with a heavy financial burden.
Her medical disability and ongoing care have forced her to sell her home, relying on her mom and others for support. It’s astonishing how quickly a daily routine—waking up, moving through life - can shift to a sudden panic about, ‘How much is left in my bank account?’
If you know Rachel, then you know how hard it was for her to accept a GoFundMe - she’s always been so independent. But she realizes that holding on to this stress and struggle is the worst thing for her right now. This is a chance for those who care about her to step in - helping cover medical and living expenses so she can focus on her well-being.
Our healthcare system makes this journey so tough - unless you go beyond borders. But she presses on, one day at a time. Every donation, prayer, and message means the world. Let’s surround Rachel with love and show her she’s never alone. Cancer is a heavy burden - but together, we can lighten this load.
On behalf of Rachel, with all our love,
Cathy & Frances