Hi, my name is Rachel Coates.

I'm 33 years old. I'm a loving mother, daughter, and friend.   As a nurse, it has been my life-long passion to help others during their moments of health crisis.  Strange how life works--now I'm on the other side of the fence needing help from others in my battle against cancer.  It was a whirlwind, after discovering a lump in my right breast. At first I was in denial but my good friend encouraged me to get a second and then eventually a third opinion.  Better safe than sorry right?

Triple Positive Breast Cancer.  This is an extremely aggressive cancer that seemed to have formed overnight.  Due to its aggressive nature, it was highly advised by my doctor to  immediately undergo surgery (mastectomy) and start chemo-treatment. It almost seemed as if my life flashed before my eyes in a moment's time.  I felt dizzy. Disoriented. Scared.  

I immediately thought about Chase, my 5 year old son.  One of my dreams is to ensure his life is enriched with positive learning experiences.  Did this mean I wouldn't be around to experience this with him? I thought about my son's father, parents, sister, family, and friends.  I thought about all the unfinished 'projects' dwelling in the core of my heart.  In that moment,  I was encouraged to fight a battle I've never experienced. There's no map of defense included but prayer and a fire burning in my spirit to conquer cancer. 

I have life to live and  every ounce of my soul plans to live it.

If you know me then you can attest that I am a very private person. As I reflect on how encouraged I feel when reading about others fighting similar health battles, the more I completely understand the benefit of sharing my own journey as well.  I'm so used to being the person who has to "keep it together" and take care of others (the nurse in me)  that through this experience,  I've learned that "helping others" isn't merely a characteristic of my nursing profession. Helping others makes me feel whole as I believe it's my purpose.  While I fight this war again cancer, I feel enriched spiritually in knowing that God is using me and my experience to appreciate what we often times take for granted. I am still breathing. With every breath that I take, it is a reminder that I still have purpose to fulfill.

I pray that this fundraiser can encourage someone else share their experience and find peace with where they currently are in their journey.  I am embarking on new grounds. Sharing a piece of my private life is very uncomfortable but if it will inspire others --that surpasses any level of discomfort I feel about being transparent.  This diagnosis took me by surprise so raising awareness is also very important to me. 

With the initial and upcoming surgeries, weekly chemo-treatments, various sessions of therapy and radiation treatment, it has taken a huge toll on my everyday living expenses.  Despite my personal journey, at the very least I hope to be able to afford the necessities (rent, water, electricity, food, insurance etc) during the year of treatment while also allowing my son to attend summer camp and his reading enrichment program.  Please consider making a donation of any size today. It would mean the world to me!

I am and continue to be humbled by the love, kindness, and generosity that has been shown to me throughout this journey.  I love you and am grateful for your assistance.

Peace and Love,

Rachel