On Saturday, July 31st, Rachel was in a car accident near her family's lake cabin. She was transported by ambulance to the St. Cloud Hospital and then transported by helicopter to Children's in Minneapolis. Rachel is in the Intensive Care Unit due to an injury to her lower back. More exact, her L1 vertebrae has been crushed. Rachel was transported to Children's in St. Paul for surgery Tuesday afternoon to repair her bursted L1.

Rachel is aware and is highly medicated to stay comfortable. She does have feeling in her legs, but is unable to move from her hips down. The doctors are hopeful that as the swelling decreases and removing the bone fractures will help with her recovery to be able to move her legs. 

Rachel, Stephanie, Sam, Megan, and Amber, along with Rachel's grandparents and extended family, appreciate the support you have shown them. Your prayers and positive feedback is greatly appreciated. Please keep praying for Rachel's doctors and nurses to continue to take great care of her and guide them with success during the recovery process. Pray for Rachel's mental health and that physically she heals completely. 

On Tuesday, August 3rd, Rachel underwent surgery to remove the fragments from her L1 vertebrae and to help stabilize her spine. The surgeons and nurses said the surgery went very well and the surgery was successful. With that, the road to recovery is going to be long and difficult. It is anticipated that Rachel will be at Children's - St. Paul for the next 2 weeks and then move to Gillette Hospital in St. Paul for a couple of months.

The donations will be used for expenses which include the 2 week ICU stay at Children's in St. Paul, the several weeks or months stay in the rehab center, any equipment needed to make Rachel comfortable at home and for the transportation between hospitals.