#Rachel Strong
Donation protected
Fundraiser for Rachel Bland Downs
At the end of October, Rachel discovered a small lump in her breast. The tumor was quickly removed and the biopsy revealed an aggressive form of breast cancer that had found its way into blood vessels and lymph nodes. Within a matter of days Rachel went from being a healthy, active fitness enthusiast to a cancer patient preparing for five months of heavy-duty chemotherapy. Treatments will begin the week after Thanksgiving and will likely leave Rachel feeling sick and exhausted.
The good news is that Rachel is a fighter and is facing this challenge with remarkable courage. She is a woman of deep faith and has an amazing support system in her family and friends. The bad news is that being too ill to work will create a significant financial hardship for Rachel, her husband Michael, and their three beautiful children. Rachel and Michael have always worked hard to provide for their family, but it is very unlikely that Rachel will be able to continue working while she undergoes chemotherapy, and self-employment (Rachel’ primary income) does not provide paid sick leave. With this fundraiser we are hoping to raise at least enough to cover Rachel’s lost income.
With all that Rachel is facing in her battle with this awful disease, financial concerns should be the least of her worries. But household expenses such as heating bills, mortgage payments, and groceries don’t stop for cancer – to say nothing of medical costs such as deductibles, co-pays, and many of the additional expenses that won’t be covered by insurance. Any contribution that you can provide will help alleviate Rachel’s financial worries and enable her to put all her energy into getting well.
Please join us in helping Rachel to “kick cancer’s butt”.
At the end of October, Rachel discovered a small lump in her breast. The tumor was quickly removed and the biopsy revealed an aggressive form of breast cancer that had found its way into blood vessels and lymph nodes. Within a matter of days Rachel went from being a healthy, active fitness enthusiast to a cancer patient preparing for five months of heavy-duty chemotherapy. Treatments will begin the week after Thanksgiving and will likely leave Rachel feeling sick and exhausted.
The good news is that Rachel is a fighter and is facing this challenge with remarkable courage. She is a woman of deep faith and has an amazing support system in her family and friends. The bad news is that being too ill to work will create a significant financial hardship for Rachel, her husband Michael, and their three beautiful children. Rachel and Michael have always worked hard to provide for their family, but it is very unlikely that Rachel will be able to continue working while she undergoes chemotherapy, and self-employment (Rachel’ primary income) does not provide paid sick leave. With this fundraiser we are hoping to raise at least enough to cover Rachel’s lost income.
With all that Rachel is facing in her battle with this awful disease, financial concerns should be the least of her worries. But household expenses such as heating bills, mortgage payments, and groceries don’t stop for cancer – to say nothing of medical costs such as deductibles, co-pays, and many of the additional expenses that won’t be covered by insurance. Any contribution that you can provide will help alleviate Rachel’s financial worries and enable her to put all her energy into getting well.
Please join us in helping Rachel to “kick cancer’s butt”.
Organizer and beneficiary
Coralie Cross
Organizer
Brewer, ME
Rachel Downs
Beneficiary