If you know Rachele, you know that her heart is incredible. She is one of the most genuine, caring, selfless people I have ever met - always stepping out in faith to serve others. I know this first hand, as she has been at my door with meals multiple times, and she's probably been there for you too. If you don't know, Rachele is a full time farmer in Byron, CA who donates a majority of her produce to those in need. She also ministers to the homeless in multiple ways, among other outreaches.

Well friends, now it's our turn to step up to help our friend. While Rachele has always struggled with her health to an extent (and you probably wouldn't even be able to tell because of her incredible attitude), things have taken a turn, and she needs our help now. Read her story below for details on her medical journey. 

Rachele was hesitant when I asked her if I could start this GoFundMe page, mostly because her faith is unshakable and she is firmly believing that God is going to show up in a big way. But the truth is, specialists are expensive and medical bills pile up fast. And we want our friend to get the best care from the best specialists, never being held back because of finances. So together, let's be the hands and feet of God, a blessing to the girl (and the family) who has sacrificed so much for our community. Let's come alongside her and lift her up. Whether it's $5, $500, or $5,000 that you can give, every little bit helps.

THIS is what community is for.  The Lopez family humbly thanks you for your support.

Thank you, friends.

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RACHELE'S STORY:
On Valentine's Day of 2018,  everything I knew about the past 15 years of my life health-wise changed. After a trip to the ER, I followed up with my doctor who told me that I had a severe infection in my intestines, then told me that treatment needed to be intense and started immediately because I was at risk of organ rupture. He then told me I had a rare disease, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. I started treatment and things got bad. I could barely get out of bed and I was so sick, and was struggling in every area of my life.

The Doctor said that the treatment was for two- three weeks and that I should start feeling better after six weeks. I had to stop our CSA produce Delivery for our farm and close our stand, which devastated me.
In July/August I finally started to get back to a normal daily routine, and I thought I was finally getting better, even though it was much longer than 6 weeks. But I was finally doing good!

In September, things got bad again, and I started to have some severe symptoms - I couldn't hold anything down or keep in anything I ate.

In October, I ended up in the ER and I had had my first life threatening allergic reaction. I had no clue that there were stages to anaphylaxis and that I had been having milder reactions for about a year.

By November there were so many foods I was reacting to, I just couldn't believe it. I was still having good and bad days.

By December things were bad. We still didn't know exactly what was going on. By this time it was harder to function daily. I couldn't hide it, I was struggling to find safe foods, and when I thought I'd have a good day or two, my symptoms would come back stronger.

Now I'm having Anaphylaxis daily for I don't know how long. Rescue meds are the only thing keeping me safe and I'm reacting to everything. As if all my other health conditions weren't enough, I have Mast cell disease and my mast cells are accumulating in my organs and tissues and attacking my body,  which is why I'm having Anaphylaxis (why I'm reacting to everything). My immune system is compromised and I'm having autonomic system failure. I have lost so much weight, but I can't eat - my quality of life is diminishing, but my faith is strong. How can this be my life? In my mind I'm strong and healthy. My daughter is now my night nurse, and my husband is on call. He's missing too much work everything in our life is upside down. Our life feels like it is crumbling.

I honestly like to focus on what's good, because the truth is that there is so much that is bad, so much that is sad, and I don't like this reality that I'm living. I don't want to die.

For 6 months, I've been fighting for my life every day. Every day I get weaker, my struggles get bigger, the reality of these rare diseases are no longer rare in our home - it's so real. I have to prepare before I do anything: Rescue meds have to be on me at all times, I can't be alone, I can't eat alone, I can't shower without the door open, everyone has to know where I am at all times... but my husband can't be home. He's the providing income for our family, and two weeks ago we almost lost our home. It seems unreal that this is our life and as I'm writing this I just want to erase every word and say it's okay, I'm okay, God is working. End of story.

But erasing the words won't change the damage that these diseases have caused. It won't give me back the time or memories that have been stolen from me. It won't change the fact that my life, our life is changed and altered by rare genetic conditions that have consumed my health and our home.

I can't walk without getting weak, fatigued, lightheaded, and dizzy. I can't use my wheelchair on my own because it hurts my arms and I'm too weak to push myself for more than a short distance. I can't eat without getting sick or having a reaction. I can't sleep through the night without waking up crying because the pain is so bad. I can't stay focused because my nervous system isn't working properly. I'm not nourished, and I'm so hungry. How is this my life?

Every day I am a wife, mother, friend, and farmer. I take care of what eats, sleeps, breaths, and stinks. That's just where we're at.

God has given me a beautiful life and so much to be grateful for, and I know that He will use my trials and testimony for his glory. My family and farm keep me going and my faith is my foundation. These diseases and conditions are not who I am. I am a child of God, created for greatness. Even in my weakest moments, I will do greater and defy every odd because He lives in me and works through me.

We love you and are so humbled by your support. Thank you.

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