Fundraiser for Rachelle S. Cobell

I met Rachelle in a Yahoo! chat room when she was 17 playing a game in which one user would post a movie quote and the others would guess which movie it came from. The person who answered correctly first would give the next quote. It was good wholesome fun and chatters of all ages from all over the world would join in and participate. Rachelle introduced me to her mother and not too long afterward shellsbells13 became my stepdaughter. Even after Rachelle's mother and I separated, I continued to be a father figure for her entire adult life.

Shelly, as she was called by those close to her, had one of the most vibrant personalities I've ever known. She was quick-witted, found humor in just about anything, and was always up for an adventure. Rachelle loved trying new foods and enjoyed collecting vintage recipe books. She also loved movies, traveling, and fighting for justice. Shelly had a passion for makeup and beauty and once dreamed of doing SFX makeup in Hollywood. Rachelle studied cosmetology and earned her license in Missoula, Montana. She then worked at salons as she earned her degree in sociology and women's studies at the University of Montana. After returning to New York, Rachelle went on to earn her MSW at SUNY Albany. She worked at a women's shelter for some time before returning to cosmetology. Rachelle co-founded Volume Hair Studio in Whitesboro, NY. When Volume closed Rachelle rented a private room at Shear Envy Salon in New Hartford where she worked until she became too sick to do so.

Even as a stylist, Rachelle poured her soul into her work, as she did everything that she put her mind to. Attending trade shows in NYC to learn the latest trends and techniques, Shelly excelled at what she did. She had a similar enthusiasm for things not work-related as well and will be remembered for her lover-of-life personality as well as the epic events she planned.

On July 31, after several months of fighting a deadly illness, her struggle peacefully ended. Unfortunately, due to being self-employed and other circumstances, Rachelle was not covered by life insurance. Unable to work since February and having accrued charges from two months in the ICU at Basset Medical Center, her partner and her son are now faced with the additional expenses of her final arrangements. Your donation will help to support Rachelle's 15-year-old surviving son, Gabriel through this difficult time and going forward, as well as alleviate the costs of cremation, legal fees, and memorial services.

A Memorial Picnic/Celebration of Life will be held on August 13th at Sherrill Brook Park in New Hartford. If your life was touched by Rachelle, please consider joining us and sharing your memories. https://fb.me/1SXduMNL5llSOov

UPDATE: Thank all of you for your support and generosity in our time of need! I have been informed that it has been confirmed that Gabe will be staying with Nate in the home he has known and is the most comfortable in. The original goal of 5K is pretty much met, any additional funding will exclusively be in direct support of Gabe as he transitions into a new life without his mother. This will also make it easier for Nate and I to keep our promise to Shelly in her final hours that she does not have to worry about his care.