It is with great disbelief and sadness that we have to share that our beautiful, strong, hilarious, caring and hard-working sister (daughter, mother, fiancé & friend) Rachelle, was diagnosed a week ago with Chondrosarcoma, a rare form of Bone Cancer. Last week, doctors confirmed (post biopsy) that a 10 centimeter tumor that was previously found wrapped around her sternum, was not benign, but in fact malignant.

Current plan and first steps: Rachelle will immediately undergo an extensive surgery this month to have the large tumor removed along with her sternum, to be replaced with a cadaver sternum. It is to be determined if there is any attachment to the pericardium or if the cancer has spread to other areas, but we will be updating as we learn more. Her surgery will be on May 23rd and will require several days in the hospital.

While this news is never easy to hear, anybody that knows Rachelle knows she is a true warrior and has overcome many obstacles in her life. This current road bump will not bring her down, and like she has always done with every hurdle in her life, she will tackle this head on, with a good support system and a good fight.

Rachelle is 29 years old, and has been a single mom to her amazing son Gabriel for the last 11 years.  She is currently working as a Nurse’s Assistant in a Retirement Home while also going to school to obtain her CNA certification. Rachelle is an extremely hard worker and has such a giving heart. She never asks for help, and we know even in this circumstance she will find it very hard to accept any assistance whatsoever. But, the reality is, financial assistance will play a huge role in her success of this fight. It is our goal to help lessen her heavy load at this time so she can focus (without the added financial stress) solely on her recovery and her son. Any funds raised will go directly to supporting Rachelle through the next two months, as at a minimum, she will not be allowed to go back to work for 6-8 weeks’ post-surgery.

We are so appreciative of any aid that you can provide, and at the very least, we just ask that you keep Rachelle and our family in your prayers. MANY THANKS in advance for all the love and support!