Support Rachel Smith's Battle Against Aggressive Cancer

This past November 2024, my dear sister, Rachel Elizabeth Smith was sadly diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of left breast cancer (Grade 3b) Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with metastasis to some of her lymph nodes. The growth rate is considered extremely fast growing with a high potential for spreading. It was previously discovered that she has a bit of cancer within her left kidney as well. We have been told by her providers that this type of breast cancer has a prognosis which sadly is less than favorable as compared to a lower grade cancer.

Being that Rachel’s Triple Negative Left Breast Cancer is so aggressive, she has been told by her Oncologist that it needs to be met with an aggressive treatment. Rachel’s new reality now consists of numerous medical appointments, bloodwork, many weeks of immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, followed by a total left breast mastectomy, radiation and many more rounds of chemotherapy, etc. ❤️‍

Rachel has a wonderful husband, Greg, a thirteen year old son, Billy and a nine year old daughter, Bethany. All three are alongside her helping her to fight this cancerous battle. Greg has a steady job and health insurance which thankfully covers their family. But with only one full time income things are becoming tough for their family. ‍‍‍

Rachel, a school teacher of nearly 25 years works at Seton Catholic School located in Plattsburgh, N.Y. She finds such fulfillment in teaching children and working along side the professional staff which she proudly refers to as her work family. It is obvious to all who know Rachel that she truly loves her work and finds such joy and fulfillment in being a teacher. She truly is AMAZING at what she does and is a blessing to all who have come to know her. I whole heartedly believe that she was born to help others!

While fighting her cancer battle, she hopes to continue to teach. However, lately she is starting to find it more challenging and difficult. The side effects of chemotherapy has and is taking a toll on her body. Non the less, she continues to work along side her husband, Greg. Recently, she is starting to become more fatigued mentally and physically, suffers with nausea, bone and joint pain, gastrointestinal side effects and has lost all of her hair. To look in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back at you is hard in its self for a number of reasons. However, our family reminds her daily how beautiful she is not only on the inside but outwards as well. Rachel’s spirit is beautiful! Who she is that the Lord created her to be…IS BEAUTIFUL!

She is a loyal friend to many, a wife, a mother, a daughter and wonderful sister to me as well. I hope that those of us who have benefited from Rachel’s kind giving heart will help to RALLY AROUND HER and HELP SUPPORT HER IN RETURN. This is an extremely difficult time in not only her life, but that of her husband, Greg, son, Billy and young daughter, Bethany. Please help my sister and her family to lessen their stress and financial burden by showing financial support. Her doctor’s feel that soon she will not have the strength to continue to work full time and or even at all.

I remind Rachel daily of the bible verse from Philippians 4:13 which says…”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Let’s help Rachel and do what we can to show her support and love during this scary trying time in her life of 49 years of age.

Thank you for listening to me…

With much love, thankfulness and gratitude for your help and support!

Rachel’s loving sister,

Megan Marie Bernard… ❤️