Support for the Rauch Family

My name is Jennifer Leigh, and I have the privilege of calling Annick one of my very best friends for nearly 16 years. If you know her, you know she is the kind of person who gives her whole heart to everything she does, whether it’s being an incredible mom to her four boys, a devoted wife to Chris, an amazing dog mom or a passionate teacher who inspires her students every day. She has a gift for lifting others up, and now it is our turn to lift her and her family.

This past spring, Annick was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, her world has turned upside down. She has already undergone surgery and is now in the middle of chemotherapy treatments, with radiation still to come. Chemo has been brutal, leaving her with exhaustion and sickness that are hard to put into words, and yet she continues to show up with courage and love for her family even on the hardest days.

Annick’s Treatment Journey (so far)

January: Lump found by Annick’s doctor 

April: Diagnosed with breast cancer

May: Lumpectomy

June: Lymph node biopsy

August: Chemotherapy started (currently round 3 of 8)

Once chemo is complete, she will have a month to recover before starting daily radiation treatments for one month.

As you can imagine, this journey has taken a toll not only physically and emotionally, but also financially. With Annick now on disability leave for the school year, the Rauchs are facing a significant reduction in their household income. Up until now, her sick days carried them through, but as of September 4 their reality has shifted. Chris and Annick have always been careful and wise with their finances, but the weight of everyday expenses, along with raising four growing boys while losing a significant part of their income, has become incredibly difficult.

One of the things Annick and Chris are most committed to is keeping life as normal as possible for their boys, who are already navigating the difficult reality of having their mom so sick. Hockey has always been a huge part of their family life, and giving the boys the chance to keep playing, to hold onto that sense of joy and routine, matters deeply.

The Rauch family has already been surrounded with such love, from meals to gift cards, from visits to rides for the boys. Every bit has made a difference, and they are profoundly grateful. As this journey continues, the financial need has grown beyond what any one friend or neighbour can meet.

That is why I am asking, on their behalf, for our wider community to come together.

If you are able to donate, your support will help ease the heavy burden they are carrying. It will allow them to focus on what truly matters: Annick’s healing, and keeping their boys grounded and supported through it all. No amount is too small, and every gift will be felt and appreciated.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for considering helping this incredible family. The Rauchs are fighters, and they will get through this with the love and support of all of us around them.

Sharing all my love for Annick, Chris, and their boys. They are not just friends to me - they are family.

Thank you all for reading

Jennifer Leigh