Rachel’s journey

Rachel is the best of us. She's loved by everyone that has the opportunity to meet her. No, seriously...believe us. We have had a front row seat to her life recently, and it's been such a blessing.

We met Rachel after she came to North Carolina. While it was a challenge to be far away from her beloved parents and three sisters, Rachel and John took a leap into the unknown when they moved here to launch a new chapter of their life together.

After a tragic loss, they welcomed a rainbow baby, Cameron, in 2016. Cameron is just as much a force of nature as his mama, AND he got John's curly hair. Watching Rachel blossom in her dream role of "mom" has been just amazing. From a difficult delivery, to singing "Pout Pout Fish" ten million times, to helping Cameron through learning how to talk, her parenting skills are even more impressive than Bluey's dad. Truly, Rachel and Cameron's relationship is the stuff of fairy tales.

AND THEN! After a few years, we welcomed Melanie into the family in 2021. This tiny-framed mini-me of Rachel is the most precious and gentle soul. She's inherited the best qualities of her mommy and her beauty is shining through already. This little lady is such a gift to the world. (Thanks, Rachel!)

This summer, Rachel learned she was pregnant with baby Epp #3! Surprise!!! We all know this baby is so lucky to join this family. Rachel loves each of her kids with everything she's got, and we know #3 will be just the same.

And now, team, we need your help.

Rachel recently learned that she has stage 3 breast cancer. It's not fair in the slightest. They say only 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40. Dang. And clearly, breast cancer and pregnancy are not a match made in heaven.

While we're hoping insurance will help to cover some of the medical bills, we all know the expenses will start adding up quickly! Rachel will begin chemo very soon, and needs to plan for a mastectomy as well.

We want to do everything we can to help Rachel through this very difficult journey. We want her focused on her treatment, herself, and her family -- not on bills!

As much as you can, please donate to help Rachel. If you've been lucky enough to meet her, you know that she'd not only give you the shirt off her back, she'd cook you dinner and talk through your troubles and send you home with a doggie bag that will fill your tummy and your soul for a week! Her generosity is unparalleled, and we need to rally to give to her as she would give to any of us.

Feel free to share this with friends and family! You can also follow along Rachel's journey at her CaringBridge site here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/rachelepperson

Thank you, all,

Emmi & Amanda