Help Rachel Recover!

In the early morning hours on Monday May 7th, Rachel experienced hand numbness and head pain. 911 was called and soon after the EMT's arrived she was flown off island. It was discovered at Anacortes Hospital that she had a brain bleed and was emergently flown to Harborview Medical Center. Rachel remained sedated and was sent right into surgery for an angiograph and drain placement on the top of her head. We were then informed that she had suffered a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage- "Bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissue covering the brain." The angiograph was inconclusive- showing an "abnormal vessel bleed." She will have another test on Monday (one week between) to check the progress of the bleed. In between now and then, the amazing nurses and Docs here are keeping her as comfortable as they can. After her surgery we waited to see her, for what seemed like days... but she opened her eyes mid day on Monday and told her 14 year old daughter Alecia that she was beautiful and that she loved her, then drifted back off to sleep. Over the course of the next four days Rach has slept most of the time, awake for 3-5 minutes at a time. Awake periods are slowly increasing, as is her confusion with the events and the realization of where she is and what has happened. Lots a emotions, fear, anxiety, worry.... but grateful. She will remain in the Harborview Neuroscience ICU for at least two weeks. As I sit next to her bedside typing this- she woke and asked how bored I was just waiting for her to wake up all the time :) This dear friend of mine is the strongest I know. She will fight every second through this trauma and I look forward to the day when I see her spinning her dress in circles back on her Island. 

Now, I can't talk about Rachel and NOT talk about her daughter Alecia. Rachel gave birth to Alecia in April her junior year of high school. Rach graduated the following year and I'll never forget- as her name was called, Alecia ran from my lap right into her mom's arms. Their bond is indescribable. Alecia is 14, the president of her class, on High Honor Roll, participates in Crew, Basketball, and Volleyball AND holds a job. She is the most humble, compassionate and beautiful young women and Rachel constantly gushes about her- who wouldn't!  

What will this money will do? It will help Rachel and Alecia with their daily needs- rent, house bills, food etc but in addition to that: traveling to physical and occupational therapy appointments, travel expenses going on and off island, prescriptions and much more. Rachel will be unable to work for the time being and will need time to rest and heal. My goal is to try to take some stress away from her and raise money to help them get through this trying time in her and Alecia's life. Thank you so much for reading, and please SHARE THIS POST. 

With all my love and gratitude, Chelsea & Family.