This WASN'T supposed to happen- God is still in the miracle business, and here is your proof!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Kidney removal surgery update....
All docs agree that because Rachael is responding SO AMAZINGLY WELL to her chemo med, they are going to hold off for 3 months on (kidney) surgery, re-scan and reassess her then.
Especially since it's looking more & more like she may not even have to have surgery on her spine AT ALL-. :)
God is SO good :-D
p.s. to clarify, she will definitely have the kidney removed at some point- to prevent recurrence- but not just yet. They want to give the med longer since it's doing such a FABULOUS job :)
Especially since it's looking more & more like she may not even have to have surgery on her spine AT ALL-. :)
God is SO good :-D
p.s. to clarify, she will definitely have the kidney removed at some point- to prevent recurrence- but not just yet. They want to give the med longer since it's doing such a FABULOUS job :)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
WOW!!!!!! What a great day! She's allowed to walk around more now at home, she's allowed to travel BY CAR (no more ambulance, WOO HOO!)
And he'll see her again in two weeks to compare X-rays, she may be able to graduate to a soft brace!!! :-D
Rachael got to walk down the hall withOUT her brace today, pics are attached...
This means many things, including that she can go to Chey's graduation :-D
We're heading to Applebee's tonight to celebrate. Thank You, Jesus!
My Christ is conquering cancer right before our eyes! :-D
P.s. She looked at her "before pics" for the first time. It was a little bit overwhelming to see the tumors before treatment, but very encouraging to see how far she's come. Especially hearing the words "90% GONE!"
Hallelujah!!!!
Monday, May 7, 2012
PRAISES!!!
Glory & Praise be to Jehovah Rapha, God the Healer. Blessed Be His Holy Name!
The cancer has shrunk to the point where it is mostly contained only in the one kidney & surrounding lymph nodes!
They are now planning to remove that kidney & nodes, with an outside chance they'll be able to stabilize her spine during the same surgery!
All her docs are working together (as well as consulting with top surgeons around the country) and forming a specific plan of action.
We see her neurosurgeon next week- she may not even have to have her back repaired b/c the Zometa (other chemo) has healed most of the cancer in her bones!!!!!!
We go back to the general surgeon in two weeks to discuss the game plan.
GOD IS SO GOOD. We stand amazed in His presence.
- NONE of this would be possible without Him ♥
The cancer has shrunk to the point where it is mostly contained only in the one kidney & surrounding lymph nodes!
They are now planning to remove that kidney & nodes, with an outside chance they'll be able to stabilize her spine during the same surgery!
All her docs are working together (as well as consulting with top surgeons around the country) and forming a specific plan of action.
We see her neurosurgeon next week- she may not even have to have her back repaired b/c the Zometa (other chemo) has healed most of the cancer in her bones!!!!!!
We go back to the general surgeon in two weeks to discuss the game plan.
GOD IS SO GOOD. We stand amazed in His presence.
- NONE of this would be possible without Him ♥
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Rachaelisms...
She walked up behind Adam holding her iPod, and Adam turned around like where in the world is that music coming from?
Without skipping a beat, she says,
"My brace plays music now. :)"
Monday we were talking about The Voice and a former contestant whose name is Charlotte Sometimes. Neither of us cared for her, so Rach renamed her Charlotte Never. Lol!
This morning Jasmine was cuddled up with her of course, and we were talking, I
said something to her from across the room, and so she says,
"what's that you said? I have cat butt in my ear."
We were talking about the Titanic being re-relased at the theaters and the specials to commemorate the 100 year anniversary, and she says, "Did you know there's Titanic 2? How does THAT work???"
Never a dull moment I tell ya!
Without skipping a beat, she says,
"My brace plays music now. :)"
Monday we were talking about The Voice and a former contestant whose name is Charlotte Sometimes. Neither of us cared for her, so Rach renamed her Charlotte Never. Lol!
This morning Jasmine was cuddled up with her of course, and we were talking, I
said something to her from across the room, and so she says,
"what's that you said? I have cat butt in my ear."
We were talking about the Titanic being re-relased at the theaters and the specials to commemorate the 100 year anniversary, and she says, "Did you know there's Titanic 2? How does THAT work???"
Never a dull moment I tell ya!
Followups with neurosurgeon and oncologist....
Neurosurgeon visit 4/5:
We had xrays and a follow up with the neurosurgeon to check her spine, to make sure there's been no damage from her walking twice/day. Praise God she's allowed to continue her short distance walks and also she's allowed to shower!!!
Oncologist visit 4/9:
Her tumor marker is up, BUT they assure us that it is very typical for her specific tumor type to bounce around this way. It wasn't increased so much that it was cause for concern :)
We've been referred to an endocrinologist to monitor her hormones and start weaning her off of her steroid, PRAISE GOD!!!
Our next scans & MRI's aren't going to be until the first week of May. That will be a very important scan, because not only will we know if the new chemo is working, but we'll also know how close she is to having her spine cleared of enough tumor to go in and surgically repair her spine-to get her OUT of this bed!!!
this pic is of a cross given to Rachael by my cousin... awesome!
We had xrays and a follow up with the neurosurgeon to check her spine, to make sure there's been no damage from her walking twice/day. Praise God she's allowed to continue her short distance walks and also she's allowed to shower!!!
Oncologist visit 4/9:
Her tumor marker is up, BUT they assure us that it is very typical for her specific tumor type to bounce around this way. It wasn't increased so much that it was cause for concern :)
We've been referred to an endocrinologist to monitor her hormones and start weaning her off of her steroid, PRAISE GOD!!!
Our next scans & MRI's aren't going to be until the first week of May. That will be a very important scan, because not only will we know if the new chemo is working, but we'll also know how close she is to having her spine cleared of enough tumor to go in and surgically repair her spine-to get her OUT of this bed!!!
this pic is of a cross given to Rachael by my cousin... awesome!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Note from Rach
The sharp knife of a short life, well I’ve had enough time. I’ll be wearing white when I come into Your Kingdom.
The last five months have been such a roller-coaster of emotions and the toughest of my life. I have been challenged in so many ways since my diagnosis and have had to put my priorities into perspective. I realize I had been taking so much for granted and come to appreciate so many things and people in my life. I’ve had an incredible army of support rallying behind and holding me up when I couldn’t stand on my own, I mean this literally. I’ve cried countless times and reached a very dark place where I couldn’t help but think about my impending death and the incalculable time I have left on this earth. But what truly drew out the most vulnerable tears was to think about what my death would mean to my family- to my mother. Sometimes I am so scared but keep a smile on my face so as not to appear weak. If I at least pretend to be strong, maybe those around me will too and I can continue to lean on them. Sometimes I close my eyes and count to three. I’ll do this over and over but it’s never a bad dream that I am just waking up from. The truth is, this is all very real. I have a rare, stage four kidney cancer and a broken back as a result of the metastasis. I know enough about my odds of beating this disease to be realistic and prepare myself mentally for either outcome. At the same time, I am comforted by the fact that I know Jesus as my Savior and I know exactly where I am going when it is my time. I may be suffering now and not completely understand why God has let cancer wreak havoc on my body and mind, but He has not let it touch my spirit and I believe with all of my heart that He is using my experience to further His Kingdom. Don’t get me wrong, I am fighting with every fiber of my being and praying for God’s strength, but if it is my time, I will bow out graciously, still praising His name. Whether he sees me through this disease or welcomes me into Heaven, I can only hope that a few will come to know Christ through my story.
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 9:11
I don’t blame God for my cancer. He is giving me the swift kick in the pants that I needed to come back to Him. I wandered around lost for too many years, time I could have spent in worship and bringing those I hold dear to Jesus. It didn’t take me long after my diagnosis to figure out how He was working in my life and I am so glad He brought me back; I can’t imagine going through this without Him. I have put full trust in His perfect plan for my life and He will not let my or my family’s suffering be in vain. To God be all the glory!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
update 3/19
Oncologist's office called this afternoon after they read her blood work results from this morning. She now has hypothyroidism- a complication from her "chemo" med. So now she needs to start taking Synthroid. Ugh, it's always something it seems!
I so look forward to the day when she is healed, and she won't have to take all these meds!
on a more uplifting note, I have a cute story about her and the cat.......
We needed to put her brace back on after her nap this afternoon, but Jasmine was laying next to her- right in our way. SO I moved Jasmine to the couch. She wouldn't have it. She immediately jumped right back up on the bed, right in the same spot in our way. So then Rach moved her to the other side- not so much in our way. But Jas would not be outdone. She then moved herself up to Rach's face and began showering her with kisses. SO stinkin cute!
Really long story shorter, Jas ended up getting her way- never leaving Rach's side, and ended up nestled in Rach's neck. it was awesome. :)
I so look forward to the day when she is healed, and she won't have to take all these meds!
on a more uplifting note, I have a cute story about her and the cat.......
We needed to put her brace back on after her nap this afternoon, but Jasmine was laying next to her- right in our way. SO I moved Jasmine to the couch. She wouldn't have it. She immediately jumped right back up on the bed, right in the same spot in our way. So then Rach moved her to the other side- not so much in our way. But Jas would not be outdone. She then moved herself up to Rach's face and began showering her with kisses. SO stinkin cute!
Really long story shorter, Jas ended up getting her way- never leaving Rach's side, and ended up nestled in Rach's neck. it was awesome. :)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Rachaelism March 13th....
Rachaelism March 13th:
I went to wipe an eyelash off of her face, and she says "How did you see it???" I said, "it was a dark one"....to which she replies, "NO, I have so few of those left- put it back!"
We went outside on this beautiful day in the neighborhood. And as we were walking back, she says, "Do you think Jasmine (the cat) had a party while we were out?"... and as we walked through the door she yells out, "I knew it!"
I went to wipe an eyelash off of her face, and she says "How did you see it???" I said, "it was a dark one"....to which she replies, "NO, I have so few of those left- put it back!"
We went outside on this beautiful day in the neighborhood. And as we were walking back, she says, "Do you think Jasmine (the cat) had a party while we were out?"... and as we walked through the door she yells out, "I knew it!"
tumor mrarker is way down!!! :)
Rachael update March 12th:
We're making some more med adjustments, and all for the better. Before too much longer, she'll be off steroid therapy completely, YAY! And we're transitioning to a different pain med that won't make her as sleepy. :)
Overall doc was pleased with her latest scans results. Just because the tumors may not be shrinking as quickly as we would have preferred, that doesn't mean we're not still in the victory zone. As I stated previously, the fact that they didn't grow any, is WONDERFUL news!
Which brings me to the highlight of the day for me, the best news we've gotten in awhile- her tumor marker is DOWN TO 237 FROM 302!!!!!! PRAISE GOD and HALLELUJAH! A normal range for this particular enzyme (LDH which is found in everyone) is 100-190. and hers is ONLY 237! YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!
Keep up the prayers- God is listening and moving in powerful ways! ♥
We're making some more med adjustments, and all for the better. Before too much longer, she'll be off steroid therapy completely, YAY! And we're transitioning to a different pain med that won't make her as sleepy. :)
Overall doc was pleased with her latest scans results. Just because the tumors may not be shrinking as quickly as we would have preferred, that doesn't mean we're not still in the victory zone. As I stated previously, the fact that they didn't grow any, is WONDERFUL news!
Which brings me to the highlight of the day for me, the best news we've gotten in awhile- her tumor marker is DOWN TO 237 FROM 302!!!!!! PRAISE GOD and HALLELUJAH! A normal range for this particular enzyme (LDH which is found in everyone) is 100-190. and hers is ONLY 237! YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!
Keep up the prayers- God is listening and moving in powerful ways! ♥
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
update- new med March 8th........
We got news today that her CT scans from Monday showed no more significant tumor shrinkage, so she decided to go ahead with the new "chemo" med. Please continue to pray for us, and specifically that this was the right decision (which I believe it is with all my heart) and that this new med will be the one to kick this cancer's behind.
Of course we were a bit discouraged at first, BUT we are still encouraged that even though they didn't shrink- they didn't grow either! and that is FANTASTIC news! That's half the battle anyhow. This means we're another step closer to stabilizing- which is a requirement for being ready for surgery :)
SO, overall we are still very positive minded, and continue to believe that God will deliver her from this cancer- just maybe not the way we originally thought. But that's ok- He knows more than we do anyway! HAHAHA! :-D
We still stand on this promise from God in His Word-
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
As always, thank you for your prayers- they are so powerful!
Love & blessings to you all ♥
Of course we were a bit discouraged at first, BUT we are still encouraged that even though they didn't shrink- they didn't grow either! and that is FANTASTIC news! That's half the battle anyhow. This means we're another step closer to stabilizing- which is a requirement for being ready for surgery :)
SO, overall we are still very positive minded, and continue to believe that God will deliver her from this cancer- just maybe not the way we originally thought. But that's ok- He knows more than we do anyway! HAHAHA! :-D
We still stand on this promise from God in His Word-
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
As always, thank you for your prayers- they are so powerful!
Love & blessings to you all ♥
Friday, March 2, 2012
WOW! WOW! WOW!
WOW! WOW! WOW! We got WONDERFUL NEWS yesterday!
First of all, her spine is still stable, even the fragile & fractured vertebrae with the tumors, which is FANTASTIC news.
Not only did we get the OK to go sit outside in her reclining wheelchair, but he gave her the option to start walking a coupla times per day- just a little, like to the couch, or the dining room to eat, etc... but she can get out of that bed for a bit!!!!
There are risks involved of course, and that's why it is an option, and he will let her try this for 2 weeks, see how it goes, then reassess her with Xrays to make sure there is no further damage to her spine with the activity like there was just before we left the hospital. She's decided (VERY QUICKLY I might add) that she wants to try. :-D
It was 4 months ago today that our world got flipped upside down, BUT this also means we're 4 months closer to remission!!! :)
Today, this Crazy Lady from Dayton has tears of joy on my face, praises to God on my lips, and gratitude in my heart to all you faithful prayer warriors, please don't stop- PRAYER IS VERY POWERFUL!
God bless ya! ♥ ♥ ♥
First of all, her spine is still stable, even the fragile & fractured vertebrae with the tumors, which is FANTASTIC news.
Not only did we get the OK to go sit outside in her reclining wheelchair, but he gave her the option to start walking a coupla times per day- just a little, like to the couch, or the dining room to eat, etc... but she can get out of that bed for a bit!!!!
There are risks involved of course, and that's why it is an option, and he will let her try this for 2 weeks, see how it goes, then reassess her with Xrays to make sure there is no further damage to her spine with the activity like there was just before we left the hospital. She's decided (VERY QUICKLY I might add) that she wants to try. :-D
It was 4 months ago today that our world got flipped upside down, BUT this also means we're 4 months closer to remission!!! :)
Today, this Crazy Lady from Dayton has tears of joy on my face, praises to God on my lips, and gratitude in my heart to all you faithful prayer warriors, please don't stop- PRAYER IS VERY POWERFUL!
God bless ya! ♥ ♥ ♥
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
update Feb 28th
Rach has decided to wait to make a final decision about the new "chemo" med until our next appt on March 12th. By then she will have experimented with only taking her current "chemo" med only 5 days/wk vs. 7 days/wk. Plus we will have more CT scans done on the 5th, so we'll have those results as well. Then she can decide if it's really worth switching. If she's sick a lot less, AND her tumors have shrunk a lot more (which I completely expect they will have) then it may not be the best idea to fix what ain't broke LOL
I agree with her 100% :)
Tomorrow our wonderful friends Libby & Rick Webster are bringing up the ramp Rick has built for us, so hopefully her neurosurgeon gjves the ok for us to go outside here and get a little sunshine on her face.
Your continued prayers for the Lord's guidance about this are much appreciated. ♥
I agree with her 100% :)
Tomorrow our wonderful friends Libby & Rick Webster are bringing up the ramp Rick has built for us, so hopefully her neurosurgeon gjves the ok for us to go outside here and get a little sunshine on her face.
Your continued prayers for the Lord's guidance about this are much appreciated. ♥
More Rachaelisms
A commercial for the Maury Povich show was on and he asked, "Is your husband sleeping with your babysitter?"
Rach replies, "YES, MAURY! Can you help me???"
Then looks over at me and says, "You know I'm talkin about you!"
She's hysterical.
First of all I have to say there were too many today for me to keep up with. And I have to admit that I know there was a really funny one that this old fart brain just can't remember ;-)
Ok, so her gparents were here visiting this evening, and Rach wanted to show them her AJ Hawk jersey (from the benefit) that she got back this weekend in a really nice frame (thank you to my Daddy) but she didn't realize they had already looked at it. So then she tried to show them her beautiful Pandora style bracelet my Mom had given her this past weekend. But she forgot they already saw that too....
So she throws her blanket over her face and says in her best grumpy pouty baby voice, "then I have nothing to show you!"
Cutest thing EVER! ;-)
Rach replies, "YES, MAURY! Can you help me???"
Then looks over at me and says, "You know I'm talkin about you!"
She's hysterical.
First of all I have to say there were too many today for me to keep up with. And I have to admit that I know there was a really funny one that this old fart brain just can't remember ;-)
Ok, so her gparents were here visiting this evening, and Rach wanted to show them her AJ Hawk jersey (from the benefit) that she got back this weekend in a really nice frame (thank you to my Daddy) but she didn't realize they had already looked at it. So then she tried to show them her beautiful Pandora style bracelet my Mom had given her this past weekend. But she forgot they already saw that too....
So she throws her blanket over her face and says in her best grumpy pouty baby voice, "then I have nothing to show you!"
Cutest thing EVER! ;-)
update Feb 23rd............
Her tumor marker is down again by 51 this time (PRAISE GOD!)
But we have a decision to make. Her body is not tolerating the "chemo" any longer. She is sick with nausea & vomiting way too often and as you can well imagine, that's pretty rough on your body. Not to mention how it's also very rough on a person mentally & emotionally.
So Dr. O wants us to consider trying a different "chemo", one that won't make her so sick all the time. We have to consider the risk that it won't work as well as the one she's currently on, but on the other hand it could work better. Understandably we are afraid to change what's "working", but then again is it really working if it's causing too much stress on her body and her mind.
We are going to research it, and mostly pray about it. Please pray with us for wisdom and for what God wants us to do.
We so appreciate your faithful prayers and loving support. God bless you! ♥ ♥ ♥
But we have a decision to make. Her body is not tolerating the "chemo" any longer. She is sick with nausea & vomiting way too often and as you can well imagine, that's pretty rough on your body. Not to mention how it's also very rough on a person mentally & emotionally.
So Dr. O wants us to consider trying a different "chemo", one that won't make her so sick all the time. We have to consider the risk that it won't work as well as the one she's currently on, but on the other hand it could work better. Understandably we are afraid to change what's "working", but then again is it really working if it's causing too much stress on her body and her mind.
We are going to research it, and mostly pray about it. Please pray with us for wisdom and for what God wants us to do.
We so appreciate your faithful prayers and loving support. God bless you! ♥ ♥ ♥
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Rachaelisms Feb 20
She got to start taking her "chemo" again this evening (it was still on hold from having her endoscopy Friday) so when I handed it to her she touched and was telling it in her baby talk like voice, "oh there you are, I've missed you."
What nut! hahaha
We were watching The Voice, and when they show CeeLo he's always holding that big fluffy cat. So Rach gets aggravated with it. She says, "I don't understand why he always has to have that cat! Is that really necessary?!?!?!?"
She cracks me up! :)
What nut! hahaha
We were watching The Voice, and when they show CeeLo he's always holding that big fluffy cat. So Rach gets aggravated with it. She says, "I don't understand why he always has to have that cat! Is that really necessary?!?!?!?"
She cracks me up! :)
good results...
She did very well during he endoscopy, and they found no ulcers or metastatic disease-YAY!
Now we will be curious to see what Dr. O wants to do about her nausea/vomiting. We're thinking he will probably want to decrease her "chemo" just a little. He mentioned this at our last appt if we couldn't get it under control.... we'll see.
Now we will be curious to see what Dr. O wants to do about her nausea/vomiting. We're thinking he will probably want to decrease her "chemo" just a little. He mentioned this at our last appt if we couldn't get it under control.... we'll see.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
prayer...
Monday Jan 23rd:
yesterday our Pastor and his wife Amie came to visit. We had previously decided that Pastor would pray with us for Rachael's healing, but also that he would anoint her with oil. Please don't misunderstand, the oil itself is not magical or powerful, but it is merely symbolic of faith in the healing power of God.
Pastor prayed for Rachael's mind- to be free of anxie ty and fear, for her heart- to experience peace and faith and belief in Jesus and His healing power...
and when he began to pray for her body and physical healing- Rachael saw bright white light on both sides of her peripheral vision. We believe and trust that she saw a glimpse of the glory of God, and that Jesus began the spark of healing in her.
God hears and answers our prayers, and here are two Biblical examples.
In the Old Testament in Isaiah 38:1-5, King Hezekiah had gotten an illness with a poor prognosis. He fervently prayed, and God heard and answered his prayer- and added years to his life.
In the New Testament, in Acts chapter 3 the Bible says that Peter performed miraculous acts of healing in the power and of the name of Jesus. The example of the beggar- crippled from birth was healed and sent on his way. There are many other examples in the New Testament but I think what is possibly my favorite is found in Matthew 9:19-22. It tells about a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years, who believed if she could merely touch the hem of Jesus' robe- she could be healed. In verse 22 the Bible says, "Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment." PRAISE GOD!
then there is my story. many of you know it, so I won't go into detail except to say that I should not be- nor would I be alive today without the prayers of my family and the restoring power of Christ.
We had scans today of her chest, abdomen and pelvis. We trust that when we get the results next week, we will be told that Rachael is on her way to complete and total healing.
We appreciate your continued prayers. Thank you and God bless! ♥ ♥ ♥
yesterday our Pastor and his wife Amie came to visit. We had previously decided that Pastor would pray with us for Rachael's healing, but also that he would anoint her with oil. Please don't misunderstand, the oil itself is not magical or powerful, but it is merely symbolic of faith in the healing power of God.
Pastor prayed for Rachael's mind- to be free of anxie ty and fear, for her heart- to experience peace and faith and belief in Jesus and His healing power...
and when he began to pray for her body and physical healing- Rachael saw bright white light on both sides of her peripheral vision. We believe and trust that she saw a glimpse of the glory of God, and that Jesus began the spark of healing in her.
God hears and answers our prayers, and here are two Biblical examples.
In the Old Testament in Isaiah 38:1-5, King Hezekiah had gotten an illness with a poor prognosis. He fervently prayed, and God heard and answered his prayer- and added years to his life.
In the New Testament, in Acts chapter 3 the Bible says that Peter performed miraculous acts of healing in the power and of the name of Jesus. The example of the beggar- crippled from birth was healed and sent on his way. There are many other examples in the New Testament but I think what is possibly my favorite is found in Matthew 9:19-22. It tells about a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years, who believed if she could merely touch the hem of Jesus' robe- she could be healed. In verse 22 the Bible says, "Jesus turned around and said to her, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment." PRAISE GOD!
then there is my story. many of you know it, so I won't go into detail except to say that I should not be- nor would I be alive today without the prayers of my family and the restoring power of Christ.
We had scans today of her chest, abdomen and pelvis. We trust that when we get the results next week, we will be told that Rachael is on her way to complete and total healing.
We appreciate your continued prayers. Thank you and God bless! ♥ ♥ ♥
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Benefit for Rachael....
There is going to be a benefit for Rachael on Saturday January 28th from 4p-10p
9450 Dayton Lebanon Pike, Dayton, OH 45458-3847
As you already know, Rachael is currently fighting stage 4 kidney cancer- which has metastasized to her bones. The tumors have compressed her spine, fracturing and collapsing several vertebrae- rendering her completely immobilized for many months. She has to wear a special brace at all times to prevent further collapse of her spine.
She is on very expensive medication, and any time she leaves to go to appts or for testing, she has to be transported by ambulance- as her spine cannot tolerate a ride in an automobile without lying down.
As she is immobilized- she is of course unable to work, and while her insurance is pretty good- it doesn't cover it all by far.
My great friend Heather Trout has put this fundraiser together to help us ease Rachael's financial burdens over the next few months.
There will be music, a Chili Cook-off, auctions, and raffles!
The Chili Cook-off will run from 4-7, and that will be voted on by judges and peoples choice. A donation of $5 per person will be charged. That will allow you to taste all 15 different chili's.
Also, if you're interested in contributing, as someone who provides services or would be willing to raffle a gift certificate for your services- that would be greatly appreciated as well.
Services and products that have been donated for auction/raffle so far.:dinners~ at Carrabba's, Chili's, Beef O Brady's, Applebee's..
7 bottles of wine, baskets~one from a culinary company, Mary Kay, Two Sisters Salon, and Big League Haircuts...
Please attend, and/or contact my friend Heather Trout (937-672-4999) to make a donation if you cannot attend, and let people know that Rachael needs our prayers!
and please spread the word!
thanks and God bless! <3
As you already know, Rachael is currently fighting stage 4 kidney cancer- which has metastasized to her bones. The tumors have compressed her spine, fracturing and collapsing several vertebrae- rendering her completely immobilized for many months. She has to wear a special brace at all times to prevent further collapse of her spine.
She is on very expensive medication, and any time she leaves to go to appts or for testing, she has to be transported by ambulance- as her spine cannot tolerate a ride in an automobile without lying down.
As she is immobilized- she is of course unable to work, and while her insurance is pretty good- it doesn't cover it all by far.
My great friend Heather Trout has put this fundraiser together to help us ease Rachael's financial burdens over the next few months.
There will be music, a Chili Cook-off, auctions, and raffles!
The Chili Cook-off will run from 4-7, and that will be voted on by judges and peoples choice. A donation of $5 per person will be charged. That will allow you to taste all 15 different chili's.
Also, if you're interested in contributing, as someone who provides services or would be willing to raffle a gift certificate for your services- that would be greatly appreciated as well.
Services and products that have been donated for auction/raffle so far.:dinners~ at Carrabba's, Chili's, Beef O Brady's, Applebee's..
7 bottles of wine, baskets~one from a culinary company, Mary Kay, Two Sisters Salon, and Big League Haircuts...
Please attend, and/or contact my friend Heather Trout (937-672-4999) to make a donation if you cannot attend, and let people know that Rachael needs our prayers!
and please spread the word!
thanks and God bless! <3
Sunday, January 15, 2012
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