Help Support Rachael’s Recovery After a Tragic Accident

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out on behalf of my best friend’s sister, Rachael — someone who is like family to me — after a tragic accident turned her world upside down yesterday afternoon. With their permission, I’m posting this on behalf of her and her family, as they are navigating an incredibly overwhelming time right now between hospital visits, critical updates, and just trying to stay strong for one another.

The family is also working closely with the local police department as the details of the accident continue to unfold, adding yet another layer of stress and uncertainty during an already overwhelming time. As part of this process, the family is also anticipating future legal expenses as they seek accountability and justice for what happened.

Yesterday, while Rachael was out on her usual afternoon walk with her beloved Boxer, Havana, they were struck by a car in a crosswalk — just steps away from her home. In an instant, everything changed. Both Rachael and Havana were rushed to emergency care immediately following the accident. Rachael was initially taken to the nearest emergency room, then med-flighted to Boston due to a traumatic brain injury. In addition to the head injury, she sustained a fractured leg, serious facial lacerations, a neck injury, and multiple other injuries. She has since undergone her first surgery to repair both major bones in her right leg, and her medical team is continuing to monitor her brain closely to determine if further surgery is needed.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of the emergency veterinary team, Havana passed away from internal injuries sustained in the accident. Havana was Rachael’s whole world — her best friend, her companion, and her emotional anchor. The heartbreak of losing her, while facing such a serious recovery, is unimaginable.

Rachael is a dedicated, hardworking professional who has always been deeply compassionate, especially when it comes to animals. Havana was her entire world — her constant companion, her comfort, her family. This traumatic accident has left her and everyone who loves her shaken and heartbroken.

We’re asking for help to ease some of the financial burden this tragedy has caused — from ongoing medical treatments and hospital stays to emergency veterinary care and long-term recovery support. Our goal is to raise whatever we can to help cover Rachael’s hospital and rehabilitation costs, Havana’s emergency veterinary care, legal fees, and the loss of income Rachael is facing while she focuses on healing.

This fundraiser was created by Madison Theodore, Rachael’s best friend, with full permission from the family. All donations will be received and managed by Devan Mills, Rachael’s sister, caretaker, and emergency contact. Devan is overseeing all aspects of Rachael’s care and will be distributing the funds on her behalf. Donations will go toward:

Any amount you can give — no matter how small — will make a meaningful difference. Your kindness will allow Rachael to focus on what matters most right now: recovery, healing, and eventually, rebuilding her life in memory of her best friend, Havana.

Please consider donating, and if you’re unable to give, we all would be so grateful if you could share this with others who might be able to help.

A special thank you to Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital for doing everything possible to try and save Havana. The family finds comfort in knowing she’s now in doggy heaven, being her goofy, sweet self as she crosses the rainbow bridge.

From the bottom of their hearts, the Mills family wants to thank you for all the love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

The Mills Family