Team Rachael

On January 10, 2012, our world changed. Rachael had been throwing up and having severe headaches everyday for nearly a year. The doctor said he wanted to do an MRI to rule out a brain tumor, so it took us all by surprise when our family learned that Rachael did, in fact, have a brain tumor. Our world was put on pause. The more we knew, the worse it seemed. Three days after her initial diagnosis, Rachael was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake hospital with the worst headache she ever had. We soon learned that she had fluid and swelling on her brain. She had emergency surgery to put a shunt in to relieve the pressure. While in the hospital, an MRI revealed that her tumor was wrapped around the brain stem in the fourth ventricle and had grown since her initial MRI. It was only a few days later that Rachael was flown by air ambulance to Memphis, Tennessee. On January 17th, Rachael had surgery at LeBonheur Children's Hospital to remove her WHO Grade 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma brain tumor. We were told the surgery would be very difficult, and it would probably take around ten hours. Two and a half hours after they sent her back, we got a call that the tumor was completely removed. They were closing her up, and we would be able to see her within the next hour. After a few days and some therapy, Rachael was released from the hospital. It wasn't over, though. During the next six months, Rachael underwent 33 radiation treatments and 4 rounds of chemotherapy at St. Jude. She was given the all clear on July 17, 2012.

Rachael remained cancer free for four years.

On July 12, 2016, our worlds came crashing down once again. In a regular visit to St. Jude, an MRI showed that Rachael's cancer had returned. The tumor came back and metastasized. One was located in fourth ventricle, the same place as the first tumor. The other was located in the frontal horn. Fortunately, though, there were no tumors on her spine. On July 20, 2016, Rachael had her second brain surgery at LeBonheur to remove the tumors. In 6 1/2 hours, both tumors were removed successfully. As a result of the surgery, Rachael has paralysis on her left side and some speech issues. She is currently undergoing physical therapy. In the next eight weeks, Rachael will brave full cranial and spinal radiation. Chemotherapy is not an option.

All funds raised will go to travel expenses and Rachael's various needs.

We appreciate all donations, but even more than that, we appreciate your prayers.