As many of you are aware, our favorite superhero recently entered the hospital with some mysterious symptoms on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The incredible doctors, attentive nurses, and other healthcare workers at Penn Medicine (University of Pennsylvania Health System) have done a wonderful job caring for Rachel and treating her newly-diagnosed Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS).

As Rachel prepares for what's next after her discharge from the hospital, this is where her support system has the opportunity to step up and ensure that she can wholly focus on her recovery — including wet kisses and snuggles from head nurse Bowie.

Even in the midst of a medical crisis, it won't surprise you to learn that Rachel continues to try to take care of others and work through logistics, even when it is in her best interest to sit still and just be quiet (insert a joke here)!

While Rachel has excellent benefits through her big girl job with the Philadelphia Fire Department, solid health insurance and sick days can only go so far. Adding to the stress are missed work hours from her primary caregiver and fellow superhero, husband Patrick, who was recently laid off from his primary gig. All of this has immediately followed the costs associated with a cross-country relocation, housing, and settling into a new life, which all began with an admirable step out into faith. There is never a "good time" for an expensive inpatient hospital visit, but in this case, the timing couldn't be much worse!

Because she is a superhero, Rachel is a strong, resilient, and independent individual who rarely asks for help. In fact, she is usually the first to lead efforts to offer love and help to others when they find themselves in similarly unexpected situations.

Here's how YOU can help!

1. Donate Any Amount of Your Choosing: No matter how much, your donation** will make a difference by going directly towards Rachel's medical expenses and ultimately aiding in her recovery.
2. Share the Fundraising Campaign: Please share it with your friends, family, and social media networks. The more people who know, the greater the chance we have of reaching the $5,000 goal and alleviating an unnecessary financial burden.
3. Send Funny Memes Directly to Rachel: No explanation necessary.

In addition to helping cover various co-pays, current and future medical expenses, your generous donation will also help make up for the difference in lost wages and time by providing groceries, covering housing costs, etc.

**For every gift of $50 or more, donors will receive a signed print of original artwork created by Rachel during her hospital stay, suitable for framing as a daily reminder of the healing power of the arts AND of the resilience of our favorite Philly transplant!

Together, we can help Rachel regain her health so that she and Patrick can continue this new chapter in Philadelphia with renewed strength and optimism.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

TEAM RACHEL

[Middle Georgia, Metro Atlanta, Florida and Greater Philadelphia Chapters]