Smiles for Rach
Racheal, 15 has recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that's 'turning her body to stone'. Let's help her have a family holiday.
Bay of Plenty
Some words from Rach......
"You know the saying - 'Walk a mile in my shoes' ?...... well, to be honest, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Sometimes I wish I didn't always have to explain why I'm not at school or why for someone so young my body feels so old. Life isn't fair, I get it, but each day I choose life, through the good and the bad, taking it step by step".
Rach is an inspiring young lady with a heart of gold but with a body that is not keeping up.
Rach has recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. This is made up of, Scleroderma (organs 'turning to stone'), Raynauds (poor circulation, so constantly cold hands & feet), Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She also has major digestive issues.
On a daily basis Rach suffers with chronic pain and fatigue and sometimes struggles to get out of bed. She's on medication to slow down the progression of this horrible disease, but there is no cure and over time her symptoms will worsen.
Rach has missed most of the last two school terms but still managed to work from home and pass her NCEA Level One. Congratulations Rach!!
This young lady is selfless, compassionate & caring and has twice cut ALL of her beautiful long hair off to raise funds for Kids with cancer - the first time she was only 9 and to date she has raised $650.00.
Rebecca Gudsell's involvement (page creator)
Racheal's mum Ange and I have been friends for 15 years. I have known Rach from when she was a baby and I feel very proud to be her 'Auntie' and to also call her my dear friend.
Use of funds
I would like to raise money for this amazingly strong young lady, her Mum Ange and her siblings Hayley 14 & Luke 10, to have a Kiwi holiday in Queenstown and create happy family memories together before Rach's body slows down even more. Queenstown would be a perfect location for a truly memorable adventure. They have never had this opportunity. Ange has resigned from her job as a nurse to care for Rach. Any extra money raised will go towards ongoing medical and daily living costs.
Latest update
More smiles for Rach 11 February 2018
A heart-felt thank you to everyone for supporting Rach. We are humbled by your generosity, messages of support/advice/love and donations to the Give A Little page.
Since our last post Rach has turned 16!
She enjoyed a fun day at Lake Rotoma with family and friends, swimming, laughing, smiling and even had a turn on the biscuit behind the boat!
The countdown is now on.....51 days until the family sail away on their P & O cruise! It's wonderful to see them have something to look forward to - so thank you again for making this possible.
We would like to acknowledge some businesses that have surrported Rach. We are so greatful for their generosity and kindness. These items will really help make a difference in Rach's life.
☆About Water Whakatane☆
A big thank you to Rob Mason and his team for installing a water purification system for drinking water into the house. I'm told the water tastes pure and clean which Rach and her family are very grateful for!
☆No1 Fitness Hamilton☆
Cheers to the team for their kindness with helping us out with a trampoline. Not only will this help with Rach's digestive issues but Hayley and Luke are enjoying it too!
☆Cake Box Frankton, Hamilton☆
Rach's birthday cake was amazingly delicious!! Thank you for helping make Rach's birthday a very special day!
☆Harvey Norman, Whakatane☆
Rach's new adjustable bed is making it easier for her to be more comfortable. Thanks for the great service team!
A special mention to the Dream Chaser Foundation. Thank you for your kind words, support & donation for Rach.
While we are unable to individually thank everyone personally we would like to show our gratitude to the following for their contributions to the Give A Little page:
☆The very kind person for their $3000.00 donation, thank you!
☆Uncle Rex & Aunty Dora
☆Orange Motor Group - Whakatane
☆Netzone Real Estate - Hamilton
To Ruby Nyika - thank you for the beautiful story you wrote about Rach for the Waikato Times and Stuff. She looked amazing on the front page!
Also to Lorraine Wilson for your article in the Eastern Bay Life.
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