Rachael's Story
Every once in awhile you have a session that just hits you in the gut. It reminds you WHY you love photography and relights the passion that seems to go out every once in awhile. I was asked not too long ago why I don't put in to do local school picture or sport picture days. My answer was simple- I want to tell a story and create something that captures more than a kid jumping in a seat real quick and moving on to the next. (This is not at all against those that love doing that, it's just not for me)
I met Sharon and Rachael back in March at a vow renewal I was photographing. Funny thing is, they live 2 houses down from me but I had never actually met them. I was drawn to Rachael on the dance floor in a wheelchair being pushed around and just radiating joy. (I had known Rachael had recently been diagnosed with cancer and was just captivated by her pure joy.) Her Mom was standing next to me as I was capturing some pictures of Rachael and she said to me "you would never know she's sick." That one little statement by a complete stranger at that point has stuck with me for months.
How many of us have a bad day over trivial things but we make sure those around us know it? We let the little things grab ahold just a little too much. Not Rachael, and she's never had an "easy" life. She was Sharon's little miracle, born at 1lb and 11oz. She's had a total of 33 surgeries, many of which were an emergency...from 2 open heart surgeries and 2 brain surgeries. Yet she radiates joy and the love of Jesus. 2 years ago she started a card ministry she called "sonshine and smiles" and was mailing cards out to people that needed a get well card. At the time of her cancer diagnosis in December she was mailing an average of 36 cards a month.
Sharon contacted me about taking photos of them together at Hartford Orchard in their sunflower field. (Which is breathtaking by the way). While I set out that evening to do sunflower mini sessions, I left with so much more- because of Rachael and Sharon. Rachael was just so dang happy and cheerful and her Mom just radiated her love of Rachael. There were tears, hugs, forehead kisses, and a reminder that we get to choose how we are going to react. We can feel sorry for ourselves or we can trust Jesus has us and smile regardless of the circumstances. Walking back to the car Rachael said to me "I feel so awesome!!!" I replied, "because you are awesome." To which Rachael said "I am! Cancer and all!"
Please see below the photos to read Rachael's story told through Sharon.
Childs name, age, and name of medical condition?
Rachael Fox age 45
Advanced Ovarian cancer Stage. IV
Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Stage lll
In terms that are easy for the general public to understand, what exactly is the medical condition?
Cancer that originated somewhere within the pelvic cavity and rapidly spread to other areas
At what age were they diagnosed/how did you know there was an issue?
44
December 21, 2024 changed her life forever. She had seen 4 doctors in the previous 6 months and they dismissed.the pain in her back and lower pelvis as normal for her age.
On December 21st the pain was unbearable and I took her to the ER at St. Joe's and the Dr sent her for a CT scan that showed large masses and tumors completely filling her entire pelvic cavity and our world as we knew it ended.
Number of surgeries/procedures/medications?
Pertaining to the cancer?
2 surgeries 3 if including.med port placement
5 CT SCANS
Countless x-rays and bloodwork
6 rounds of chemo
2 blood transfusions
multiple neulasta injections
5 pills per normal day ...
10 extra pill prior to chemo treatments
How has it affected your child's life?
Cancer literally has put her life on hold. She was restricted to the house through June to protect her.
She's a people person and this was sad.
What's the one thing your child or you wishes people understood about it?
That just because you look good on the outside, the cancer / monster is still wreaking havoc on the inside.
Smiling is Rachael's way of dealing with and fighting the daily pain
In what ways has your child shown strength/perseverance/defined the odds?
Her faith has been remarkable, her beliefs that God is all powerful and able to heal her and if he chooses not to, "she knows where she's going" (Rachael's exact words)
Explain to me your child's personality? What do you love about them?
Lol
Rachael is the most outgoing, happiest, social butterfly anyone will ever meet. She's as innocent and real as they come, her laughter, and smile are contagious and she readily shares them both.
And if anyone brings her iced coffee or ice cream, she'll be their friend forever.
What are some hobbies your child enjoys?
Rachael would tell you Facebook and changing her profile picture
Rachael has gained the name of "Turtle Girl" because of her obsession for turtles and she has acquired a large collection of different turtles and blankets.
Two years ago she started sending an occasional get well card to people she heard about. At the time she was diagnosed with cancer, she was mailing an average of 36 cards a month. She named her card ministry, "SONSHINE and SMILES " and she was receiving request to send cards to people in several states. She's just recently started her ministry up again.
*** From January- April, Rachael recieved over 225 cards from all over the United States, many from people she had sent cards to.
From May on she has continued to recieve on average, 5 cards pet week.
Anything else you would like to add?
Rachael was my miracle baby, weighing
1 lb 11oz
She has actually never known a normal life without some type of medical problem.
She's had 33 surgeries, many of which were emergencies. From 2 open heart, 2 brain surgeries, the list goes on and on.
Yet her attitude is beautiful, her faith never budges, and her smile never fades.
Rachael's cancer in incurable and her surgeon just told us NO MORE SURGERIES, they can't safely remove any more cancer. Last week her pathology report showed that 5 out of 6 recent tissue samples were malignant and in new areas and we cried together. She's on palliative care.
