Rachel is a social services advocate that works in the mental health and substance abuse world. She has a master’s degree in social work and a health educational specialist certification. In 2011 when Rachel was 28, her husband Grayson was diagnosed with leukemia. Rachel was a caregiver, advocate, supporter, wife, cheerleader, and cancer world navigator for Grayson, until his death in 2013. She decided to take share her story with the world in her new book “Wife, Widow, Now What? How I Navigated the Cancer World and How You Can, Too,” through her own words, social media posts during her journey, and how-to guides for the patient, caregiver and supporters. Rachel greatly enjoys helping patients, caregivers/families find the right resources to meet their needs, as well as promoting self-care through practical and fun ways. Rachel loves spending time with her family, jigsaw puzzles, reading, writing, music, walks with her dog, tea and naps.
I first met Rachel in the fall of 2020. What's crazy is I feel like I know her so well and yet we have never actually met in person! All of our conversations have been virtual. While Rachel's resume as an author and an accomplished social worker is impressive, what really impresses me is the fun she brings to our mission in her role as a volunteer. She started out facilitating virtual holiday gatherings for us last year and those gatherings have morphed this year into Trivia Tuesday's. She has also been designing and executing fun social media campaigns in hopes of helping us reach more caregivers to serve. Rachel is also great at the more serious stuff too as she is on rotation as one of our Caregiver Klatch facilitators. Rachel's heart is so big she pours it into lots of organizations, not just Jack's. For example she is currently raising funds for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And guess what, today is her birthday! Today I am celebrating Rachel for Volunteer Appreciation Week and on her birthday by making a donation to her campaign, and I invite you to consider doing the same!
Kyle Woody, Founder & Executive Director