I’m home

My 3–5 night hospital stay turned into 11 nights, and 11 days without food or water.

After my colostomy takedown surgery, I developed a postoperative ileus, meaning my intestines temporarily stopped moving the way they should. My digestive system simply did not want to wake up. I looked like I had swallowed a basketball!

After a couple of days with no improvement, I needed an NG tube to relieve the buildup of stomach acids and pressure on my intestines. I also needed a PICC line and five days of nutrition through an IV while my bowels slowly woke up again.

It was horrible. There were moments when I honestly wondered why I have to fight so hard to be here on this little planet we call Earth.

Hospital days are long. Twenty-four hours can feel like forever. The nonstop poking, prodding, beeping, and uncertainty can drive anyone a little mad, and throw in no food or water, and things can get pretty intense mentally.

But I’m so incredibly thankful to be on the other side of it now, healing at home. The silence feels intense. The fresh air feels amazing. And food tastes REALLY good. 

Thank you, friends, for your constant love and support once again through these challenging times. I truly couldn’t do it without you.

Here’s to healing, getting stronger, and being grateful for every little thing.

Saying goodbye to Stella the Stoma

After eight months with a diversion colostomy, I have my reversal surgery scheduled for Friday. I look forward to putting my colostomy bag experience behind me… The colostomy became necessary after an unfortunate accident caused by a new caregiver last November. I posted on that here.

I’ll be back in the hospital for some days, followed by several weeks of healing. I’m definitely nervous, but I’m also grateful to be moving forward and literally, putting my body back together by reconnecting my colon. Onward we go…

A Short documentary film...

 Refocus is a short documentary by Lola Voss, a student at Carmel High School, about my journey as a photographer after I sustained a spinal cord injury in a car accident in 2010. The film explores resilience, creativity, and how photography has helped me continue pursuing my passion and sharing my perspective with the world. It also highlights the Relay for Rachael fundraiser, a community event created to support me after my injury and celebrate the incredible love and generosity of those who have stood by me throughout my journey.

Thank You for Another Incredible Relay for Rachael

 I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude after this year’s Relay for Rachael. Seeing the community come together year after year in support of me and my care continues to leave me speechless. The love, generosity, and dedication surrounding this event mean more to me than I can fully express.

Congratulations to this year’s winning relay team, The Heydays, beat We Be Lazies by just one minute!

Thank  you to the incredible runners who dedicate themselves to training, fundraising, and showing up year after year. Your commitment, energy, and love make this event what it is.

A special thank you to The Treadmill in Carmel for supporting my runners over the years with shoes and gear. Your generosity and encouragement have meant so much to our team.

Thank you to Henry Miller Memorial Library for hosting this year’s fundraising dinner in Big Sur, and to Hyson, Makiah and crew for creating such a special evening.

Thank you to Levi and Zarosh for the amazing relay T-shirts, to Paul the post-race pizzas, and to Ulisses for the post-race massages and care for my runners.

Thank you to KRML Radio for hosting us on the radio and helping spread the word about the relay and fundraiser.

Thank you, Sven, for your incredible behind-the-scenes work in ensuring the website remains up-to-date with the donations received during the fundraiser.

And most of all, thank you for your continued support, it means the world to me. It is both inspiring and deeply moving to witness the community come together the way it does. I feel so loved and supported. 

Thank you all for being part of this journey with me.

Relay for Rachael! April 26, 2026

 It's that time! 

16th annual Relay for Rachael! Sunday, April 26th at the Big Sur Marathon!

This year we have 6 relay teams running fast, training hard, and raising funds! Plus two full marathoners and a runner running 100 miles in April! All money raised goes towards my caregivers who help me get through my days. 

It’s been a challenging few months, with multiple surgeries and recovery. Another surgery and recovery are scheduled for a few months from now. Amidst these physical challenges, I’m focusing on healing and prioritizing my health.

Unfortunately, we hit a deer while driving my wheelchair-accessible vehicle a couple weeks ago, leaving me without a car. Navigating this situation has been difficult, especially when it comes to attending doctor’s appointments, running errands, and managing my gallery. Fortunately, I’ve been gradually finding resources in the community to help me get the necessary transportation.

The scariest part of the accident, the first one I’ve experienced since my spinal cord injury, was that my chest strap came undone, and I hit my head. I was very sore for a few days and kind of sore for a couple of weeks, but I’m feeling better. Not to mention the poor deer, oh dear.

I'm catching up on many things on my to-do list and doing the best I can with these challenges. As always, I am so grateful for your continued support, my community, family, and friends. I couldn't do it without you.

Be the Light!
www.relayforrachael.com