Transplant date: June 3, 2014

Rachael was diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease with no known cure, 5 years ago. During this time she has undergone treatment in an effort to slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, her condition has reached a critical stage where the only effective option left is a kidney transplant.

Throughout her struggle, Rachael has been changing the lives of young people throughout the greater Houston area as a teacher and as a counselor. She came to education as a calling, leaving behind a career in finance, to educate and mentor youth from the same community in which she grew up. Rachael taught teen leadership and reading at Miller Intermediate, the school she attended in her youth. After earning her Master’s degree in Counseling she had the opportunity to broaden her impact on students from a couple hundred to a few thousand. Rachael began working at Bellaire High School as the only College Access Counselor serving over 3600 students. Despite her declining health she has continued to be involved within her school community and beyond. Last year alone, Rachael guided students through the scholarship process helping them earn over $30 million.