this is rachel. SHE IS: always happy. 
SHE IS: a great friend.
SHE IS: beautiful.
SHE IS: super athletic.
SHE IS: amazing with children.
SHE IS: only 16.
SHE IS: brave.
SHE IS: really smart.
SHE IS: part of a wonderful family.
SHE IS: a middle child. little sister, erin and older sister, megan.
SHE IS: part of a super close group of girls. they are juniors in high school.
morgan, erin m, erin n, and alex.
SHE IS: an extrovert around her friends, but an introvert around strangers.
SHE IS: selfless in donating her hair to locks of love.
SHE IS: also very sick with stage 4b hodgkins lymphoma cancer. 
Two weeks ago, Rachel called me. She was crying to the point I couldn’t understand her words. She muffled, “I have cancer.” As any person would do,
I welded with tears. I asked her to repeat herself because I was sure I didn’t hear her correctly. She said it again, “I have hodgkins cancer. I just got out
of the hospital, and they aren’t sure how bad it is yet.” My jaw dropped, my heart sunk, and the lump in my throat kept words from coming out. What
the hell was I supposed to say? What do I do? The girl who I’ve watched grow up over the years playing soccer year round for me…the girl who’d text
me randomly to stop by and visit us…..has cancer?! I said the only thing I knew to say…”you’ll get through this.”
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for her. She’s already had a couple surgeries, one on her neck, one on her chest. She’s been in the hospital
since 8/23 and will probably be in saturday. Because of her multiple allergies, she’s had some complications. But friday, she successfully finished
her first day of chemo. At 16 years old…she finished her first day of chemo. It just seems so unfair. I have promised her that I will document this
journey, so soon enough she can look back on all the photographs and show people how she kicked cancer’s ass. We started with updating family pics
and her senior pics because next year her hair probably won’t be the length she wants it to be for photos. the next day she cut off her hair so she
could donate it before the chunks start falling out. how sweet is that? she’s amazing. When i hung up the phone that night, it clicked. THIS
was the reason God brought ray, into my life…not just to help our team win all those games! 
The image below is the last picture I took that day. I’ve explained on the blog before how I envision God as “light.” When I looked at the back of
the camera I got goosebumps, then smiled. 
I realized right then, that God was with her. The image speaks so much by itself.
If you are on facebook, you can become a fan of a page I’ve created for her. It’s called TEAM RACHEL. Maybe you know someone that has
survived hodgkins and can give her hope, or you maybe you can just leave a message or comment to help her get through this.
Keep that strong and postivie attitude and you’ll do great! Just remember, every time they inject meds into your veins, it’s super powers! 
We love you girl. heart, mel, adam, and your favorite baby girl nori.
Rachel, I don’t even know you and I can see what a happy, positive person you are. Fight hard, take deep breaths, and remember to hold every good thing that will come out of this close to your heart. Don’t ever stop reminding yourself that it’s possible. I’ve been in remission from Hodgkin’s for several months and my dad’s been in remission from Hodgkin’s for 25+ years. It’s possible. Keep fighting, keep praying, and keep your head up. = ) Hugs. – Annie
Melanie, the pictures are beautiful. I wish I would have done something like that before I lost my hair! She’s lucky to have you! = )
we will be praying and rooting for her! stay strong!
What an amazing girl, and what an amazing testimony. I will be praying for you, Rachel. Stay strong, and stay positive, and know that, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37!!! **Great, heart-touching photos, Mel.
Thanks Mel these are amazing! I love them all! Words can’t even describe how much these mean to me!
You are not only a wonderful photographer, but a wonderful person! You have helped keep me going through the hard times. You are so inspirational! Thanks again!
P.s. Adam, you better watch your back, Mel is pretty amazing at those flair shots!
Mel, These pictures are amazing, she is beautiful (inside and out, it appears). She seems like a wonderful, young lady. Prayers are with her and her family. Your last pictures game me chills, and I am sure that you are correct in saying, “God is with her”. Although I may not know you, stay positive Rachel!
Mel, Amazing pictures and story. I’m praying for Rachel.
Dear Rachel,
Mel, told me about you a couple weeks ago and the battle you are about to fight. I am totally humbled by your courageousness at such a young age – YOU ROCK.
You must be so special in God’s eyes, because you have what seems to be such a HUGE support system behind you – with your family, friends, and even me, whom you have never met, praying for you! I know there is purpose behind all that God asks of us, even if He asks for such great things. But just continue to be courageous, keep that gorgeous smile on your face, and always seek hope and it will be given.
You are such a beautiful young lady, and I hope Mel, continues to update her blog on how you are doing. I’d selfishly like to know if my prayers are working or not… and if not, I’ll stay on my knees a little longer!
God Bless and MANY prayers,
The Klare Family
I LOVE THESE SOOO MUCH! rachel i’ve been praying for you every day, i know you’ll get through this! mel, that’s awesome how you’re documenting this whole thing. the pics are absolutely amazing! the last one gave me chills, i love what you said about it! <3
Dear Rachel,
I love all these pictures of you. I am a SRU nurse at Children’s and seeing these pictures helped me to get to know you better. You are everything above. Brave, smart, beautiful and a wonderful daughter, sister, friends PERSON. God Bless you. Thinking and praying about u.
Dear Rachel,
You have grown up to be such a beautiful girl. It seems like yesterday you,Gracie and the other girls were all in first grade together at St. Jude. I remember you as the girl who talked so fast I always made you repeat what you said! I loved your giggle as a little girl and you were always smiling. I haven’t seen you much since you’ve all gone to high school but just know Gracie and our entire family will keep you in our thoughts during your journey. Stay strong!
I have been praying for you and your Family everyday day as I walk down the hall of Childrens hospital to teen health …..
Beautiful girl is an understatement! I will definitely be praying for her!
On another note…it is so apparent that photography is your calling. Your mad skillz combined with your awesome personality make it really easy for people to invite you in to document their life-changing events. So incredibly special and life-changing for you too I’m sure
I love her more and more each time i see these pictures! A remarkable girl in these remarkable photos! It’s trully amazing how you have captured each part of her personalty in each picture. Rachel…you are strong, beautiful and my fave:)!!! I love you:)
Amy
This is such a touching post, Melanie… Rachel is beautiful, she’ll get through this!!! (((HUGS)))
Rachel,
We moved in behind you when you were about 3 1/2 years old. We’ve watched you grow and mature into an amazing young woman through the years. These photos truly capture what a beautiful person you are – inside and out! We pray for you daily and know that with your strength and faith you’re going to kick this cancer right to the curb! Keep fighting…and keep smiling that beautiful smile!
So beautifully shot and written. Yes, God brought you both together for a much larger plan than either of you ever dreamt…think of how many hearts you’re both going to touch through this blog. Gorgeous pictures but then a gorgeous girl and what a courageous one. We are all out here praying and supporting you, Rachel. Just “Let Go and Let God” and watch Him work. It may not be an easy ride but you’ll get through it, sweetie. Melanie, we are so proud of you and your big heart. This blog was obviously meant for much more than just displaying photos. God is definitely working through you as you use the talent He gave you to honor Him.
Rachael,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You can and will beat this! Stay strong, never lose faith and cherish every good day or moment that comes your way. Donna was an instructor of mine while I went to college and well she was awesome and this cancer should be scared of her. Hang in there, your not alone.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Randolph
Hey Rach – These pictures are wonderful! I like the tiger pants you girls all wore! How cute is that??!! Know that we are all praying for you every day and that we love you! I know that you will get through this with all the family and friends that are praying for you. Take you strength from them when you need it and don’t forget to lean on the Lord! It is amazing how much strength He can provide you on your worst days. Love you!
my heart and thoughts go out to her… thanks for sharing and keep us updated…
Love these, and my girl Rachel!
Rachel,
You are a beautiful girl (inside and out). You are an inspiration to us all. The pictures are awesome and truly capture you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love!!!
Sunshine,
What can we say that hasn’t already been said? These pictures absolutely capture your warmth and beauty. You have truly become a part of our family over the past 5 years of caring for our boys. You are like a sister to them and a daughter to us. We pray for you and your family daily and know that you will conquer this disease. Keep smilin’. Hugs and snugs, Joelle
wow, i’m in tears just reading all of that! what a beautiful girl, I can’t imagine what she’s going through. How amazing to have folks like you to cheer her on and capture her journey. Thoughts and prayers are with you Rachel!!!
What special souls you both are. God bless you both. My prayers are with Rachel. I’m looking forward to reading about she kicked cancer butt.
Wow, what a beautiful session…definitely brought tears to my eyes. Rachel, keep fighting. You are such an inspiration! Mel, you are amazing! Your mom is right, your blog is so much more than a place to display pics…
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9b
Thinking and praying for you and your family and friends, Rachel. What a beautiful way to document this journey that God has planned for you. Stay strong!;)
Melanie, your talent and inspirational words give me chills with every update. Never stop doing what you do! <3jodi