In 1981, Rachel moved to a farm near Owen Sound where she published 2 cartoon books about horse racing, worked in retail management and won awards for her silk painting. Her horse cartoons adorned a line of t-shirts, cards, memo pads and calendars in 50 stores.
Rachel found that a 5km morning jog helped her focus on her work. While jogging on May 6, 1997 she was hit by a car and her whole life was changed.
Airlifted to London, she spent 5 days in a coma. Metal rods and 4 pins were put in each leg, a plate in her right arm and pins in both arms. In June, she was sent to the rehab centre at the hospital in Owen Sound, and began a long recovery. Through perseverance, a positive attitude, and many months of therapy, Rachel regained her ability to walk, speak, and conduct her life independently.
In 2005 a regular checkup revealed breast cancer. After Chemotherapy and removing one breast cancer was found in her second breast. Rachel also won this battle and is now cancer free. It was during this time that Rachel started doing health cartoons to help her stay positive because she believes your attitude is everything.
Throughout the many challenges in her life, Rachel has never lost her sense of humour or her optimism. She continues to cartoon, produce books and speak to groups about her experiences and the wisdom she has gained.
