At just 16 years old, Raquel has become an inspiration for many. You couldn’t tell by her smile or endless energy that Raquel has been fighting for her life since her early teens. Her life came to a screeching halt after she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Her parents searched for the best doctors and so Raquel became a patient at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
 
Soon, Raquel was going through daily cancer treatments, which included chemotherapy, which caused her hair to fall out. During her time at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Raquel began to search for ways that she could help other young cancer patients like herself. After losing all of her hair, she realized that there were no dolls that looked like her. Determined to find a doll that she and other patients could relate to, she and her best friend spent hours researching and soon found the perfect dolls. Raquel has been working tirelessly on this project so that she can bring these dolls to every child possible.
 
Recently, Raquel’s family was overjoyed to find out that just four months into her treatment her chemotherapy was successful and her cancer considered in remission. Raquel is now completing the rest of her treatment plan, which is set to last two and a half years. 

Raquel is excited to be this year’s MCHF5K Hero. This family-friendly 5K race/walk will take place on September 17. Come out and support Raquel and her team “Oliver Forever Strong,” named after a close family friend who lost his battle to cancer.