3.20.12 - Relay for Rachael

It is time for the Second annual Relay for Rachael everyone!!! ON April 29th 2012 we run and cheer for Rachael's runners.

There will be two team competing against each other running in the Big Sur International Marathon Relay. More than beating the other team to the finish line the main goal raise awareness and as much money as possible for their dear friend Rachael Short. Next to cheering us along, the best way you can support our cause, is to donate. All contributions are welcome, at an individual or team level.

You can pledge your support through this website using PayPal, or if you would prefer to write a check, here are the details:

http://www.relayforrachael.com/

Rachael Short Special Needs Trust

PO Box 6445
Carmel, CA 93921

**Please note "Relay" as the memo

Over a year into this journey, Rachael has made huge strides towards recovery. Constant rehabilitation with her live-in Physical Therapist consumes the majority of her days, with her free time spent focusing on how she can positively contribute to her community. Rachael focuses all of her energy on making a full recovery, which requires an immense amount of resources. Supporting her in this endeavor is our goal and is what motivates us to put one foot in front of the other.

Donations of any denomination are welcome, and at this time, all donations will be received as in-kind gifts.

http://www.relayforrachael.com/

12.19.11- Hands + Holidays

"Love, Life, Light: a series of Polaroid transfers made with the help of Evynn LeValley. This series was started on my 28th birthday when I was backpacking in Pine Valley, Los Padres Forest. The idea was to document my hands every year to show my aging. After my car accident on November 1, 2010, when I suffered a spinal cord injury which left my hands impaired, this series has taken another meaning. My hands are changing monthly, becoming stronger, changing shape. Time (along with hard work and motivation) will tell how much function I will regain. I hope for full function and try not to think otherwise. The mind is a powerful tool.



May your Holiday season be filled with Love, Life and Light." - Rachael Elizabeth Short



***Any donations can be sent to Rachael Short at her P.O. box 161 Big Sur Ca. 93920***

***************You can view Rachael's photographs at www.rachaelshort.com***************

10.31.11 - Happy Halloween

"I still love you, Halloween. Pumpkins, vampires and zombies; how could I not.

If I knew then what I know now... would I have done things differently?

Live life to the fullest, be safe, have fun, take a walk, hold someone's hand, be thankful.

This was the path I was given. Everything I did leading up to my accident was in preparation for what I am now up against. I've had time to think about this; and it is true.

Help, hope and humor got me through this year... one year down... bring it on." -Rachael

"If you're going through hell, keep going" – Winston Churchill

***Any donations can be sent to Rachael Short at her P.O. box 161 Big Sur Ca. 93920***

***************You can view Rachael's photographs at www.rachaelshort.com***************

10.30.11 - The First Year

What's the last year of your life been like? Where have you traveled? Who have you inspired? How have you changed? What have you accomplished?


It was a year ago. Lost behind the tubes and wires, Rachael lay there amongst the medical machines. She was paralyzed but not defeated. She still smiled.

In the last year Rachael did a lot of things for the first time. She breathed without being assisted by a machine. She took her first bite of solid food. She went to the gym, went outside and to the movies. She learned how to operate her body and a wheel chair. She returned home.


Today Rachael stands upright assisted by Sean Cheng, CPT who has dedicated himself to her recovery. A year later the progress Rachael has made is astounding. Looking back at the beginning of her journey it amazes all of us that a year has passed. We all have watched in awe as Rachel turned the countless challenges she faced into her many victories.




Rachael was driving to San Jose a few times a week for intensive acupuncture treatments at Dr. Zhu Acupuncture & Neurology Center. She recently completed this stage of her rehab. While, Rachael loved the treatment and the people there she is very excited to be done with the 3 hour roundtrip commute.


The therapy will continue 30+ hours a week now. 6 hours a day Monday thru Friday and a few hours on Saturday. Now the work will all be done at her home in Carmel. The time she saves on the commute will be happily invested on her continued recovery and spending time with her supportive community.


Rachael is now focusing her vision of the future toward various ideas of how to influence her community in a positive way. One idea is a a shuttle service for the Big Sur area that would provide a much needed option for people celebrating life there as a safe alternative to taking the risk of drinking and driving. Be safe and be the light.


***Any donations can be sent to Rachael Short at her P.O. box 161 Big Sur Ca. 93920***

***************You can view Rachael's photographs at www.rachaelshort.com***************