This Is Our Story
I founded Ray's Respite Care in 2024 as a Non-profit to help sustain the needs and medical expenses and equipment Rachael requires. The end goal is to raise enough money to open a residence that provides respite care to families with medically fragile children and/or adults free of charge. Respite care is something that is generally not covered by insurance or federal programs. There is limited services available and can be potentially expensive for families to obtain. The level of care for certain disabilities is another hindering factor in finding appropriate respite assistance. Through Ray's Respite Care I want to be able to provide personal time and backup support for caregivers which is essential to their emotional health and overall well being.
Having a special needs sister in my family changed our lives for the better. We didn't live a "normal" life. Our home was consumed with medical equipment, emergency situations, and continuous nursing care. Rachael taught us the power of humility, compassion, patience, sacrifice, and we saw the love of Jesus. My parents lead by example and exemplified the importance of caring for their own well-being in order to sustain the caregiving of Rachael.
I knew I wanted to be a nurse and care for my sister since the day she was born. I obtained my CNA license in high school and worked with family friends who had disabled children. I have experience in working with children and adults of various disabilities and chronic health complications. I started my nursing career in a Children's Emergency Room where I ended up a charge nurse. I traveled to New York and worked in the Bronx during the covid crisis. I have experience as a Federal employee and worked at Fort Bragg in the Emergency Room on base. I currently work for Christus Mother Francis in Tyler TX as a PRN RN in the Emergency Room to maintain my certifications and skills. I am ACLS, PALS, TNCC, BLS, NIHSS, and NRP certified.
The mission of Ray's Respite Care is to sustain the medical care, services, and equipment needed for Rachael. Caregiving for a special needs individual is complex, expensive, and difficult to obtain in order to provide the best quality of life. Some of the equipment Rachael requires is a feeding pump, oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, suction, and CPT (chest physiotherapy) vest. Insurance is always quick to deny services and most items are through a rented service. Being able to obtain these pieces of equipment and medical supplies more efficiently is something that would enhance her quality of care. The goal is to be able to expand Ray's Respite Care so these same services can be offered to families with medically fragile children and/or adults. The purpose of the organization shall be to serve the needs of medically fragile populations in which services, care, or equipment are limited or cannot be met. These include but are not limited; to medical equipment, expenses for medical care, respite assistance, and downtime to caregivers free of charge. We want to bring awareness through various social medias, fundraising events, walks and runs, and other similar promotions within the community.
