Junior rodeo competitor, Rachel H., from Hooper, Utah was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 7. By the end of that year she got a staph infection at Christmas that nearly took her life. By her 8th birthday she was in remission and on a maintenance chemo. Even with life-threatening setbacks, the disease could not discourage her from competing in rodeo events.

Rachel with Reba

Reba McEntire was her favorite country singer, so Western Wishes sent her to her concert to meet the gracious superstar.

Then in 1998, Rachel was the honored guest of Western Wishes for the National Finals Rodeo. She met every cowboy and cowgirl hero she idolized, and that fierce competitive spirit was the driving force when she went to the Ft. Worth and won an APHA Junior World Championship.

Rachel with Tuff

In 2004, Rachel and fellow Western Wishes recipient Jay M., co-hosted the “Breakfast of Champions” at the National Finals Rodeo. The wish recipient was a Spinal Muscular Atrophy victim, Tyler H., from Henderson, NV. The next year, Rachel helped host the NFR wish for Jackson Baldwin, from Lewiston, Idaho who lost the battle to Neuroblastoma Cancer the following year.

Rachel with Pamm

In 2007, Rachel was a guest presenter for the inaugural “Heart of the West Awards” for Western Wishes at the 2007 NFR. She was featured on the RFD-TV Show, Cowboy Church, hosted by Susie Luchsinger.

[clear]

Rachel with Jennifer

Today, Rachel is a college graduate in the healthcare profession and a blushing, young bride. She is now the national spokesperson for Western Wishes and continues to be an ambassador of hope to others.