About OFA

On July 28th we arrived back in Long Beach, NY after a 3 week honeymoon in Hawaii. We had the chance to travel to Kauai and Maui and share incredible moments together. Prior to us going away, Abby had been experiencing some stomach pains. With the help of yoga, she had been able to stretch and move around to ease the pain on a regular basis. While in Hawaii, Abby complained that it hurt after she ate and sometimes she had no appetite at all. She constantly complained of pains, but it seemed like normal gas pains and bloating. We extended our trip an extra week as she did not feel like she was ready to leave…she was in too much discomfort. Finally, we came back and on July 30th she went to her first doctors appointment. After 2 full weeks of tests, and scans, and x-rays, and terrible drinks, and biopsies we came to find out her diagnosis. Something that we never expected, and prayed could not be the truth. It is Cancer. It is a Cancer that they do not know the primary source of. Abby and I started staying with her parents on July 30th, and have been staying here since. We have been in and out of doctors offices looking for more opinions, options, and trying to find answers as to how this could have happened. Abby began Chemotherapy treatment on Thursday August 16th, 2012. She must go in for treatment every two weeks until we have more answers. Every other day, she must be hydrated through her IV mediport…and every day we hope will be better for her. A day without any pain or nausea. A day when her friends and family can come visit her to make her smile. Orange for Abby was created when Abby met with a hypnotherapist. He told her to close her eyes and tell him the first color she imagines. She saw orange, and it is also her favorite color. Orange for Abby came to life because as people started to learn of her disease they tried to come up with something to say to make her feel better, and to make us feel loved. I asked a few friends to send me a picture of themselves dressed in orange so that when she imagined orange, she could also imagine her favorite people smiling at her. People caught on to the idea, and started to spread quickly. People were posting anything orange that they could find. I created an album on our Facebook page to keep all of the photos together. Within 1 week there are over 500 photos posted, and most from people that don’t even know what is wrong exactly. The love and support and friendship and strength is felt with each picture posted, each phone call made, each text message and email sent. Abby has received many cards, and presents to the house all in the colors of orange and brightness. We thank you for taking the time to read about Abby’s story. We have a long journey ahead of us, and we hope you stay with us…support her, love her, pray for her, send calming and healing thoughts, and most of all…keep yourself healthy. Go to a doctor if you are questioning a pain. Do not let it go too far. We will continue to update you on our road to recovery, and we will provide you with the doctors and research we have done to help find her a cure.

23 thoughts on “About OFA

  1. This is not just a story of just anyone.This is a real story of our family member who we love and want the best for. Abby has become a very special part of our family and we have grown to love her very much. For all of you who know Abby as we do , and those of you who may not,she is bright ,athletic ,energetic, fun to be with ,kind ,caring,special,loving, thoughtful,determined, creative,helpful,good listener,friend,advocate for children,adventurous ,great smile and lots of laughter, this is all wrapped up in the name ABBY.So please every one ,show us your love and support in any small or large way you can. It would truly be a blessing .Thankyou and G-D Bless.

    Eileen Engel

  2. i know iI will see Abby in her fabulous forearm stand once she gains her health back. I think of you Abby and Rachel and know your love will help you through this difficult time. Shanti xo

  3. I have known Abby since Julia and Abby were friends in grade 3 or 4, a lot of years!! Abby was also friends with jon Julia’s brother. They use to dress him up in girls clothes and have a lot of fun two spirited girls. Abby seems like she is still that play full woman with what seems like an amazing partner to help and support her through such a difficult time in both their lives. All the Travis are thinking about you praying for you and taking lots of orange pictures. Much Love, Vicky Norty Julia Jon and Oliie. Ollie has his favorite orange ball with him….picture to follow.

  4. AMAZING site.. Colette and I are sending all of our love and good wishes.. Co can’t wait to have her beautiful bolster back – and I can’t wait for my Trader Joe’s sidekick! We love you both so much!

  5. This website is lovely! I hope this positive energy and love helps her have a speedy recovery. You are both so blessed, don’t let this wretched cancer take the love away.
    Thinking of you both. Sending orange thoughts from Sydney, Australia.
    xx

  6. My heart and prayers are with Abby. I never met her, but her story has touched me in a way I can’t even explain. Hang in there Abby, you can do this!

  7. Thinking of you both each day…All my love, well wishes, prayers, and any strengh and positive energy I can send out are all going towards Abby! You’re amazing to be able to be inspiration to others by sharing your story like this…please stay strong and get better ASAP!!! Xoxo

  8. Love my friends and can’t wait to spend time with them so I can see them both light up the way they often do when they are together. I have been blessed to have had 2 such amazing, positive people with such zest for life in my small circle of people I hold dear to me. Love you both!

  9. Rachel, you have done so much for me, and I know what a huge and special part Abby is in your life. I’m praying and will help, whatever we can do in the Chi at Groupon, you let us know! Hang in there ladies, good things are ahead!

  10. Abby it seems just like yesterday we were still living in Arnold Hall together. I cam across your site from facebook. My heart goes out to you and you are in my thoughts.

  11. Keeping you in prayer. What a beautiful site and a beautiful young lady. May the power of The Lord heal you.

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