FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I would like to help in some way. What can I do?

A: Please check out the Hands-On Help web page. Rachel's support team has created a list of suggestions for ways in which you can offer your own support.

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Q: Do Mark and Jodi have health insurance? How much does it cover?

A: Yes, Mark and Jodi have good health insurance but nothing covers everything. Medical expenses not covered include the co-pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, and therapy sessions; and over-the-counter drugs and supplies, which are many. Other expenses not covered include gas for all the trips to the hospital, meals for Jodi while in the hospital, the special nutritional formulas and supplements as recommended by the hospital oncology dietician and the hospital nutritionist, and many incidentals.

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Q: What's Rachel's prognosis?

A: The doctor's have given a cure rate of 35%. See the link on the main page for Ewing's Sarcoma.

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Q: Who is Rachel's Road? Who gets the e-mail I send to Rachel's Road?

A: Rachel's Road e-mail and web site are managed and maintained by Rachel's

support team, including Jodi's mom, sister and several of Mark and Jodi's friends. Jodi just adds her journal entries to the site as she can. If she can't, we do!

We forward e-mail to Mark and Jodi's personal account as necessary and respond to other questions in a timely manner. We want their attention to remain focused on staying healthy and doing what they need to do to care for Rachel. Rachel is always the number one priority.

Q: How do I get in touch with the family?

A: You can send them an e-mail directly or via Rachel's Road or send a card to their home or to the address on the main page. You can also leave a voice message at their house. When in the hospital, you may contact Jodi on her cell phone. Please remember that they are on Rachel's schedule and attending to their own needs. They will respond to you as quickly as they are able. It does happen that they get easily distracted and things are easily forgotten. Do try again if you feel this may have happened.

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Q: I'd like to give Rachel clothes. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Dresses/outfits that button/snap in front for easier access to port, exams, etc.

Two-piece pajamas with buttons/snaps in front. No feet, please.

Q: What size is she?

A: We're recommending 3T, although it is generous for her. Use your best judgement.

Q: I'd like to give Rachel a toy. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Play-Doh and accessories

Sticker activity books

Doll clothes (no Barbies yet though)

Girl stuff: glitter make-up, kid's nail polish, bracelets and necklaces

Puzzles (age appropriate)

Interests include Pooh, Blue's Clues, Teletubbies, Kitties, Babies etc.

Again, use your best judgement. (She already has plenty of stuffed animals...)

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Q: I'd like to do something with Blake and Lance. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Visit a park, go to the zoo, see the circus, take them sledding - hey we know it's coming! They would be thrilled to be included in any outing your family is doing. Invite them over for a play date. Invite Blake to a sleepover. Attend Blake's soccer games. Go to a movie with either one of them, as appropriate. Stop by and play for a while. These are simply a few suggestions. There are many simple things you can do to make each of them feel special.

Q: I'd like to give Blake clothes. What do you suggest and what size is he?

A: We're recommending boys size 12. Blake is not picky about what he wears. If you think it's appropriate, he will probably wear it.

Q: I'd like to give Lance clothes. What do you suggest and what size is he?

A: We're recommending boys size 5. Lance is not picky either.

Q: I'd like to give Blake and Lance a toy. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Blake's interests include Harry Potter, Pokemon, Digi-mon, Dragonball Z, GameBoy, Legos, K-nex, Hot Wheels, anything for the computer, reading, mazes, science projects like Magic Schoolbus, challenging brain teaser type games, board games. He's 8 years old and in the third grade. There are many other things he'd be interested in, too.

Lance's interests include trains, planes and automobiles. If it's got wheels, it's for him! Tools, Thomas the Train, Stanley, Rolie-Polie-Olie, Duplos, puzzles, Blue's Clues, Play-Doh and accessories, board games, Hot Wheels, balls, painting, stickers, books. Lance just turned 4, so he's still 2 years from kindergarten.

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Q: I'd like to give Mark and Jodi a gift certificate. What do you suggest?

A: Suggestions include retail stores such as Target, Kohl's, Mills Fleet Farm or department stores; restaurants such as The Olive Garden, Timber Lodge Steakhouse, Ground Round, Red Lobster, Roadhouse Grill, Harry's (next to Lakeville Theater); grocery stores such as Rainbow Foods, Cub Foods, Enggren's, Our Family Foods; other gifts such as long distance calling cards.

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Please feel free to e-mail Rachel's Support Team at RachelsRoad@aol.com with any other questions!