Westport is a small community that is known for lending a helping hand to those in need. When tragedy strikes, our community steps up and it has a ripple effect. For the Doran family that ripple effect has developed into a new foundation that turns grief into goodness. After their eldest daughter Rachel Doran, a Staples Alumni passed away from Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a rare reaction to household medicines, the family has been leaned into their supporters and begun a new nonprofit organization called Rach’s Hope. The Go Fund me page was a clear indication of their support. The mission is to help families weather the storm of critical illness as a way to return many of the kindnesses that they experienced while dealing with the most difficult time a family can imagine, losing a child
On Saturday March 2, Rach’s Hope will be hosting their inaugural event at 7:30pm at the Penfield Pavilion in Fairfield, Connecticut. Saturday’s event will bring community members together to raise funds to directly benefit families whose children are in Intensive Care. The proceeds from the event will provide families with financial and emotional support while they undergo treatment.
According to a recent press release, “...Not everyone has the resources that we did, no one should go through the illness of a child alone. Rach’s Hope strives to be that support for families that need it,” Lisa Doran, Rachel’s mother said.
The event will feature a live, silent and online auction with items ranging from gift cards to local restaurants to Yankee box seats to a Napa Valley get-away. Local businesses like The Granola Bar, Saugatuck Sweets, Greens Farms Spirit Shop and Venture Photography are sponsoring the event along with national corporations like United Bank and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. A local parent band from Fairfield will provide the entertainment while Staples High School’s SLOBs will help set up on Saturday afternoon.
Rachel’s sister, Ellie Doran ’20 explains, “I think Rach’s Hope is a great way of continuing my sister’s impact on the world....she left such a mark on all of our lives, and we’re going to be doing the same for others.”
Ellies close friend added, “Rach's Hope is a great organization, it really helps families cope with hardships as well as brings the community together to spread awareness,” Jane VanArsdale ’20 said.
A unique feature of the event is the dress code and it’s connection to Rachel’s talent as a costume designer for Staples Players, fashion enthusiast and seamstress. “Pajama Chic” is a reference to Rachel’s childhood business called Rachel’s Rags, pajama bottoms that she designed, sewed and sold to friends and family.
The slogan of the foundation is families helping families weather the storm of critical illness. The Doran family hopes to help in weathering the storm and leave a mark on other’s lives just like Rachel did.