Ailing mother of three writing book using one finger as community rallies to support her and her family

A SEVERE brain stem stroke three years ago left Rachel Capps unable to care for herself. But that hasn’t stopped the former lawyer and mum from getting on with life as best she can.

Rachel Capps with her children, Harrison 9, Isabella 12, and Joshua 10. Pictures: David Swift

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WHEN a severe brain stem stroke struck Rachel Capps three years ago she went from being a happy mother of three young children and making the most of her life to needing full-time care.

The then 41-year-old lawyer from The Ponds was struck down by the stroke and left with a severe brain injury in May 2013.

Now the community is banding together to raise enough money so that Mrs Capps’ family can purchase a special FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation) bike to aid her rehabilitation.

Rachel Capps, Harrison, Joshua and Isabella with Olivia Chong who is organising a fundraiser for the family.

Mrs Capps, who has three children Isabella (12), Joshua (10) and Harrison (9), communicates by typing with mainly one finger on her iPad. That hasn’t stopped her from writing a book about her experiences.

Kellyville Ridge mother of two, Olivia Chong, who runs the Entrepreneur Mums Australia Facebook group, is behind the Christmas for a Cause market on the weekend of December 3 and 4 at Good Luck Plaza Blacktown.

Rachel Capps with Olivia Chong and her mother Christine Wee who are helping the family.

Rachel and husband Shane with Isabella, Harrison and Joshua.

“This is our first social enterprise project for all the mums in our group,” Ms Chong said.

“Rachel was a resident that was nominated by her friends that care for her as I was searching for a family in need to help cook dinner.”

Ms Chong and her mum, Christina Wee — who runs her own catering company— cook dinner for Rachel each week.

Ten per cent of profits raised from the market will go towards purchasing the FES bike while some of the stalls will be donating all profits for her towards her cause.

Rachel and Shane Capps at a recent wedding, with children Isabella, Harrison, Joshua and Shane.

There is a GoFundMe page for Mrs Capps where they hope to raise $14,500, and have collected more than $5,000. It was began by her close friend Iesha Taraboulsi.

“I woke after my stroke and I found it hard to blink,” Mrs Capps said.

“I couldn’t move my arms or legs and I needed a trachie (a tube cut in the neck to aid breathing) and peg (a tube cut directly into my stomach) to live.

“I spent 15 months in hospital where I weaned off the trachie and peg.”

“I type one hand, mainly one finger but I try to incorporate the others.

“I can stand holding a rail and move my left hand a bit but it’s like gravity is an anchor.

“Considering I first found it hard to blink, I’m pleased with what I have now albeit it took a lot of time and effort.

“Hopefully improvement will continue but as hard as it is to move, I must move or I regress. Fingers crossed.”

Mrs Capps with children Harrison, 9, Isabella, 12, and Joshua, 10, with their mum Rachel.

Mrs Capps, who is overwhelmed by the community support, said she could not manage without the selflessness of her husband, Shane.

“He works full time and cares for me when he gets home,” Mrs Capps said.

“He manages raising the kids truly like a single parent.”

How to help Rachel

■ Who: Fundraiser to help local Rachel Capps who suffered a severe brain stem stroke and needs fulltime care

■ What: The Christmas Market for a Cause at Good Luck Plaza, Blacktown, 17 First Avenue, Blacktown

■ When: Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4

■ Time: 9am-4pm

■ Features: Authentic Asian street food, live cooking demonstrations, henna, jewellery, massages, nail and plant products, preloved items, handmade cards, children’s entertainment

■ Details: 0423 671 399 or [e-mail]