JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 25-year-old college student who had to have her leg amputated hopes the community will continue to help her raise money for a new prosthetic that will allow her to walk into school with pride.
Rachael Goodson used to love going to the beach and hanging out with her friends. But when her disease became too much, she had to cut back on living life.
"I like to tell people I got bit by a shark. And it kind of works out because now that I have half of a leg, it looks like I lost my leg in the shark attack," Rachael said.
But Rachael's zesty outlook on life didn't come from near-death shark attack. She was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow on nerve endings, when she was 3 months old.
"Growing up, my leg was swollen all the time. And once I hit puberty, it started swelling even more," Rachael said.
The painful growths affected her right leg.
"She called me from school, 'Mom, I ruined my favorite pants. I had to cut them," said her mother, Jodi Goodson.
In February, Rachael came to her mother with a decision.
"She came to me and said, 'Mom, what do you think about amputation?' Wow. How do you even wrap that in your mind when your child comes to you and says, 'Mom, I want my leg amputated,'" Jodi said.
Two months ago, Rachael and her loved ones said goodbye to her leg.
Now, she uses a walker and wears a temporary prosthetic but her mobility is very limited.
"This is just the sleeve that I put it in. And I can press this button and take it off," Rachael explained.
In two weeks, Rachael will head to school at Celebration College and her dream is to be able to sport a brand new prosthetic that will allow more freedom.
Jodi said the community has even pitched in to help make it happen.
"The actual AAMCO dealership from AAMCO Transmission has donated money, as well. So it's amazing the people that have been put in our lives that have helped," Jodi said.
Helping people is something that runs through Rachael's veins as well. She works with special needs children at her church.
She wants to continue showing anyone in her same position that anything is possible.
"Nothing is a limitation. Just give yourself and your situation to God. He has you and He'll have your back. Just put your faith in Him 100 percent and that's how I get through it," Rachael said.
A GoFundMe account has been set up for anyone wishing to contribute to helping Rachael get a prosthetic leg, as well as special socks and shoes.
The community can also follow Rachael's incredible journey on her monthly blog and Facebook page.