Hi everyone, this is Rachel’s family and friends here. As hard as it is to believe, we approach the two-year anniversary of her passing.

For those who are new here or unaware, sadly and tragically, Rachel was taken from us far too soon as a result of complications arising from an unknown heart condition. We discuss it more here.

As time passes, we’ve grappled with how best to honor and remember our wildflower beyond Hippie in Heels. Rachel lived a full life and touched so many peoples’ lives, especially young women travelers, while she was here with us on earth. She was an adventurer, fearless and free. She traveled the world, experiencing new cultures and making good friends along the way.

In 2012, she met the love of her life, Ben, and settled in Goa, India. From that point forward, Rachel put her heart and soul into this travel blog. She aspired to reach young travelers especially young women travelers to give them the tools and courage needed to get out there and see this beautiful world. All who had the privilege of knowing Rachel knew she had a big and giving heart and always had a soft spot for animals, especially her fur babies.

In her honor, we are going red for Rachel on June 5th, 2021.

What Does Going Red Mean?

Go Red for Women is part of the American Heart Association and “a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.” 

Go Red’s goal is to simply save more lives by educating women and bringing awareness to cardiovascular diseases which claim the lives of nearly 500,000 women every year. It is our hope with Go Red for Rachel that we can help this mission and ensure no other family goes through what we went through. 

The 1st Annual Go Red for Rachel Memorial Walk

With this walk we also hope to honor Rachel’s life and continue to spread the positive influence of her desire to lead and inspired women across the world to chase after their dreams.

Details

  • Location: Lexington Community Park, Lexington, Ohio
  • Date: June 5, 2021
  • Time: 8:30 AM for t-shirt pick-up and 9:00 AM for the walk
  • Join here

Social distancing will be encouraged and mask-wearing is recommended but optional unless otherwise directed by the health department and governor.

Participants aged 13 and older require registration. Young kids are welcome to participate in the walk with parents and do not need to be registered. Strollers are allowed. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

If you register prior to May 5 you will be guaranteed the t-shirt of your size to be picked up the morning of the walk.

All proceeds and donations will go to AHA’s Go Red For Women initiative. 

Can’t Join Us in Lexington?

We welcome all to participate even if you do not live locally. Wear red. Do a socially distanced walk in your own town. Donate to the AHA’s Go Red Initiative. Share this event. Anything you’d like to do, we greatly appreciate the support!

If you register for the event and are doing the walk virtually, we will mail you your t-shirt in a timely manner.

If you’d like to donate to Go Red for Rachel, donate here

As stated previously, all proceeds will go to the AHA Go Red for Women initiative. 

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for the continued support of Hippie in Heels, especially given how the last year has gone. 

Sincerely,

The Jones family, Ben, & close friends