Unsung Hero: Racheal Worthen

Tools

By WSIL Manager

Story Created: Sep 23, 2011 at 11:09 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2011 at 11:17 AM CDT

MARION - Racheal Worthen makes her workday look easy as she rolls through the halls of the Marion VA Hospital. It seems like second nature to her now, but 8 years ago her life changed.

"2003, May 18th. It was after Sunday school," she recalls.

Racheal was with a friend when their car went off the road, hit a culvert, an rolled multiple times. She was thrown from the vehicle and realized she couldn't move her legs.

"From that moment I knew things were going to be different," Racheal says.

Since Racheal's spinal cord wasn't severed, but severely pinched, she deals with nerve pain daily. She says getting used to life in a wheelchair was no easy task.

"I look back and I'm like, wow, I can't believe I took that for granted."

But co-workers say she shows nothing but positivity as she works in the business office and operators office at the VA.

"She's overcome so many challenges and she's still willing to put herself out there," says Public Affairs Officer, Peggy Willoughby.

Recently Racheal was named first runner up in the Miss Wheelchair Illinois pageant in Chicago. Now, she's taking on more volunteer work.

Racheal started a fundraiser to make care packages for homeless veterans, inspired by those she serves at the VA. It's called the Walk n Roll-a-thon.

"There's so many homeless veterans that I come in contact with- and I can't stand it," Racheal says.

She raised $2,000 in her first week collecting donations.

Racheal says, "I see something that I think I might not be able to do- I'm gonna do it. Just because it's a challenge."

"She has an energy about her," says Peggy. "A quality that she wants to help other people."

And Racheal fulfills that goal on a daily basis... "I still live life to the fullest, just sitting down."

Racheal's Walk & Roll-a-thon gets underway Saturday the 24th at 10:00 a.m. All are invited to begin the 10k at the Murphysboro Motomart. Money raised will go toward care packages for homeless veterans.

Current Weather

Marion Regional
Current: 64°
Partly Cloudy
High: 66°
Low: 64°
Wind: 0 MPH
Pressure: 0.00
Humidity: 100 %
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's on WSILTV Full Schedule