Fundraiser Planned for Geneva High Graduate

A Geneva High School graduate battling leukemia has the support of her alma mater.

The school’s Key Club is sponsoring a fundraiser at Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday that will benefit Rachel Pinson, 26.

The restaurant will donate 25 percent of each purchase to her when customers say they are there for Rachel. Both dine-in and carry-out customers can participate, club adviser Kristine Toldness said.

Rachel Pinson’s mother, Mary Pinson, said the support her daughter has received is overwhelming and appreciated.

“People have come out of nowhere,” she said.

Rachel Pinson was diagnosed with leukemia in September and began aggressive treatment at the University of Chicago, including a stem cell transplant from her brother Austin, a senior at Geneva High School, her mother said. She noted he didn’t think twice about the donation.

“He gave her the gift of life,” she said.

Rachel Pinson has a master’s degree in exercise science and works as a certified massage therapist at Massage Envy in Geneva Commons, though she is unable to work until she regains her strength, her mother said.

“She has a very positive attitude and believes in the power of prayer,” Mary Pinson said.

Whatever donations are left once Rachel Pinson is in remission will be donated to a leukemia foundation, her mother said.

If you go

What: Fundraiser for Rachel Pinson, Geneva High School graduate diagnosed with leukemia
Where: Noodles & Company in Geneva Commons
When: 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6
More information: www.reachoutforrachel.com