By Kate Stow
“It’s been a rough year,” Rachel said – and a complicated one.
Beginning on December 14, 2023, she underwent treatment for Fiddler’s Jowl – an occupational hazard for violin players. The cutaneous condition is usually characterized by redness, thickening, and inflammation on the left side of the neck below the angle of the jaw where the instrument is held.
“I wasn’t clotting correctly afterward, and it was decided that it was a complication of having COVID,” Rachel explained.
Next on the list was emergency gallbladder surgery, followed by complications from that. After canceling several shows, she was finally able to get back on the road and made her Sturgis Bike Rally gig on time.
And then, as so many others have fallen victim to hackers, so did Rachel. Her Facebook page was out of control for some time.
As if all that wasn’t scary enough, her doctor thought she might have ovarian cancer, and a series of tests were run. Although she did test negative, she is scheduled for a full hysterectomy on December 11 to remove the risk. This surgery will keep her out of work for 4-8 weeks.
Rachel Stacy with Kate Stow of BUDDY Magazine
No sooner had Rachel believed she had dodged the “Big C Bullet” than doctors found Squamous cell cancer, also referred to as Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), on her left eyelid. It is not a typical area in which to find this type of life-threatening skin cancer, but doctors removed the cancer cells (Mohs Surgery).
Following her recovery, she was referred to an Oculoplastic surgeon for reconstruction of the eyelid. This was an intense surgery due to the location of the cancer, and insurance will not pay for it.
Despite spending a large amount of time under medical care, she still managed to present the Roots Group of the Year Award at the Texas Country Music Awards.
“This has been a great but challenging year,” Rachel exclaimed. “But 2025 is going to be even better!”
Thanks to producer Robbie Turner, best known as Waylon Jennings’s right-hand man, Rachel has just enough time to heal up before her “better” year begins.
“Oh my gosh,” she said. “I’ve been traveling back and forth from Texas to Nashville all year, between all this other stuff.”
While some of the great things she’s been working on will remain secret for a while, she’s already shouting from the rooftop about one of them. Prompted by her song “I See Beautiful,” the board of Soul Tea decided that a partnership with Rachel would be the perfect collaboration.
Soul Tea is a company that sells certified free trade quality teas from around the world and offers second-chance employment to people who have suffered a significant life setback. Rachel makes no secret that she is in her 13th year of sobriety and is very proud of this new partnership.
Listen here: https://youtu.be/QJ6q5K2lKzQ?si=9FCrQHYyvHL5VHCd
“At Soul Tea, we believe in steeping love, hope, and opportunity into everything we do, which is why partnering with musician Rachel Stacy to support her song ‘Beautiful’ is a natural fit. Rachel’s song resonates deeply with our mission to remind individuals of their worth and value, particularly those facing opportunity challenges,” said Samantha “Harley” Renz, Chief Love Officer at Soul Tea. “Together, we are amplifying a message of empowerment and self-love, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique beauty and potential.”
To help Rachel get back on her feet, a Fundraising concert will be held on Sunday, December 8th, at The Cottage from Noon to 8 PM. Performers will include Texas Flood, Guthrie Kennard, Jimmy Wallace, Creed Fisher, and many more. An auction and 50/50 Raffle will also be available.
“We are so excited to support Rachel,” said Jimmy Wallace. “It’s always so hard for any musician who faces a health challenge on this level.”
“I’m grateful for all the people around me. I have amazing humans in my life – fans and people who have supported my music,” Rachel concluded. “2025 will be great!”
According to Rachel, she has had to cancel approximately $20,000 in bookings during the crisis. She also has medical bills that were not covered by insurance.
To help, you can donate money at https://www.givesendgo.com/rachelstacy or give directly to Rachel on VENMO: @therachelstacy.
