Rachel Askew

I was born with a congenital heart condition that required surgery before I was even one year old. I lived a fairly normal childhood, however a routine doctor’s visit found a valve that was not functioning properly- and a problem that if left untreated would enlarge my heart and eventually cause it to fail. The only solution was a valve transplant which I received at age 18. Over time I truly came to understand the gift that a family had so generously chosen to share with me and I realized that I must give back. I compete and win pageants with organ and tissue donation as my platform. I also go along with my service dog Yoda to visit residents of assisted living facilities.