Honoring Rachel Doran

Posted on September 12, 2019 | 11 Comments

In August 2018, Rachel Doran — a rising senior at Cornell University, former National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Staples Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died.

She was diagnosed a month earlier with Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a rare reaction to common medications. She then developed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome — another rare syndrome.

Rachel was mourned by many. Her presence continues to be felt by those who knew and loved her.

Among them is State Senator Will Haskell — a classmate of Rachel’s at Staples High School. Recently, he petitioned the state to name a road after her.

A sign recently went up on the Sherwood Island Connector. Now her name will be known by many.

(Hat tip: Elaine Daignault)

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11 responses to “Honoring Rachel Doran”

  1. Caryl Beatus | September 12, 2019 at 4:21 pm |

    NICE TRIBUTE – THIS POOR GIRL MUST HAVE SUFFERED TERRIBLY. RIP

  2. Michael Isenberg | September 12, 2019 at 6:26 pm |

    An amazing young lady who touched the hearts of so many people. She enriched my life more than anyone can imagine. I will always love her each and every day of my life.

    Thank you so much Dan for making this possible.

  3. Susan Hopkins | September 12, 2019 at 6:34 pm |

    How very lovely.

    • Lisa Doran | September 12, 2019 at 9:17 pm |

      Thank you Dan, Will and all of you who keep Rachel in your hearts and thoughts each and every day. Please save the date, Saturday, February 29th, for the second annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala! With love and gratitude from Lisa, Alan, and Ellie Doran

  4. Jackie Kaplan | September 13, 2019 at 8:17 am |

    Amazing and perfect for a beautiful person!

  5. Denise Honeycutt | September 13, 2019 at 10:15 am |

    Such a lovely tribute for an extraordinary young woman! I will never forget her unassuming spirit.

  6. Lisa Bowman | September 14, 2019 at 11:27 am |

    This warms my heart. Good job, Will. Rachel was a shining star and is loved deeply by all who knew her. Sending continued love to her beautiful family.

  7. Julie Angel Beitman | September 14, 2019 at 12:03 pm |

    I absolutely love this!!! Rachel was such a beautiful girl inside and out. I think of her every day, she was beautiful, talented and the most remarkable person that was taken way too soon. She will forever live in our hearts.

  8. Pam Dedona | September 14, 2019 at 2:02 pm |

    Think about you every day.
    You will always have a special place in my heart.
    ❌⭕️ Pam

  9. Marjorie Greenblatt | September 14, 2019 at 8:26 pm |

    What a wonderful tribute to an amazing young woman who touched the lives and hearts of many. I send my love to her parents and grandparents.

  10. Marjorie Watt | September 15, 2019 at 9:13 pm |

    Will Haskell you never cease to amaze me.
    Rachel was one of the great loves of my life. I miss her every day.
    Thanks to everyone who has kept her memory alive.
    Lisa, Alan and Ellie may you find peace.