From Rachel's family
Our family is beyond heartbroken. Rachel was a loving daughter and sister, a loyal friend, and the brightest person in any room. Her kindness, determination, and faith inspired everyone she met.
She passed away while running the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2026.
We've been overwhelmed by support from friends and strangers alike. So many of you have asked how you can help or donated to Rachel's original marathon fundraiser.
The family will use all donations to create and fund the Rachel Apa Foundation.
The nonprofit will educate people about the little known condition that doctors believe killed her, rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo). We want to ensure athletes know about this danger, that no other family suffers a loss like this, and that Rachel's memory lives on.
Thank you for your support. It means the world to us.
