Rachel and Abbey Update Story
Four years ago, Big Sister Rachel and Little Sister Abbey shared their story of mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and now, they are back with an update on everything they’ve been up to since then!
The pair were first matched in September 2019, when Abbey was 12-going-on-13. Now, almost seven years later, Abbey is going into her sophomore year in college and about to turn 20 years old.
When Abbey last shared her story, she was a freshman in high school. Since then, Abbey has had a lot of changes in her life. She graduated from high school (with Rachel at the ceremony to support her). Now, the Little just completed her first year at IU Fort Wayne studying health sciences on her way to becoming a pediatric oncology PA.
“I chose that path because I really want to help people who think they don't have a chance at life and extend it,” said Abbey.
Four years ago, Abbey was just starting to see Rachel’s family grow, starting with her son Declan. Abbey continues to babysit Declan, along with Rachel’s other children! It has been a joy to watch her Big Sister’s family grow and step into a new role: being a good example for Rachel’s kids.
Life over the past four years has held many changes, but the strength of Abbey and Rachel’s relationship has stayed the same.
They get each other’s humor and can joke around and have fun with each other, leading to years' worth of fun stories to look back on. Abbey’s favorite moments with Rachel take place at the lake. With Rachel’s husband, Brad, driving the boat wildly, and Abbey and Rachel flying around on inner tubes—these are the memories Abbey cherishes.
Beyond just having fun together, Rachel’s “caring and motherlike” support has been a reliable source of strength as Abbey navigates new challenges as she grows up.
“She's always there for me whenever I need it. She's understanding in certain areas that I guess I've never felt understood,” said Abbey. “She's just like another mother to me. She's been like another mom since we've matched up.”
From 12 years old to almost 20, Rachel has been there for her Little in all aspects, treating her like a growing adult and according to her age. Her Big Sister consistently helps Abbey get babysitting jobs, acts as a reference, and last summer, Brad gave Abbey a summer job where he works.
“She's taught me how to be a woman… how to be independent,” explained Abbey. “She's taught me that it's okay to rely on others if I need help. She's really taught me that being myself definitely gets me the people in life that I have right now.”
When the young adult encounters new challenges, her Big Sister is there to guide her and comfort her through different situations. Over the years, she’s helped her through different difficulties when she didn’t even know she needed help.
“She's said multiple times to me like, ‘I'm never here to judge you. I'm always here to help you,’ and that's definitely like something that has grown in our relationship,” shared Abbey. “If I ever need anything or if she ever needs anything, we're both there for each other.”
The pair can’t wait to see what the next four years hold and beyond. Abbey knows that they will always be in each other’s lives, witnessing how each of their families expands, and she can’t imagine going through big milestones without her Big by her side.
“I feel so blessed to have her in my life. It was definitely a blessing that I didn't know I prayed for, like if she's answered a prayer,” said Abbey.
She encourages others to sign up for Big Brothers Big Sisters to find the friend, or even the family member, that you never knew you needed.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbsnei.org or call 260-456-1600.
Watch their Match Story here: