The health of a popular Crofton pub owner is a major concern after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Rachael Viala (nee Screaton) took over ownership of the Brass Bell Pub two years ago in April and has a long-term lease for the space in the building. She also worked at the pub for many years under the previous ownership before taking over and has always enjoyed a great rapport with the clientele there.
Pub patrons, friends and family are now hoping for the best prognosis for Rachael as she endures a difficult time. Her absence from the pub is already being felt, as everyone awaits any ongoing news about her condition.
B次元官网网址淩achael worked seven days a week and she hasnB次元官网网址檛 been there for a couple of weeks now,B次元官网网址� said her aunt Lianne Brown. Even during COVID, B次元官网网址渟he did a wonderful job,B次元官网网址� Brown added.
The first sign of serious problems for Rachael arose nearly three weeks ago.
B次元官网网址淪he had her daughterB次元官网网址檚 first birthday behind CedrickB次元官网网址檚,B次元官网网址� pointed out Brown. B次元官网网址淪he said her back was sore.B次元官网网址�
Rachael went to the doctor and received some medication for her back, but complications occurred again two days later when she was shopping. B次元官网网址淪he thought she was having a stroke and went to hospital,B次元官网网址� Brown noted.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted and revealed a tumour.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 about the size of a golf ball,B次元官网网址� said Brown. B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 going to be down for a long time.
B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e trying to get the swelling on the brain down. ItB次元官网网址檚 hard on everybody. Everybody loves her.B次元官网网址�
Brown added Rachael will be having two surgeries, with the first one on Wednesday, March 29.
Rachael and Tim Viala had planned to be married previously, but COVID put off their plans until they finally tied the knot officially in August of last year. In the meantime, they had daughter Sawyer, who turned one, just as Rachael was beginning to experience problems.
B次元官网网址淚 feel they will need some financial support to help get through this,B次元官网网址� noted Brown. B次元官网网址淪he will not be able to work for some time and her husband will be travelling back and forth. This is very devastating for family and friends. She gives a lot to the community.B次元官网网址�
A fundraising campaign started by Brown to help them out had already raised more than $7,000 of its $10,000 goal by Friday afternoon. Click for details.
B次元官网网址淪ome lady Rachael worked with when she was 16 just donated $1,500,B次元官网网址� Brown enthused.
She said a donation box has also been set up at CedrickB次元官网网址檚 Coffee House on Joan Avenue in Crofton, just a block away from the Brass Bell, for those whoB次元官网网址檇 like to offer support. No donations are being taken at the bar, with people being directed to CedrickB次元官网网址檚 instead.
Kathleen Storteboom, who has also worked at the Brass Bell many years, has taken over running the pub in the interim, with many others chipping in to help.
While Rachael has been primarily at home while awaiting surgery, Brown reported she was having problems with her vision Friday and went back to hospital.
Brown is in constant communication with Rachael to see how sheB次元官网网址檚 doing almost minute-by-minute.
B次元官网网址淚 talk to Rachael 20 times a day,B次元官网网址� said Brown. B次元官网网址淲e just text. (Thursday), she was having a bad day. She was on the couch all day.B次元官网网址�
Just after Rachael took over the pub in May of 2021, The Upside Guys from CHEK-TV came to Crofton to do an on-location broadcast.
Brown has contacted Ed Bain of CHEK about the possibility of returning for a fundraiser.
B次元官网网址淚f they organize a fundraiser, etc. we could certainly look at that for a show,B次元官网网址� Bain indicated in an email to the Courier.
In the meantime, everyone is hoping for the very best for Rachael as she goes through her ordeal and the support has been overwhelming.
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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