Rachel Althizer, 32, received the 2024 Courage to Shine award at the International Conference in Milwaukee, WI. Born in the small town of New Burn, North Carolina in 1992, her medical journey began with an emergency ambulance ride to a larger hospital immediately after birth.

She underwent immediate closure, reclosure, bladder neck reconstruction, and an osteotomy. At age four, she developed blockages in her ureters. Her parents, especially her mother, researched doctors across the U.S., leading them to Dr. Gearhart at Johns Hopkins. 

When Rachel was four years old, she had major surgery to create a neobladder using her intestines and a mitrofanoff using her appendix. Since then, Rachel has been healthy and fully continent, with only a few procedures and surgeries.

After a childhood filled with competitive soccer, school, and typical teenage drama, Rachel earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. She and her husband have been married since 2020 and live in her hometown, close to parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. 

A Passion For Helping Others

Throughout her life, Rachel developed a passion for helping and connecting with others. In 2023 and 2024, Rachel was invited to participate in the International Bladder Exstrophy Collaborative Workshop in India. “The doctors, nurses, Pamela, and everyone involved in the workshop make a significant difference in every single patient’s life, from life-changing surgeries to simply taking the time to explain bladder exstrophy,” Rachel says. “I hope my presence in India provides hope to parents and patients that they can lead fulfilling lives despite being born with bladder exstrophy.”

Rachel also serves on the Bladder Exstrophy Patient Advisory Board, which aims to connect and provide resources for adult BE patients. “I’m dedicated to serving the Bladder Exstrophy community that supported my family and me so much during my childhood and continues to do so today.” Rachel shares, “I’m honored to be part of this community and look forward to connecting with more patients and families.”