A high school student named Rae Toennies had an unexpected surprise when a country music superstar showed up unexpectedly at her school’s pep rally. Rae had been spending her days training and participating in basketball games, and her mother couldn’t be prouder of her. However, her life took an unexpected turn when she suddenly developed a terrible headache and went to bed. Her mom didn’t think much of it until Rae called her to check in on her because she couldn’t feel her legs.
After examination, the doctors found out that Rae had contracted a bacterial blood infection, which had started causing the girl major problems. Rae spent months in the ICU, and she ended up having both legs amputated and losing fingers from her hands. During Rae’s time in the ICU, her mother was fearful that she was going to lose her. Months later, Rae was finally as healthy as she could be after the horrible infection, but she was also left quadriplegic since the infection had affected her spine as well.
Despite her condition, Rae never stopped being an amazing, positive person, who enjoyed life “like she lives twice,” as she says. She started learning how to walk again and how to hold things in her hands after her recovery. After lots of physiotherapies, her condition has improved, but she still has a long way to go. Rae shared her desire to run and play with her friends and hold things by herself because right now, her mom has to brush her teeth for her.
One day, the KMOV Surprise Squad decided to crash a pep rally with unbelievable surprises for this inspirational young fighter. Rae received a life-changing surprise that day. Even though her life was turned upside down, Rae’s spirit remained unbroken, and she continues to inspire others with her courage and positive outlook on life.
