Photo Courtesy of Paula Preston Photography. Makeup and Hair by Brenda Torre and Andrew Schmitz.

"Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and Advocate" are three words Rachel Richards uses to describe herself. Growing up in a small town in central Minnesota as a tomboy, Rachel was active in rodeo, volleyball and modeling.  Through her participation in sports, she has learned that hard work, persistence and dedication are what it takes to persevere and succeed.  Rachel works as a full-time model, television host, actress, and model manager while owning her business, Models Image Inc. She has walked the runways for LA Fashion Week, designer Bill Blass and most importantly to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.  You can see her on the big screen appearing in the feature film "Surfer Dude" starring Matthew McConoughey, "Beverly Hills 90210", "CSI New York",  "Bikini Destinations", and in "Entourage" on HBO.  Rachel is a co-host for boxing events on Fox Sports and is a model manager for two major promotional agencies in the US.  

Philanthropy is close to Rachel's heart and she has raised over $100,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Her grandfather (who died of lung cancer) told her before he passed, "Every obstacle has an opportunity, every opportunity has a gift, it's up to you to use that gift".  Rachel believes her gift is her open heart, her open mind, and her passion for her platform. Rachel has already enlightened and encouraged her peers by speaking about precautionary measures for this deadly disease.  She is continuing to spread her message of Breast Cancer Action, Awareness, and Advocacy on a state and national level.

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Breast cancer is a disease that knows no boundaries. It strikes women from all backgrounds, races, and ethnicities, the rich and the poor, the old and the young. I am honored to say I am in communication with Senators and young women around the country about  the Early Act, and the precautionary measures we can take to teach young women and healthcare workers about this bill.

• The EARLY Act encourages young women to be their own voice, speak up for themselves, and know when they need to go to the doctor.
  
   
• It arms them with the confidence to stand up to anyone who tells them "you are too young for breast cancer."
  
   
• The EARLY Act also lets young women know that genetic counseling is available to them, and encourages them to inquire about these tests with their doctors.

Rachel with her mom and 2 sisters.

Rachel with her older sister, Nacole and younger sister, Amber

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