CAMDEN — This summer was supposed to be any ordinary summer for Camden’s Rachel Waldron and her husband, William Waldron III. 

The couple were in the midst of planning for the future, setting goals, and making plans to start a family when a significant curveball was thrown at them and all new goals and plans needed to be set. 

In June, Rachel was stricken with an acute case of encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. 

After being life-flighted to Maine Medical Center, she spent several days in a coma and has experienced traumatic brain injury symptoms as a result. 

As of late Aug. 9, Rachel was reported as “doing a little better” by her family and is still stick but able to get and about. 

She is not able to drive for the next few months and has several appointments and tests scheduled for the coming months. 

Doctors say it could take more than a year for her brain functions to return to normal, though she intends to return to her job as a behavior assistant at Thomaston Grammar School in September.

The family, however, notes it is to be determined if she will be able tolerate returning to work as she currently gets “very tired and worn out with any amount of mental stimulation.” 

A benefit event for the Waldrons to help offset a multitude of medical expenses will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rockland Elk’s Lodge. Tickets to the spaghetti supper and silent auction are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

For more information, contact Lucy Levenseler at 207-592-9812 or waldronfamilybenefit@gmail.com. 

Those unable to attend the event, but still wish to assist the family may send donations addressed to William or Rachel Waldron to 3 Powder Mill Road, Camden, ME 04843. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.