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.

鈥淩achael worked seven days a week and she hasn鈥檛 been there for a couple of weeks now,鈥� said her aunt Lianne Brown. Even during COVID, 鈥渟he did a wonderful job,鈥� Brown added.

The first sign of serious problems for Rachael arose nearly three weeks ago.

鈥淪he had her daughter鈥檚 first birthday behind Cedrick鈥檚,鈥� pointed out Brown. 鈥淪he said her back was sore.鈥�

Rachael went to the doctor and received some medication for her back, but complications occurred again two days later when she was shopping. 鈥淪he thought she was having a stroke and went to hospital,鈥� Brown noted.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans were conducted and revealed a tumour.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about the size of a golf ball,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淪he鈥檚 going to be down for a long time.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e trying to get the swelling on the brain down. It鈥檚 hard on everybody. Everybody loves her.鈥�

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.

鈥淚 feel they will need some financial support to help get through this,鈥� noted Brown. 鈥淪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.鈥�

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.

鈥淪ome lady Rachael worked with when she was 16 just donated $1,500,鈥� Brown enthused.

She said a donation box has also been set up at Cedrick鈥檚 Coffee House on Joan Avenue in Crofton, just a block away from the Brass Bell, for those who鈥檇 like to offer support. No donations are being taken at the bar, with people being directed to Cedrick鈥檚 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 she鈥檚 doing almost minute-by-minute.

鈥淚 talk to Rachael 20 times a day,鈥� said Brown. 鈥淲e just text. (Thursday), she was having a bad day. She was on the couch all day.鈥�

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.

鈥淚f they organize a fundraiser, etc. we could certainly look at that for a show,鈥� 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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