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Totino-Grace Holds 24-Hour Prayer Event For Student With Cancer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Sunday is often a day of prayer and reflection, and that couldn't be more true than this Sunday, with the Totino-Grace community.

The school is holding a powerful day of prayer for a student who learned last week there are few medical options left to treat her brain tumor.

"The word is out that every hour on the hour for the rest of today until 6 a.m. tomorrow we're all praying," Coach Jeff Ferguson said.

The prayers are for Rachel Woell, a senior at Totino-Grace Catholic High School. The school community turned to the power of prayer to lift Rachel up, to encourage her and even heal her.

The school invited the community to pray together on Sunday afternoon, and to write a note of support on paper in Rachel's favorite color.

"We want her to get better and if we're here, maybe it might happen. A miracle could happen and she gets better," student Eric Moynagh said.

Rachel was first diagnosed with brain cancer in second grade.

Recently she learned a more aggressive tumor is growing again. Rachel and her parents came to pray with their faith community, family and friends.

"We're just sort of united for one cause, and that's really to pray for Rachel," Rachel's dad, Jamie Woell, said.

The idea of the 24-hour Power Novena came from assistant football coach Don Roney.

He watched as Rachel and the team grew close, with Rachel serving as team manager. She inspired the team. They embraced her as family.

Roney brought the idea to head coach Jeff Ferguson.

"She has supported us. For two years, she has supported us, and now it's our chance to support her," Ferguson said.

They are supporting her through prayer and one simple phrase.

"I love you Rachel," Ferguson said.

The Power Novena, Rosary for Rachel, will continue until 6 a.m. on Monday. The idea is to say a rosary at the top of every hour. The school would like anyone who wants to participate to do so.

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