Our Story: For Rachel. For Paris.
The Star and Paw Project began in the quiet space where grief meets gratitude.
It was born from the loss of two inseparable spirits: Rachel, a beloved friend who fought a long, courageous battle against cancer, and Paris, a Jack Russell Terrier whose constant, joyful presence was a light in every room she entered—until she, too, was taken by the same disease.
In the wake of these losses, we didn't just want to remember; we wanted to respond.
An Evolving Legacy
What began as an idea to honor two lives has grown into a movement. As our vision for supporting families expanded, we realized that our name needed to fully capture the beautiful intersection of human courage and the unconditional love of our animal companions.
We are proud to introduce The Star and Paw Project.
The "Star" honors the light Rachel left behind, and the "Paw" honors the joy Paris brought into every day. Together, they represent the heart of our mission: to create experiences that remind families they are not alone.
The Mission
We realized that when a diagnosis enters a family’s life, it often consumes the space where joy and "normalcy" used to live. We saw a need—not for more medical intervention, but for more human intervention. We saw a need for moments that belong to the family, not the hospital.
Our Philosophy: Moments Cancer Can’t Take Away
We don’t fight cancer—we create the space where life happens in spite of it.
Through our signature initiative, Pawsitive Moments, we are dedicated to providing families with experiences of joy and peace. Whether it’s a surprise joy package, a celebration of a milestone, or simply the gift of presence and connection, we are here to ensure that cancer doesn't get the last word.
The Legacy Continues
Today, The Star and Paw Project serves as a reminder that love is an enduring force. By turning the memory of Rachel and Paris into tangible acts of kindness, we ensure their legacy isn't defined by the end of their lives, but by the love they continue to inspire in others.
Honoring Rachel and Paris’s legacy by creating unforgettable moments of joy for those affected by cancer — celebrating life, love, and resilience.
This initiative exists to ensure that individuals and families facing cancer, human or canine, are seen, celebrated, and given moments that transcend diagnosis.
Core Focus
Vision
Through Pawsitive Moments, we partner with charitable organizations to deliver fully funded, once-in-a-lifetime dream experiences for recipients selected by the charity. These experiences are amplified through global marathon participation, turning remembrance into meaningful action.
Powered by: Pawsitive Strides — the movement that transforms the fight against cancer into forward motion.
Pawsitive Moments include
Fully funded, curated dream-day experiences
Experience design, logistics, and execution
Professional photo, video, and digital assets capturing the day
Marathon participation across the Abbott World Marathon Majors
Legacy-driven storytelling honoring Rachel & Paris
Why Now
The loss of Rachel and Paris to cancer revealed a universal truth: memories matter. In moments of fear and uncertainty, meaningful experiences become anchors of hope. This nonprofit transforms grief into action by ensuring others receive moments of escape when they need it most.
We give Pawsitive Moments!
Contact us
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