Rachel’s Corner

A Legacy of Love and Giving

Tucked into the Oncology Department at St. John’s Health is a small space that makes a big difference—Rachel’s Corner. Stocked with comfort items for patients and families, it stands as a lasting tribute to Rachel Khoury, a beloved nurse, mother, and advocate who turned her own cancer journey into a mission of compassion.

While undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer, Rachel began quietly filling a corner of the department with free items—soft hats, beauty products, journals, art supplies—thoughtful tools to ease the burdens of treatment. Her goal was simple: to help others feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.

After her passing in February 2025, St. John’s Health Foundation committed to sustaining and growing Rachel’s Corner through the generosity of donors. Most recently, the program expanded to include books and resources for children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer—offering families guidance, language, and emotional support during a difficult time. Rachel’s Corner is a space where kindness lives on—one hat, one book, one quiet gesture at a time.

Photo courtesy of Rachel’s Instagram, @dontmetswithrachel, where she bravely shared her breast cancer journey. Her caption from October 2023 reads, “LOOK WHAT WE DID! The oncology self-care corner is stocked! I can’t thank all the donors enough for making this little project come to life. Time to spread some love.”

Nail Artist Tara Huynh Honors Her Friend and Helps Others in the Fight

When Rachel Khoury first sat in Tara Huynh’s nail salon chair, a friendship began—one that carried them through Rachel’s cancer journey. After Rachel’s passing, Tara chose to honor her memory by donating a portion of her salon’s proceeds to St. John’s Health Foundation, beginning with Mother’s Day.

Today, Tara donates on dates that hold personal meaning—birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones—each one a tribute to someone she has loved or supported through cancer. As she puts it, “This is my way of giving back—and keeping Rachel’s light alive.”