A family’s painful journey after a sudden cardiac arrest becomes a call for awareness, compassion, and hope in Miami and beyond
A Thanksgiving visit to South Florida turned into a life-altering medical emergency for one family, reminding Miami residents how fragile — and precious — life can be. A 33-year-old mother of three is now fighting for recovery after a sudden cardiac arrest linked to an undiagnosed heart condition, drawing widespread support from the local arts and community circles.
Rachel Pedeaux, a New Orleans resident visiting her parents in South Florida, collapsed the morning after Thanksgiving and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors later determined she has Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a rare condition that disrupts the heart’s electrical system and often goes unnoticed for years.
The cardiac arrest event caused a severe hypoxic brain injury, leaving Rachel in a coma for more than a month. She was initially treated at South Miami Hospital and has since been transferred to Kindred Hospital Coral Gables, where specialists are slowly weaning her off a respirator. In a hopeful development, her family recently shared that Rachel has begun breathing on her own.
Miami arts community rallies around the family
Rachel’s parents, John Rodaz and Maria Banda-Rodaz, are well-known figures in the local arts scene as founders of the Area Stage Theatre Company & Conservatory. While maintaining a constant presence at their daughter’s bedside, they are also caring for Rachel’s three young children — a responsibility shared with love, resilience, and community support.
MRI scans have shown that some areas of Rachel’s brain remain undamaged by the cardiac arrest, offering cautious optimism for her recovery, which is expected to involve long-term neurological rehabilitation and cardiac care. To help with mounting medical expenses, friends have organized a GoFundMe campaign, easing financial strain so the family can focus on healing.
Rachel’s story underscores the importance of heart health awareness and early detection — a message that resonates deeply in communities like Little Havana and Coral Gables, where family and togetherness are everything. To stay informed on stories that matter to Miami, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter, and for businesses looking to support meaningful local journalism, contact Pressnet Corp. to explore advertising opportunities.
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