Updated 04/27/2002 04:20 PM
Run-walk raises funds for Rachel Cooke search
By: Antonio Castelan and Web Staff
It's been more than three months since Rachel Cooke disappeared while jogging near her home. Friends, family members, volunteers and law enforcement have been looking for her since.
Saturday, they raised money for continued search efforts with a run-walk beginning at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. All money raised from the walk-run will go toward search efforts and a reward, which now stands at $50,000.
Rachel’s boyfriend, Greg West, came back from San Diego just for the event.
“I went back to San Diego after I stayed here for about a month and a half helping out with the search effort. And I just couldn’t wait to get back,” he said. “We just want to keep Rachel alive because to us, she still is.”
Rachel's mother Janet said the support to find her daughter is tremendous.
"Most people in this community have kids, and they realize Georgetown has never had anything like this happen," Janet said.
Katie Sims, 20, goes to Southwest Texas State University. She and Rachel were good friends.
"It's sad because she's not here. I mean, lots of emotions because it's all for her," Katie said.
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Tim Miller heads up Texas EquuSearch, the private search group that looked for Rachel shortly after she was missing. He is back in Georgetown to look for Rachel.
"It's overwhelming looking forwards to new leads," Miller said.
Rachel's father Robert hopes this walk and run makes people think of their surroundings.
"We need to be more aware of our environment, and also know self-defense," Robert said. "We need to keep eyes open because there are bad people out there."
Rachel's sister Joann said it is painful wondering about Rachel's whereabouts.
"I don't like to think how you are not here because thinking brings hurt, thinking brings fear. But, how can I forget when I'm safe at home, and you are lost? Our lack of cognizance has left you coveted by men. The feelings of guilt he has exceeded in taking my sister and friend," Joann recited in a poem she wrote for Rachel.
For more information or to find out how you can help, log onto www.rachelcookesearch.org.