Often times we call the Rebelle a journey, but for some teams, their journey begins before even hitting the start line. Today’s Team Tuesday, appropriately name #183 Unbroken Journey, is two women from Texas who have not only faced some serious challenges, they certainly define “Texas Tough.” Please welcome Channel Williams and Marie Campbell to the Rebelle!
Channell is originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in San Antonio. She’s an author who had always been adventurous and competitive, but she’s also a fighter. Diagnosed with lung cancer, one of her lungs has been removed, she’s been put on oxygen, had 4-5 brain surgeries (she’s lost count), and an aneurysm in her heart, this woman is tough!
Given that running marathons and high-intensity physical activities are currently not an option, Channell thought her competitive days were over, until her teammate Marie asked her to Rebelle! Channell had a one-word response – “ABSOLUTELY!” She’s excited to get back to adventure with the rally. Her last big expedition was two years ago when she climbed Camel Back Mountain with oxygen, missing a lung, and having active lung and brain cancer. It took her at least 5 times as long as it did the first time she climbed it pre-cancer, but she did it! And – she’d do it again.
Channell can’t wait to hit the outdoors with her teammate Marie, whom she’s describes as incredibly patient, loving, nurturing, and all around amazing person.
“I’m super excited and grateful to be able to do this adventure, and with Marie..I know how precious each day is. The timing is perfect!” –Channel Williams
Marie was born in Needles, CA but grew up in El Paso, Texa and currently lives just outside San Antonio in a town called Bulverde. That’s where she met Channell, who was her instructor and motivator at the gym where she worked out. She states the best thing about Channell is, despite all the hardships she’s had in life, she comes back fighting harder and with her faith grounded – an inspiration to Marie and their community.
And Marie is not shy in telling us she doesn’t “do the outdoors well!” She first heard about the Rebelle from her husband. She laughed when he mentioned the idea of participating in a competition like the rally, but said if she did compete – she’d only do it with Channell because of their shared love of Land Rovers. Marie’s family owns three and they’re competing in her oldest most beloved LR3, “Money Penny.” When Marie happened to see Channell at church this summer, she mentioned the Rebelle…and here they are now headed to the dirt in exactly a month!
“I’m a speech-language pathologist and school teacher but decided to take this year off. I never dreamed that driving in the Rebelle would be my new future. I’m celebrating my 50th birthday this year, 25th wedding anniversary and taking on an ‘out of the box’ adventure with the Rally. And I have to mention…the most important people in my life are my husband Jeff and three children Wil (18), Colin (13) and Cate (12)!” –Marie Campbell
