GoFundMe Launched to Help Daughter of Miami’s Area Stage Founders

John and Maria Rodaz are best known around South Florida for establishing Area Stage. Since 1989, the conservatory and theater company, first in South Beach, then in Coral Gables, and now at Sunset Place, has presented a mix of contemporary and classic plays, world premieres, and immersive theatrical experiences. Sadly, tragedy has struck the Rodaz family, and they are asking for help. 

John and Maria Rodaz’s daughter, Rachel Pedeaux, was visiting South Florida for Thanksgiving when she suffered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma. Pedeaux, a 33-year-old mother of three who resides in New Orleans, has been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a condition that interferes with the heart’s electrical conduction system. For the last month, Pedeaux has been on a respirator, first at South Miami Hospital and now at Kindred Hospital in Coral Gables.

According to a press release put out by Area Stage, since their daughter fell into a coma, John and Maria Rodaz, “are maintaining a constant presence at her bedside while also caring for Rachel’s three young children”.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up by Patricia Farrell for the family to help cover “the overwhelming burden of medical bills, missed time managing their active non-profit Area Stage, and more importantly, the challenge of supporting Rachel’s children during this uncertain time”.

As of December 30, the campaign has raised over $41,000 towards a goal of $50,000. The GoFundMe campaign goes on to explain, “As they focus all their energy on this unimaginable situation, the financial strain grows. Your donation will go towards Rachel’s medical bills, allowing them to focus on their family’s needs. The Rodaz’s have dedicated themselves to serving the Miami community, and now, in their time of need, we know there are many who will want to give back.”

A December 28 update from Maria Rodaz had some positive news: “Rachel, though still connected to the respirator, is beginning to breathe on her own. The goal is to wean her off of it. Every step of her recovery is a miracle! Thank you, God, for Your blessings. Please continue to pray for her, particularly for her to regain consciousness. Bless you all for your support!”