Lydia Rachal, a young girl whose fight with a rare terminal genetic disorder has drawn widespread community support, has been chosen as the Diocese of Alexandria’s Catholic Daughter of the Year for the 2026 CDA Kid State Project, according to a social media post mad eon Feb. 11 by her mother.
Lydia’s story has resonated throughout Natchitoches and surrounding parishes as friends, neighbors and local organizations have rallied to support her and her family in their efforts to seek life-saving treatment. The campaign to help Lydia, who was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome, has included fundraisers such as a Fun Run at Northwestern State University’s campus that drew more than 400 participants and raised significant funds to help the family work toward clinical trial treatment options.
In addition to local runs, concerts and community events designed to raise awareness and funding for Lydia’s care, Gov. Jeff Landry proclaimed December as Sanfilippo Awareness Month to encourage greater awareness of the disease and the needs of affected families.
The Catholic Daughters of the Americas program, which bestows the Catholic Daughter of the Year recognition as part of its CDA Kid initiative, brings additional statewide attention to Lydia’s courage and the community’s support efforts.
Community leaders and residents continue to show support through fundraising, awareness and advocacy as Lydia’s journey inspires efforts across the region.
