Pokémon English voice actress for Misty, Jessie, Jigglypuff diagnosed with cancer
Rachael Lillis, who provides the original English voices for Misty, Jigglypuff, and Jessie in the Pokémon series, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to the fundraiser organized by her sister Laurie Orr, Lillis is currently being cared for in a nursing home facility in Los Angeles. Her disease has worsened to the point that she is barely able to walk due to the cancer having "spread to her spine."
"She has been there since late January, but needs personal care at home, particularly a home care nurse. Someone who can cook some simple meals, help her daily, and give her medication," Orr wrote in the description.
Veronica Taylor, the original English voice actress for the Pokémon anime's protagonist Ash Ketchum, also implored her fans to help her former co-worker.
"My dear friend Rachael is in need of your help. Her sister, Laurie, has started a GoFundMe for medical bills. Rachael has contributed so much to all of our lives. Any contribution you can make will help her get the care she needs," Taylor wrote.
My dear friend Rachael is in need of your help.
— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) May 13, 2024
Her sister, Laurie, has started a Go Fund Me for medical bills.
Rachael has contributed so much to all of our lives. Any contribution you can make will help her get the care she needs. ❤️https://t.co/TFGSGiJ3HJ
The fundraiser on the GoFundMe website proved to be a success, as donations have already reached $62,070 (P3.5 million) from their goal of $20,000 (P1.1 million) as of writing.
Lillis is known for providing the voice of the water-type trainer Misty in the Pokémon anime, who served as Ash's traveling companion for several seasons. She also brought to life the character of Jessie, a villainous member of Team Rocket whose goal is to capture Ash's Pikachu.
Lillis also lent her voice to several Pokémon creatures, more notably Jigglypuff, who is known for singing a lullaby that puts others to sleep. She retired from the show in 2006.
Aside from Pokémon, her other works include Hunter x Hunter, Your Lie in April, Winx Club, and more.