And what you may ask is a SCAD?

SCAD occurs when a split or separation suddenly develops between the layers of the wall of one of the blood vessels [artery] that provides blood flow to the heart.

The space between the layers of the artery wall may fill with blood, causing a haematoma, which may reduce or block flow through the artery; or a flap of loose tissue from the dissection may create a blockage.

If not diagnosed and treated quickly, SCAD may lead to a heart attack, life-threatening arrhythmias or sudden death.

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Women in their 40s and 50s are most at risk of SCAD, although it can occur at any age and also in men.

The majority of people who develop SCAD are often healthy with no known risk factors of heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high blood cholesterol.

Rach survived the terrifying experience after suffering symptoms on a family long weekend get away at Lake Conjola on October 2 last year.

After being given "life saving treatment" at Milton Hospital she was transferred to Shoalhaven and then onto the coronary care centre at Wollongong Hospital where she eventually had three stents put in place.

Rach had certainly never heard of SCAD and now 12 months on, despite having had a "couple of trips back to hospital" and being forced to give up her beloved job as the "Pink Postie" due to the physical nature of the work, she "is doing fine".

"It's been an interesting journey to say the least," she said.

To help raise funds for research into the condition SCAD Australia, each year holds a SCADaddle.

The five kilometre fundraising walk, run or even skip if you like, is held at various locations around the country.

Well-known for her local fundraising efforts and being involved in local causes and knowing first hand the importance of such research Rach is encouraging locals to get behind the cause.

The event this year is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17 but a lot will depend on what happens with COVID.

"Ideally, I would love to hold a local event and raise funds for this cause, but it will depend on what happens with COVID and our re-opening on October 11," she said.

"I would like to see a fundraising event, maybe at a local sports field, where people can get together (appropriately spaced of course) and walk for five kilometres around the ovals," she said.

"It could be a real family effort."

If all goes well she plans for the event to be held on Sunday, October 17.

If COVID restrictions don't allow such events, you can still undertake a five kilometre walk in your own area.

"Just get out there, have a wander and raise some much needed funds into SCAD research," she said.

So far across Australia more than $111,000 has been raised from various SCADaddles.

SCAD research is undertaken at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, who have partnered with the Mayo Clinic, an American research company.

SCADaddle participants are also encouraged to wear red on the events.

"Red is for the heart," Rach explains.

"And you're encouraged to take photos and post them with the #SCADaddle or #mycause.

"All money raised in Australia stays in Australia for research to better understand, diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent SCAD heart attacks, but this event is also about raising the awareness of SCAD and what it is."

Already a number of walks have been planned for the Cambewarra area, where Rachael works in the local shop, with the community there getting behind the cause.

You can take part in the SCADaddle by going to the SCAD Research Inc website at www.scadresearch.com.au/ where you can go to the MyCause section to make a donation, or even purchase merchandise,

Or to support Rachael's efforts go to her MyCause page (https://www.mycause.com.au/p/264840/rachael-hallcroese?popup=1&fbclid=IwAR16OgnOpohkMAkGB1aK5oE5I1ypK0tQt8tCud-ue9oyyY09UZtWJ2tW-AQ ).

More information on SCAD is available at SCADresearch.com.au or the SCAD Research Facebook page.