A Star in my Universe shone fiercely only a moment and then was gone... my precious first-born, my daughter... the first person I ever fell madly in love with upon first sight. Cassandra Larissa Kotas Clarkson May 29, 1989 - July 21, 2019. ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ I have put together this campaign at the request of friends & family. Cass collapsed on June 23rd from massive bleeding caused by Esophogial ruptures. She was airlifted from Olympia to Swedish First Hill ICU. For 28 days, she battled valiantly against the multiple organ failure that finally took her from us on July 21st. Cass is survived by her 10 year old son Orion, me, her mother - her Stepfather & brother, her beloved in-laws, as well as her father and his family. She is loved and remember by grandparents, uncles & aunts, cousins, and friends. During her illness, and since her death - I have been comforted by the sheer number of people who have reached out with thier stories and support. Cass was well loved by many, many people. ♡♡♡♡♡ Her late husband, US Ranger Joel Clarkson (KIA 2010) was part of a strong brotherhood of other Rangers (2/75). They have been so kind and were always a great source of support for Cass & Orion. The Rangers are helping with her final arrangements and some other expenses, in addition to ensuring Orion will we able to attend college and other important details and rites of passage. I am so very grateful. In addition to these items, we are moving Cass' belongings into storage until after the probate process releases them. There are also other expenses the Ranger's generosity will not include. To our knowledge, there is no life insurance... This Go Fund Me campaign is for those other things. Included are items like: * the expenses associated with re-homing her pets (neutering and vet bills) * 6 to 12 months rental of a 10×20 storage unit * Uhaul rental * final household expenses * cleaning equipment & supplies for her apartment * legal expenses (to secure Orion's custody where the other Grandmother & U have agreed he should be, and disposition of Cass' estate) * any medical or other bills I can't get forgiven * the million other things I can't wrap my head around right now that are associated with the cold process of "end of life" activities. Any donations will be used for these items - and if anything remains afterward, it will be put into an account for Orion's care and needs. Thank you for taking the time to read this - even if you do not choose to or can't participate in this campaign-- please send out thoughts of love to Cass and her son. Hug your loved ones... your babies... Thank you.