Who is Gary “Cass” Cascagnette?
He is a fun loving, life of the party kind of guy; if spontaneous laughter erupts across the room, or the volume of the gathering suddenly gets increased, good chance “Cass” is in the middle of it. For anyone who has ever had the good fortune to meet him, it’s with a hug, not a handshake, and you rarely forget him; be it through hockey, golf, baseball or anywhere else, he is definitely a memorable guy. He has an incredible ability to make those around him laugh, often with some pointed good hearted ribbing, but just as often at his own expense.
All that said, that is “Cass”; Gary is an independent hard working entrepreneur who is the first one to offer support, but the last to ask for help. He is a stubbornly proud guy, whose mouth can only be outdone by his heart; and if you have ever met the man, that is quite a statement. He is a 57-year-old proud father of three, step-father, recent grandfather (with another grandchild expected in the New Year) and longtime loving partner to Carol.
The Back Story:
5 years-ago, Gary was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the lymph nodes in his neck. Through aggressive radiation and chemotherapy, the cancer was treated, eradicated and his cancer days behind him; or so we thought.
Unfortunately, this was not the case, and his battle is not yet over, a new cancer has appeared, Angiosarcoma in his larynx and voice box. Angiosarcoma is a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that makes up less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses in North America.
Gary went in for an operation at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on November, 30th of this year. The suggestion of the Doctors was to remove his larynx and voice box, a scary prospect for certain, but one Gary met head on; even stating the wish of many of his friends over the years was coming true, “Cass” was finally going to lose his voice! During surgery, the doctors discovered the cancer had already spread to his throat and tongue, it could not be successful, and was no longer a viable option.
Gary is now faced with a more intense and high risk round of radiation, chemotherapy, and a potential second surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Though this would be crippling to most, he is facing this with the attitude that has carried him through his previous battle, and defines who he is; “Thumbs up, carry on, f@#k cancer!” says “Cass”.
We his friends and family are asking for help, as we know he never would. The monies raised through will be used to help Gary and his family cover the cost of his medical bills and lost wages as he starts this next battle.
Whatever you can do to help will be graciously accepted, and appreciated. We thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about Gary “Cass”, and for all of your kindness and support!
He is a fun loving, life of the party kind of guy; if spontaneous laughter erupts across the room, or the volume of the gathering suddenly gets increased, good chance “Cass” is in the middle of it. For anyone who has ever had the good fortune to meet him, it’s with a hug, not a handshake, and you rarely forget him; be it through hockey, golf, baseball or anywhere else, he is definitely a memorable guy. He has an incredible ability to make those around him laugh, often with some pointed good hearted ribbing, but just as often at his own expense.
All that said, that is “Cass”; Gary is an independent hard working entrepreneur who is the first one to offer support, but the last to ask for help. He is a stubbornly proud guy, whose mouth can only be outdone by his heart; and if you have ever met the man, that is quite a statement. He is a 57-year-old proud father of three, step-father, recent grandfather (with another grandchild expected in the New Year) and longtime loving partner to Carol.
The Back Story:
5 years-ago, Gary was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the lymph nodes in his neck. Through aggressive radiation and chemotherapy, the cancer was treated, eradicated and his cancer days behind him; or so we thought.
Unfortunately, this was not the case, and his battle is not yet over, a new cancer has appeared, Angiosarcoma in his larynx and voice box. Angiosarcoma is a very rare and aggressive form of cancer that makes up less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses in North America.
Gary went in for an operation at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on November, 30th of this year. The suggestion of the Doctors was to remove his larynx and voice box, a scary prospect for certain, but one Gary met head on; even stating the wish of many of his friends over the years was coming true, “Cass” was finally going to lose his voice! During surgery, the doctors discovered the cancer had already spread to his throat and tongue, it could not be successful, and was no longer a viable option.
Gary is now faced with a more intense and high risk round of radiation, chemotherapy, and a potential second surgery at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Though this would be crippling to most, he is facing this with the attitude that has carried him through his previous battle, and defines who he is; “Thumbs up, carry on, f@#k cancer!” says “Cass”.
We his friends and family are asking for help, as we know he never would. The monies raised through will be used to help Gary and his family cover the cost of his medical bills and lost wages as he starts this next battle.
Whatever you can do to help will be graciously accepted, and appreciated. We thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about Gary “Cass”, and for all of your kindness and support!
Organizer and beneficiary
Carol Tarala
Beneficiary