Hi, my name is Cassi, and I’m reaching out with a hopeful and humble heart during one of the most difficult seasons of my life.

I’ve lived with diverticulitis for over 10 years. While I managed it quietly for a long time, this past year brought complications I never imagined.

In March 2025, I was hospitalized for a week due to a severe flare-up and missed three weeks of work. Then just two months later — the day after Mother’s Day — I was hospitalized again after the worst episode yet. This time, the diverticulitis perforated and formed a fistula to my fallopian tube. I had to miss the rest of the school year, my birthday, and my daughter’s graduation ceremony.

Thankfully, I avoided emergency surgery and a colostomy bag both times, but my surgeon and I knew the next step was inevitable.

After a colonoscopy confirmed my body was ready, I underwent major surgery on June 30, 2025 — a robotic sigmoid resection (partial removal of colon) with coloproctostomy (reconnecting colon) and splenic flexure mobilization (removes tension on the reconstruction). This was all done to remove the diseased portion of my colon. The good news is that the recurrence rate after this surgery is very low (between 2% and 8%), giving me hope for a healthy, full life again. Surgery was successful and post-surgery without complications.

But healing takes time. I lost over 30 pounds over the last few months, and my doctor says full recovery could take up to 6 months. I’m taking it day by day, listening to my body, and focusing on getting my strength back.

In the middle of it all, the financial toll has been overwhelming. I have $2,800 in medical bills, with more to come. I missed 6 weeks of work, used all of my leave and sick days, and lost some paid time off. My husband, Justin, used all of his vacation and sick time (3 weeks) and even took unpaid days to care for me and our kids.

We have three children — two in K–12 and one starting college — and with school shopping already here, the strain is hitting from every direction. It is difficult to not be able to provide the kids the things they may need.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been knowing that my health has placed a financial burden on my family. Justin has carried so much without complaint — quietly holding us together while working full-time, parenting, and supporting me through surgery and recovery. I want so badly to ease some of that weight for him. For all of us.

I started this GoFundMe to help our family breathe again — even a little. All the donations will go toward:

Asking for help like this is incredibly hard. I know many families are struggling too, and I’ve wrestled with whether or not to even do this. But I’ve realized that it’s okay to ask — and I’m doing so with humility and deep gratitude.

To my husband, Justin — thank you for being my strength and showing up every single day when I couldn’t. To my parents, thank you for stepping in with the kids and helping carry us through. To all that have been keeping me in your prayers, I am truly grateful and blessed.

If you're able to donate, no amount is too small, and if not, please consider sharing this. Your support — in any form — means the world to us.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being part of our healing journey.

With love and gratitude,

Cassi and family