Cassie is a devoted mom of three, a beloved Assistant Principal at Brattleboro Union High School, and a cherished member of her community. Anyone who knows her knows the energy and compassion she brings to everything she does — cheering on students at games, supporting families through tough times, and working tirelessly to make school a safe and welcoming place for everyone. She was also a local special education teacher prior to being an administrator and served on the Gill Montague Regional District for nearly two terms. She has show tremendous dedication to this community as a doer and a helper. Unfortunately she now needs our help.

In May, Cassie received the difficult news that she had breast cancer (HR/PR positive, HER2 negative). Given her age and family history, her doctors recommended genetic testing. The results revealed that Cassie carries the PALB2 gene mutation, which significantly increases her lifetime risk of breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. This means that although she is in treament for Breast Cancer, there will be ongoing monitoring of other areas in her body for cancer.

After several months of waiting, Cassie underwent a double mastectomy in August. The surgery was difficult, but she approached it with courage and hope. Unfortunately, post-surgery pathology showed that the tumor was larger and more aggressive than initially thought. This put her in Stage 2 Grade 3. This meant Cassie would need to undergo additional treatment. Due to the aggressive grade, and the likelihood for Cancer to develop in other areas of the body, 12 weeks of TC (combination of two chemotheraphy drugs) Chemo will occur. Following this there will be five weeks, M-F of radiation on her full right check wall, preformed only at Baystate in Springfield. After this she will need two more surgeries to be considered in remission.

On Friday, Cassie begins 12 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by five weeks of radiation at Baystate Medical Center. Today, she’s having a port placed to begin her chemo journey.

The road ahead will be long and exhausting — physically, emotionally, and financially. There have been countless trips to and from Baystate for appointments, medical equipment and supplies needed for recovery, and time away from work for both Cassie and her husband, Eric, who has been by her side every step of the way.

Cassie has spent her entire career giving her best to others — to her students, her colleagues, and her community. Now, we have the opportunity to give back to her.

Your support will help cover medical expenses (like the $91k+ surgery bill or the $100k a month chemo treatments. Thank your higher power for health insurance), the cost of medications, travel costs incurred by needing to go to Springfield daily for five weeks, and the day-to-day needs of their family as they navigate this challenging chapter. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and remind Cassie and her family that they’re not alone in this fight.

Thank you for helping lift Cassie and her family up with your kindness, generosity, and love.