In 2020, our world changed when Cassie was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma. To help cope with the fear and uncertainty, we gave it a name — “Craig.” Somehow, naming it made it a little easier to talk about as Cassie went through an invasive surgery to have it removed.

This last summer, “Craig” proved to be more than just a nuisance from the past. It became persistent, demanding, and disruptive — the kind of presence that takes up too much space and refuses to leave. At this point, we’ve started calling it “Karen” (with all due respect to the lovely Karens we know) because this tumor has become that kind of problem — loud, exhausting, and interrupting Cassie’s life.

But Cassie's stronger than “Karen” ever bargained for.

With the incredible care of her team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Cassie is preparing to start 6 weeks of intensive radiation therapy. She will receive treatment 5 days a week and have weekly (possibly daily) MRIs to monitor the tumor and correlating placement of the radiation machine. It’s a scary but major step forward, and one we’re hopeful will finally put “Karen” in her place.

But it also means temporarily relocating to Rochester, 500 miles away from home and from her daughter, Hadley.

Cassie is currently on a waitlist for free lodging near the clinic. In the meantime, she'll need to cover hotel stays out of pocket, along with travel costs when she’s feeling well enough to visit Hadley (or have Hadley come visit her when it works best.) Flights are currently $1000 roundtrip STL>MSP for her and Hadley.

That’s where this GoFundMe comes in.

Donations will help cover essential costs like lodging, transportation, meals, lost wages, and (just as important) a few fun distractions to keep Cassie’s spirits up during treatment. When Hadley visits, it might help them make a special memory together during an otherwise challenging time.

Every donation, prayer, and outreach is helping Cassie stay focused on healing, not logistics.

Thank you for being part of her fight — and for helping us show “Karen” the door once and for all.

With gratitude,

Cassie's Family