I would like to introduce to you Cassie Wood ,a 17 year old grade12 student at Avonview High School which is located in Windsor Nova Scotia Canada. I am an Educational Assistant at AvonView and one of the first times I saw Cassie at school one could not help but notice her unique style of dressing. It was wonderful seeing someone being an individual, when in high school it is always about students struggling to fit in. I could not help but remembering my high school years and wishing I had the courage like Cassie to just be myself. Perhaps that is why every time I saw Cassie I would smile and think “you go girl”. Though out the year Cassie could be seen perhaps wearing baggie jeans, hanging suspenders, chain necklace and perhaps a tie-dye t-shirt and always to complete the outfit was her hair. At any give day it could be 3 red spikes next time blue and covering her beautiful face. Yes Cassie definitely beats to he own drum when it came to her fashion.

It was not until about 2 months ago when Cassie was passing out hand made breast cancer ribbons for a donation at the schools open house did I realize she was doing this for her mother. Cassie is on her own private mission to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. She told me that when she first found out that her mom had cancer she did not handle it well and with time she realized she had to do something to help out. This amazing young lady has organized a variety show at the school , passed out ribbon for donations and on May 20 on stage in the cafeteria during a busy lunch hour in front of her peers Cassie’s sister ,Christina, shaved off Cassie’s hair. This was not a easy thing for her to do as she told me before hand “my hair is my life“. When asked why she said “because I hid behind my hair, lack of self confidence but proud to do it because it is for a good cause. Now I am going to have to come out and be me”. After many deep breaths and a few tears, she makes her way off the stage and through the cafeteria. Many are shocked but there a few students with tears in their eye as they are very well aware the affect cancer has on the whole family.

Cassie’s mom Donna is present for the event. Of course she was very emotional and extremely proud of her daughter , completely understanding how much her hair means to her daughter. Cassie has successful raise over $500.00 to date, her goal is $1000.00.

Good luck Cassie we know you are a young woman with remarkable strength and have every faith you will reach your goal.

If anyone is interested in making a donation you can do so at The Breast Quest Dragon Boat Society.

 

 

 Update:After a very successful variety show with the help from a grade 12 Business class , Cassie has surpassed her initial goal. To date she has raise $2000.00. I repeat now out loud what I thought of Cassie the first time I saw her “YOU GO GIRL”.