Meet Cassandra Russell, a 23-year-old from Westbrook, Maine who has been struggling with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Cassandra actually applied for our grant last year but was unfortunately not selected until this cycle. When we spoke with her over the phone, she was so sweet and understanding, and we felt is truly deserving of financial assistance.

In her own words, “I’ve never been in a really good financial position but I was always able to at least go to work and make my own money and I would make just enough for me to get by. Since being diagnosed with cancer and having to undergo multiple surgeries, treatments, doctors visits, developing new health issues, being on so many medications, I physically can’t work right now and probably won’t be able to for a while bc of so so many restrictions that I have now. My doctor wrote me a doctors note to give to SSI to show them that I can’t work and in that letter mentions that “I’m permanently disabled” because of how bad my health issues are. I also recently took custody of my best friend’s baby (she was born last year) and so now I have to provide for her as well which babies aren’t cheap and yes I know I could’ve said no but I don’t like letting people down bc my cousins went through foster care and it was hell. And it’s just so hard bc prices of things just keep rising and there’s not enough money for things anymore.”

We sincerely hope the donated funds we sent are able to provide some help during this difficult time. Stay strong Cassandra!!