Jason Carrasco: 'Rest in peace, beautiful girl'
Meet the ever so beautiful Cass. When I was diagnosed with cancer at 18, initially the shock was overwhelming and at times unbearable. However a special girl named Cass heard about my diagnosis and felt she could help. She had gone through a brain tumour at 16 and was at the time just in remission.
So every day for two years she would come visit me, text me, listen to hours and hours of whining. It was unbelievable this girl just kept coming back!
I remember the day she shared her story with me and I was just in awe. Here was a girl who had been through the worst but the person she became from it was something I aspired too. Her zest for life, funny character and unexpected courage throughout her battle was truly unique.
She would say things like ‘I wish I could take your pain’ but her presence made me feel invincible. Anything was possible as long as we were together.
The day I was cleared of my cancer, Cass had relapsed with another brain tumour the next day. She was given a 1% survival chance but like the true warrior Cass was, that 1% hope was all she needed to keep fighting.
I had come to love this girl so much but I felt so helpless.
I was heartbroken and I just couldn’t understand why this was happening. I wanted to give her the life she so deserved. So we decided to film our friendship in the hope people could form relationships like ours through their own battles.
We were lucky to meet the Sony Foundation and become involved in the YouCan project, which provided all the resources to achieve this vision. We had dreams that no-one had to be alone anymore while fighting a battle.
Want to donate to the Sony Foundation's You Can Program for teens fighting cancer? Click here
In November 2013 Cass came towards the end of her life. I’d visit her every day, kiss her on her forehead, hold her hand and be by her side. I told her how proud I was of her and how much I loved her. I looked at her in the eyes and told her I’d finish what we started, that her legacy would be safe with me.
Cassi passed away on the 11th of November, 2013.
Cass showed me just because I’m in pain doesn’t mean I have to be one. That these dreams we have, like my dream of sharing this story, are possible if we have the courage to believe in them. Cass showed me how to love someone unconditionally.
I thank you for everything you’ve ever done for me. I am so sorry, Cass, I couldn’t save you like you saved me. I really am. But the people you have inspired through this footage, your infectious smile, your visits to hospital, your beautiful words and silent strength: endless.
The people she has helped will go on to help others.
And now we are going to have this never ending cycle of kindness Cass, because YOU came into our lives, Cass, and you changed it all. You, young girl, are the testament to the human spirit and I will continue to live your name until the day we meet again.
Until we meet again, rest in peace, beautiful girl. Your buddy Jason still loves you, so much.
Jason and Cass' story airs on Sunday Night at 6.30pm
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