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Diggin' Pink: People come together in fight against breast cancer
Eight years old when her mother Robin died of cancer, the Lady Tigers' senior setter said, "It's hard a lot of times, but it has made me a better person and who I am today because I had to grow up before everyone else."
Already accepted to Missouri State to study elementary school education and business, she is leaving an impressive record at NHS, says her aunt.
"Cassidy was the best adjusted of us all about it," Becky Lowery said in reference to her sister's death. "She is the most like her mother.
"Robin was very friendly and into her kids," said the Truman Elementary fourth grade science and social studies teacher, noting Cassidy has a 21-year-old sister, Kori.
Asked her recollection of Robin's eight-year struggle with Ewing's sarcoma, Becky said, "She kept to herself about stuff like that.
"She wasn't one who wanted to draw attention to herself or make people feel sorry for her."
Cassidy's coach, Ashley Thoreson, said the 17-year-old is a key member of the Tigers' 17-8 squad. "She takes charge out there and does a good job for us," Thoreson said.
"She's a leader on and off the court and all the girls look up to her. She's in DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and a lot of extra-curricular activities. She was a cheerleader. I would not have known about her mom. She is a strong individual who will do well in life."
Thoreson said the 5-foot-8 Cassidy could play college volleyball but has decided to concentrate on academics.
Kori, a hairdresser at the Just for You salon, and Cassidy have been raised by their grandparents, Robert and Patricia Lowery. Their mother was a hairdresser and a staff member at Nevada State Hospital.
References say Ewing's sarcoma, a malignant round-cell tumor, is a rare malady in which cancer cells are found in the pelvis, femur, humerus, ribs or clavicle.
Played in pink uniforms and with pink and white volleyballs, the Lady Tigers' freshmen, junior varsity and varsity games Thursday night vs. McDonald County featured a silent auction, face painting, pink hair feathers, cookies and pink lemonade, benefitting Nevada R-5 Relay for Life and Vernon County Cancer Relief.
Cassidy has played the game since shortly after her mom died and she said the second annual "Dig for a Cure," referring to a diving maneuver to keep the ball from hitting the floor, was a high point in her career. "I love to play and it's a good way to raise money," she said.
"It's the biggest crowd we have all year. They think it's for a good cause and really get into it."
Many who attended the event donned pink T-shirts-- so much so that the bleachers transformed into a sea of pink
This is the second year Nevada High School has hosted such an event. Last year's event raised more than $1,000 in T-shirt sales and the silent auction brough in another $1,000. This year's fund-raising tallies were not available.