Caring for a young adult with cancer is equal parts love, fear, strength, and total chaos. I tried to meet Cassie’s needs, support Ashley and Ethan, stay connected to Chris… and occasionally escape to the closet for a good cry. This is caregiving at its finest.

This Labor Day I checked off a big bucket list item — walking the Mackinac Bridge — but the experience reminded me of a deeper lesson Cassie once taught me. Bucket lists aren’t just about boxes checked; they’re about living fully, being present, and finding joy in both the highs and lows. In this Shoe Prints post, I reflect on Cassie’s wisdom, a young survivor’s perspective, and what it really means to ‘live like you’re living.

“In her latest Shoe Prints post, Karen shares the story of writing books for her grandchildren so they can know their Aunt Cassie, even though they’ll never meet her. A powerful reflection on family, grief, and preserving memories through storytelling.”

From midnight earache wakeups to 1:00am “urgent” questions about Christmas shopping, parenting college kids through the college transition is full of surprises. For me, it was also filled with hidden anxieties as Cassie chased her dreams at MSU while battling cancer. This is a story of resilience, humor, and the resources that help students thrive.

Father’s Day hasn’t felt the same for Chris, Cassie’s dad, since she passed away 13 years ago. This year, at Base2Summit—her cancer camp for young adults—He spent the day cooking, sharing stories, and feeling her spirit move through every moment. It was a powerful reminder for Chris of how grief and joy can coexist.

“It had been 12 years since Cassie passed away, and for the first time, I couldn’t feel her anymore—no dreams, no signs, no voice. That silence hit hard. This was a part of grief no one had ever warned me about.”

Ever wondered what it’s like to walk the caregiver’s path? As a mom, co-founder, and storyteller, I’m opening up about my journey through grief to hope. In Shoe Prints, CHSCF’s new blog, I’ll share Cassie’s story from my perspective, the lessons we’ve learned, and how we’re working to support young adults with cancer. Follow along and become part of the CHSCF insider community.