06/06/2024
Last night (6/5/24), the Chee family from North Attleboro, MA, awarded 4 NAHS graduating seniors with a $1,000 scholarship (totaling $4,000) to those furthering their education in the mental health field.
Cassie’s Cause have given these scholarships to NAHS students each year since 2021, when Cassie’s Cause launched as a 501(c)3 foundation.
Applicants are asked to write a 500 (or more) word essay answering why they chose their major of study. The Chee family believes that it is this generation that will continue to change the dialog/story around mental illness, su***de, and eradicate the fear of judgements and associated stigmas with mental illness.
About Cassie…
Cassie was adopted from China when she was just 15 months old. From a very young age, Cassie had a unique passion and talent for the arts. Her creativity in drawing, painting, and music was simply remarkable. As Cassie got older and entered North Attleboro high school, she was very interested in movies and had decided to pursue her love of Film.
Cassie was passionate about the environment and nature. She also had so much empathy and compassion for those less fortunate than her, as well as the marginalized. Although she suffered in silence, she was acutely aware of those around her who suffered as well, and made efforts to help reach out to those with anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Mental illness is a disease of the brain. It is not a moral issue! It is only through donors/supporters like you that assist us to reach our goals, which is to continue the mission of Cassie’s Cause in hopes of saving more lives, and to keep Cassie’s sweet spirit alive.
Together we can make a difference!
Excerpts taken from each essay…
“Ever since I was a little girl, I knew my passion was to help others. Being a volunteer at a local hospital made me realize I wanted to be a nurse. I am intrigued by different types of nursing, especially that of mental health and psychiatric. I’ve heard and experienced so many stories of kids in North Attleboro facing physical and mental health issues.”
Madeline – UMass Lowell – Nursing with a minor in Psychology
“Studying biology pre-med was not merely a career choice, but a calling – a testament to my unwavering commitment to understanding the intricacies of the human mind and body. As I delved deeper into the study of biology, I realized the profound impact that mental health has on every aspect of our lives. From physiological manifestations of stress to the neurochemical imbalances underlying psychiatric disorders.”
Anna – UMass Amherst – Biology Pre-Med, MD
“What makes me want to go into the Psychology field is to be able to meet with children and teens in person and give them a counselor they can trust and feel comfortable with. I would love to work with child/adolescent psychology and work with them going through struggles, for them to feel safe, and to not be afraid to tell someone that they are really struggling. The first step, although the hardest, is the most important.”
Kristen – Grove City College – Psychology
“This year, I have become the VP of Active Minds, a club at our school that focuses on reducing mental health stigma and spreading awareness. I am planning on studying psychology as a major in college, in addition to my other major of elementary education. I want to help kids who struggled from an early age to feel more empowered. I want to give them hope and the availability they deserve so they can thrive in their everyday life. As a teacher, especially one with a knowledge in psychology, I can make the positive difference in their life that I am so passionate about.”
Kelsey – Wheaton College – Elementary Education & Psychology
Cassie’s Cause, a 501(c)3 foundation, is dedicated to increasing the education and awareness around mental health, as well as eradicating the stigmas associated with mental illness, and is also dedicated to the prevention of su***de in young adults.
To learn more, or donate to the cause, please visit www.cassiescause.com.
