She kept going. Now help her take the final step.

Help Cassidy Complete the Climb

Support Cassidy as she moves to Buffalo, New York, for her Fall 2026 Child Life internship at Golisano Children's Hospital.

After years of overcoming chronic illness and preparing for this career, Cassidy is one step away from becoming the kind of support she once needed.

Donate Now Sponsor Her for a Day Read Her Story

Every gift helps Cassidy take one step closer. 🌷

Photo of Cassidy
Her Journey

Cassidy's Story

Where It Began

Cassidy's path to Child Life didn't start in a classroom. It started in a hospital bed.

An accident in eighth grade caused a traumatic brain injury and years of chronic illness. As a teenager, she spent long days in children's hospitals searching for answers.

During those days, Child Life Specialists brought her paint and canvases. Stress balls during hard procedures. The next book in her favorite series. They even advocated for her exhausted mom.

Those small moments of comfort changed everything.

The Climb

Now, Cassidy is working to become that person for other children and families.

She earned her B.S. in Psychology with minors in Family Services and Early Childhood Development, plus extra Child Life coursework through UC Santa Barbara.

With limited opportunities in Southern Utah, she applied three rounds in a row to earn a spot in a virtual practicum and completed 145 clinical hours. Many said it wouldn't be enough. She kept going anyway.

Photo: Cassidy outdoors
Photo: with animals
Photo: graduation

The Buffalo Opportunity

For her final 600-hour internship, she applied to 32 hospitals nationwide. Three interviews. Two finals. One offer.

Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo selected Cassidy as their Fall 2026 Child Life Intern — a rare achievement on a first application round.

This internship is not just a move to Buffalo. It is the final step in a years-long dream.

Why She Needs Support

This opportunity came sooner than expected, before Cassidy could build savings. It was too important to walk away from.

Moving across the country comes with real costs: travel, housing, groceries, and daily needs. Your support helps carry Cassidy up this final stretch.

The Impact

Why Child Life Matters

Child Life Specialists help children and families cope with medical experiences. They use education, play, preparation, comfort, and advocacy to make hard moments feel less scary.

Cassidy knows the impact of this work because she has lived it.

She remembers what it felt like to be scared, in pain, and far from normal life. She also remembers the people who helped her feel human again.

Now, she wants to offer that same care to others.

Comfort & Advocacy

Bringing care to children who are scared and families who are overwhelmed.

Education & Preparation

Helping children understand what's happening so fear becomes less overwhelming.

Lived Experience

Bringing authentic understanding to children and families navigating medical trauma.

Fall 2026

A Rare Opportunity in Buffalo

32 applications.

3 interviews.

2 final interviews.

1 offer.

Golisano Children's Hospital of Buffalo selected Cassidy. This is a highly respected stand-alone children's hospital with a dedicated Child Life team.

This internship is the final step in Cassidy's training before certification. It will give her 16 weeks of supervised clinical experience and help her move from student to professional.

Join the Climb

Ways You Can Help

Choose the path that feels right for you. Every kind of support matters.

Sponsor Her for a Day

Cover meals, transportation, and essentials.

Fill Her Pantry

Help stock groceries and comforts of home.

Shop Homemade Gifts

Handmade items created by family.

Give Any Amount

Every gift moves Cassidy up the trail.
Comforts of Home

Fill Her Pantry

Moving for an internship means starting over with the basics. Help Cassidy stock her pantry and settle into life in Buffalo with groceries and household items.

Add to Her Pantry
Handmade with Heart

Homemade Gifts Made with Love

Cassidy's family is creating homemade gifts to help support her move and internship. Each purchase helps fund her journey and carries a little piece of home with it.

🌼

Handmade Floral Gift

A sweet floral creation made by hand, perfect for brightening any room.

$255 available
Purchase This Gift
🧶

Cozy Homemade Item

Something warm and comforting, crafted with care by Cassidy's family.

$304 available
Purchase This Gift
🎁

Custom Keepsake

A one-of-a-kind keepsake made just for you or someone you love.

$403 available
Purchase This Gift
🍂

Seasonal Handmade Gift

A handmade item inspired by the season, made in small batches.

$206 available
Purchase This Gift
🐾

Animal-Inspired Gift

A charming creation inspired by Cassidy's love for her animals.

$284 available
Purchase This Gift
💝

Made-with-Love Surprise

Let us surprise you with a handmade gift chosen just for you.

$35Limited
Purchase This Gift

Gift options and availability may change as new homemade items are created.

View Available Gifts
Words Matter Too

Send Cassidy Some Encouragement

Your words can carry her up the mountain, too. Leave a note below.

Thank you! Your kind words mean the world. 💐

Good to Know

Questions & Answers

What is this fundraiser for?
This fundraiser helps Cassidy cover the costs of moving to Buffalo, New York, and completing her Fall 2026 Child Life internship.
What expenses will donations help cover?
Donations may help with travel, housing, groceries, transportation, daily essentials, internship-related costs, and emergency expenses.
Can I donate a custom amount?
Yes. Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated.
Can I support Cassidy without donating?
Yes. Sharing the fundraiser, purchasing a homemade gift, or sending Cassidy encouragement are all meaningful ways to help.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Unless otherwise stated, donations should be considered personal gifts and may not be tax-deductible.

Help Cassidy Take the Final Step

Cassidy has spent years preparing for this moment. She has lived through the kind of fear, pain, and uncertainty that many children face in medical settings.

Now, she is ready to turn that experience into care, comfort, and advocacy for others.

Your support helps her get to Buffalo, complete her internship, and carry this kindness forward. 🌸

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