Cassie Harris

Cassie Harris - Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Leiter Side Photography
Issue 56 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Cassie Harris was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in early 2021 when she was 16 and in her sophomore year of high school. Always a fierce competitor on the softball field, Cassie knew she was in for a battle but always kept a smile. In September Cassie returned to school for her junior year, giving high school soccer a try even though she never played before. When spring came around Cassie was ready for her favorite sport which is softball and was the starting varsity catcher. Part way into the season, Cassie has a biopsy done on a spot that showed up on a scan from a checkup. The results were good news as it was negative for cancer and Cassie returned to the softball field and just enjoyed her junior prom.

Photography by Leiter Side Photography

​What was it like finding out you had cancer, and the process that followed?
When I first found out I had cancer it didn’t come as a shock, for months I told my doctors that I thought I had cancer and none of them listened or believed me. The whole process started very quick, the day after I was diagnosed, they put my port in, then the next day I started my chemo journey.

What were your challenges and how did you overcome them?
Throughout my whole journey some of the challenges I faced consisted of physical and mental challenges. Physically I lost all my body strength, speed, and started to develop breathing problems. Mentally I fell far behind the rest of my class when it came to school, because I couldn’t do school throughout my treatment. Another challenge I faced mentally was I wasn’t allowed to see my friends, so I felt very alone and like I was missing out on all the fun.

How did having cancer change you for the better?
 It made me a stronger person and changed the way I see my life. It taught me to not take anything for granted and to appreciate the little things in life.

What was the hardest thing about the entire ordeal and how did you get past it?
Chemo was definitely the hardest part of the whole journey. Constantly feeling sick, not being able to eat, sleeping all the time so I couldn’t feel the pain. Knowing that every treatment was one step closer to the end really helped me. Using different remedies for the nausea and pain also made chemo a lot smoother.

What was recovery like?
It wasn’t easy but it wasn’t hard. Adapting and realizing I still don’t have my strength back was really hard. My breathing still isn’t the best, but it’s definitely gotten a lot better. Overall, it has taken a strong toll on my body and I’m still till this day working my way back to 100%.

Photography by Leiter Side Photography

What would have made it easier?
I believe that if I wouldn’t have lost my hair it would have made it a lot easier. During the whole process I had trouble and a lack of self-confidence. I was too focused on getting made fun of for not having hair and I never realized how strong it made me look.

What were you grateful for?
I was grateful for the support of my friends, family and community. They all made sure that my family was well taken care of. They held fundraisers to help with all the expenses of treatment and constantly traveling to the hospital. The support system helped make the journey a lot easier.

What was a positive memory from treatment or recovery?
A positive memory from recovery was finally being able to see my friends and play softball again.

What do you wish people knew?
I wish people knew how hard it is to stay positive throughout the whole journey, but it’s not impossible. As long as you have a good attitude, everything will work out in your favor.

Photography by Leiter Side Photography

Why did you choose Leiter Side Photography for your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I chose Leiter Side Photography because he is a local owned business and he does amazing work. He also lost his son to cancer and likes to take the opportunity to take pictures of me anytime. It was by far the best experience with any photographer I have ever gotten pictures done with. What I loved most about was he is very artistic and is always up to any ideas you have.

Tell us more about your softball career.
I started playing softball when I was 8 years old. I am a catcher, but I can play any position you put me at even pitcher. I am currently playing for my High School team, and we just won the district championship.

What is a favorite accomplishment from softball?
My favorite accomplishment was winning the championship every year from ponies all the way to my last year at teeners. We also held the record for every year.

How was trying soccer for the first time in the fall?
I absolutely loved it, it was very first time playing and I was able to start varsity in districts.

Photography by Leiter Side Photography

Tell us about your prom experience.
It was my fourth prom I attended, but the very first one for my own school and it was by far my favorite. I had an amazing night with my friends and date. I even won prom princess.

What will you remember most about your junior year?
There are three things I will remember the most about my junior year. Being voted into homecoming court, winning prom princess, and winning districts for my softball team.

Look for Cassie in issue 56 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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