The Local Tourist
Mary Beard Grodsky
Cassie Johnson Tidwell loved spending time at Pickwick Lake. It was not only the place where she came to relax with friends and family, this was where she chose to get married and host her baby shower. When diagnosed with cancer, the lake became her place of respite. The place where she could temporarily get away from the weight of treatment and the world around her. She was determined to create that option for others to experience while going through cancer treatment. Sadly, in October 2022, she passed away before it could come to fruition.
Shortly after her death, her friends decided to carry out her mission. Cassie’s Cause Foundation was created, working with both West Cancer Center and Darryl Worley, to identify patients in financial need and offer resources to those individuals while undergoing treatment. At the recommendation of staff at the cancer center, patients apply for a Pickwick Lake retreat weekend. Families are given the opportunity to rest, recharge, and create lasting memories at the lake through donations from individuals and local businesses.
The foundation covers all the expenses for patients to enjoy all that the lake has to offer along with financial assistance throughout the year. Cancer staff frequently call and make recommendations to the foundation based on seeing the same fighting spirit Cassie had while undergoing treatment.
This past weekend, Cassie’s Cause gifted families a special lake weekend, hosted at Grand Harbor Marina & Resort. Groceries were stocked by Happy Hippie Concierge and Brooks Grocery so that the families had everything they needed to relax and enjoy. Grand Harbor Marina donated boats for the weekend and allowed patients and their families to participate in their marina day, including swimming, boating, and waterslide fun.
Jessica Brockman and her family were one of the families gifted a weekend retreat. Upon their return from Pickwick Lake, Jessica said “We are so thankful. Each and every part of this weekend was so thoughtful and a blessing. Thank you all!”
The Cassie’s Cause Foundation continues to look for local donations, amenities, and overnight stays from the community. As cancer patients, medical treatments and travel are funded throughout the year by the foundation, they continue to seek donations around the Pickwick Lake community to help put proceeds toward medical expenses.
Julianne Fowler, Board Member for Cassie’s Cause, continues to try to expand the foundation’s reach in the Northeast MS area. “Pickwick Lake is home for many of us on the board and we see families burdened by the medical strain, both emotionally and financially. Many patients in the area have to travel hours just to receive the care needed. Anything we can do to help offset that for the families while experiencing the peace and enjoyment of the lake is what the foundation strives for.”
Cassie’s Cause Foundation is a 501c tax exempt non profit organization. You can donate at https://www.cassiescausefoundation.com/donate or contact Julianne Fowler at cassiescausefoundation@gmail.com.
