無懼死亡的生命鬥士盛晴

無懼死亡的生命鬥士盛晴

http://www.heraldmonthly.ca/newspaper/web/articleView.php?date=201609&id=4739

Update to the Torch Relay

When Cass was with us, her passion and goal were to participate in the Para Pan-Am games and be a torch bearer. Witnessing the torch relay was a very emotional,  “bittersweet" (from Megan) and "exceptional" (from Aaron) moment for us. 

We're very grateful and happy for everyone who came out to witness this event in Cassidy’s honour.  Lots of friends and family were there cheering Aaron and Megan on, and we took a lot of pictures with the torch.  

Cassidy really wanted to carry the torch herself, and Aaron ended up running the race in her name.  But it was a very joyous moment when we saw him standing with the lit torch, and struggling to hold a smile because his cheeks were getting tired (he frowns too much)!

When the torch reached Variety Village, Megan Sherwin, one of Cass’s best friends/swim buddy, gave a short speech, followed by some officials from Variety Village, and finally a few words from Aaron, much to our and his surprise.  After that, Megan lit Aaron’s torch, and he ran back out of Variety. CIBC and the organizers were so thoughtful and kind to recognize Cass’ role and gifted a commemorative torch for Aaron to keep. We would like to give them our heartfelt thanks!

 

 

We are so thankful for the people who came out to support the torch relay, especially for the lap run by Aaron.  Thank you on behalf of Cass and my family.

Pan Am Torch Relay - Cassidy

"Pre Torch Relay....
we've been longing for this moment for you, Cass "

"In loving memory of Fearless Cassidy, a great athlete. Proud of the Shengs. "

Aaron Sheng & Megan Sherwin in Torch Relay

A link to the Toronto Sun: http://www.torontosun.com/2015/07/05/pan-am-torch-carried-to-variety-village

Torch Relay 2015

Just an update to you about an upcoming event which we have all been anticipating for a long time.

The Pan-Am / Para Pan-Am Games will be held in the Greater Toronto area within the coming weeks. It is an exciting event which you may want to go out and support. Prior to the commencement of the games, there is a torch relay. In early July, the torch will be in Greater Toronto area. The organization has been so kind to honour Aaron Sheng​ to run on behalf of Cass. Aaron’s run will be from Variety Village to Danforth Road. Aaron’s portion of the torch relay will start at about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday July 5. One of Cass'​ best friend and swim buddy, Megan Sherwin​ will participate in the torch relay and pass it to Aaron at Variety Village. Please show your support by attending on this day and cheering for our special torch bearers.

"Cassidy taught me to live life to the fullest, take risks, and have no regrets" said Megan (an interview from Scarborough Mirror)

Once again, please support the games and cheer for the para athletes!

Fearless Cassidy Memorial Fund

As our family desires to continue Cass’ fearless legacy and to make her passions come true, we donated some money and set up a memorial fund in Variety Village for people to continue to donate and support the fund. We hope that the donations will be able to encourage more para swimmers to get involved in swimming, and to inspire more athletes to hang on and persevere. The fund will be used to award two recipients every year, one from para swimming and one from another sport. Please join in to support Cassidy’s passion for para sports and support Variety Village which works with young people with disabilities and those who face developmental barriers to achieve their life potential, 

This link will take you directly to the giving page for the Fearless Cassidy Memorial Fund and all donations will go into the fund:

www.fearlesscassidyfund.ca

It can also be accessed by clicking the Cassidy icon on the Variety Village home page:

http://varietyvillage.ca/

The first two photos were taken at the presentation of the Fearless award at the Variety Banquet on Thursday June 11. THE wonderful recipients of the Fearless Award 2015 are: Aly Van Wyck from the Flames and Charlotte McAfee Brunner from Taekwondo.

 

Aly Van Wyck, the Flames

Charlotte McAfee Brunner, Taekwondo

We are so privileged to have the coach of the Flames Swim Team to present these awards at the ceremony. We are so touched by the presentation awards speech and would like to share with you all as below.

Cass's swim team

"I am standing before you today, representing the Flames Team and the Family of our teammate Cassidy Sheng.

I asked some of the swimmers on the team to tell me what they thought should be included in my talk tonight. I asked them who Cassidy was, what she did and who she will continue to be.

A lot of what I am going to say to you comes directly from them.

For many of us on the Flames Cassidy was the first amputee we ever met. She was the first person we ever saw take off her leg and leave it on the side of the pool before jumping in for a swim. And, a lot of us stared at her. When we attended swim meets, others starred, gawked really. And I think maybe some felt pity, we could all see it.

And I am not going to lie to you, this bothered our Cass. She started off her swimming career wearing a swim suit with a little skirt around it to cover the stump. We could see her discomfort. But gradually that little skirt went away. And she became just a swimmer. She became a passionate, enthusiastic fashionista. She became easy to talk to, a good listener, a best friend. She became a determined, driven role model; a teammate.

She became our teacher.  She taught us that a person is not made up of body parts. And that sometimes the parts that make us different are the very best ones!

Cassidy became FEARLESS.

Swim suit with little skirt

And just so we are clear, fearless does not mean the absence of fear. Fearless doesn’t mean you are not scared.

Cause if you are not scared you’re probably not human.

And Cassidy was scared. She was scared of being the only amputee, of failing or falling, of cancer, of people forgetting her.

Again, fearlessness is not the absence of fear. Fearlessness is when you are truly freaked out, but you do it anyways.

Just like Cass did. Time after time we saw her get up on the blocks, strong, sturdy; balanced. To dive in and show people all the amazing things she could do. In truth she could do anything!

For the Flames tonight is about remembering the girl who laughed all the time. She laughed a belly aching, tears in your eyes kind of laugh in the middle of Pearson International Airport when her good friend Victoria flew out of her wheelchair in front of everyone.

It’s about remembering her every time we hear a song, or go to CAN AMs, or swim butterfly

It’s about remembering the girl who was different from everyone else.

The girl who everyone thought was missing something, and watching her show them instead that she had something extra.

Something special.

The recipients of tonight’s Cassidy Sheng Fearless award have something different, something special. According to Cassidy’s definition “Fearless” is to be determined; don’t ever give up! Hard working, a great leader, knowing the word impossible isn’t true, breaking limits, have crazy goals and dreams. “Fearless” in a positive way.

.....remember these two athletes have demonstrated these attributes this year. They stand up at every practice, every competition, FEARLESS!..........." By Cori, coach of Flame swim team.

Promise me...

We attended a very beautiful and emotional memorial service yesterday at Emily's House with other parents of children who had spent their last part of life's journey there gracefully. We met almost all the nurses and volunteers who had served there during our 2-month stay at Emily’s House, and met parents whom we had lived with during our stay. We also met many other parents whom we had never met……We finally met Ava's family.  Cass always sat by the window to look at the Ava's Garden while she was painting or reading when she was able to get out of her room. Back then, Cass was always wondering who Ava was and observing the garden. On the ground was written "Promise me you will always remember me and smile." Ava was two and a half years old when she had spent the last day of life on earth.

We planted the Forget-me-nots with the stone bearing each child's name. Each child is so precious. I was reading their names one by one; there were 19 names in total. I imagined a picture of them all, the young and babies all friends with Cass in Heaven!

"In our child's life we experienced the reality of hope and the meaning of child-like faith. In our child's death we have discovered anew our own need for hope in Divine Providence and a faith which transcends our mortal liabilities."

10K Run on Mother's Day

Today is the 4th month since Cass returned to our Heavenly Father. 

Pictures of Cass and her dear Ooch buddies at camp(July 2015) and at the 10 K Run today.

Our family and friends ran for Cass....for Camp Ooch and for all her Ooch buddies! This is my family's first 10k run. We managed to finish it through a mix of walking and running! We were happy to see so many amazing people who came out to support such a wonderful and meaningful event and who donated for the great cause.

       

Happy Birthday Cass!‏

(April 29, 2015)

Happy 15th Birthday Cass....your 1st birthday in Heaven!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" Psalm 139:14

Thank you uncle Tommy for taking the pictures and preparing the collages for us to share the special moment with everyone. We still feel the sorrow whenever we visit the places and see the activities that Cass was involved in before. We cannot stop thinking of her and she is always in our hearts. However, we are thankful as Cass is in a better place with our Lord the creator. With His faith and promises, we can move on and continue Cass's legacy in joy.

Thank you for sending the flowers and messages.

Special thanks to the swim teams for holding a fly practice and having cupcake sales to remember Cassidy - her favourite fly practice and food, both on her birthday!

"And if I go, while you're still here...

know that I live on,

vibrating to a different measure

behind a thin veil you cannot see through.

You will not see me,

so you must have faith.

I wait for the time when

we can soar together again,

both aware of each other.

Until then, live your life to its fullest

and when you need me,

Just whisper my name in your heart,

...I will be there." -Colleen Hitchcock

Email & Newsletter - Para Storm SwimClub

We are excited to receive the email with a newsletter from Para Storm Swim Club in Winnipeg!

"All my strength and faith is with you and your family during this most difficult time.

I want you to know you are supported by so many that your family has impacted in such a meaningful way.

Cassidy's remarkable faith, comes from your belief and trust.  

To celebrating Cass's birthday our swim team will be hosting a fly practice.

To honour and remember her, all the strength and courage she has taught us, we will 

be holding a fly practice in her memory.

"Swimming with Cassidy"  will unite us as the Canadian Para Swimming Community comes together to celebrate 

FEARLESS: Swimming with Cassidy.

Attached is the notice in our Newsletter.

Yours in faith, 

Karen Williams

Para Storm Swim Club"

It is so comforting to know there is always support all around the country, even the world, from people who have been touched by Cassidy's story. I cannot thank the Para Storm Club enough for honouring Cassidy's memory in a meaningful way. I continue to pray that her story will continue to positively impact those who hear it.

Fearless Swimmers

It's amazing and I was so touched when I saw the photo.

Even though Cassidy is no longer with us, her courage and fearless spirit will live on through the support of her schools, the swim teams, and the people who knew about her. I feel so proud too with all the swimmers in the same designed caps printed with Cassidy’s name. Great thanks to the swimmers for their involvement.

I sincerely appreciate that Cassidy's school Northlea Elementary and Middle School is setting up a graduation award commemorating Cassidy as well. We are all excited with the news from the school.

I thank you from deep in my soul for embracing the love and support from all the people who know Cassidy.

Cassidy Sheng Memorial Award

We were celebrating Cassidy's life at Bill Crothers S. S. on Monday (April 13,2015). We were sharing the memories of Cassidy and painting on the drawing of Cass’ flower in her favourite art class. 

We were honoured to have been invited so we could share such a significant moment with school representatives including the principal, vice principals, teachers, staff and students in remembrance of Cassidy! A big thank you as well to family friends who had also attended!

At the ceremony, the vice principal unveiled an award, namely the 'Cassidy Sheng Memorial Award', which will be given to a special graduating student each year. The award encompasses many of Cassidy's qualities: excellence in visual arts; the virtues of courage, fearlessness, and perseverance, balanced by humility, kindness, and compassion.....

Cassidy's long time big dream was to being a Paralympian. She wanted so much to continue her high schooling in Bill Crothers S. S., the athletics school. Even during her most difficult time, when she was undergoing treatments to ease the nerve pains in her body from her cancer, she still insisted on going to school if she was able to. "Although her time in Bill Crothers was very short but her spirit appeared to last long and have left a remarkable impact to the school, to all of us" commented from one of the principals. 

Cassidy's swim apparel was framed as part of the memorial award that will be permanently placed in the gym. It was very emotional to remember how she once swam with that swim gear. Cassidy's "fearless" spirit will forever remain in her dream school, Bill Crothers. S. S. 

Thank you all for your love especially to her school, Bill Crothers S. S., for honouring the memory of Cassidy with this meaningful award!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ NIV)

Have a Blessed Easter weekend!

Have a Blessed Easter weekend!

It's such an emotional day having her next to me while driving! Tears but I remember what I read from the Daily Bread "Remembering Christ's death gives us courage for today and hope for tomorrow."  And the Bible Verse came to me "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" John 12:24

We received an invitation from Cassidy's school, Bill Crothers S. S. In order to honour Cassidy, the school will set up a glass showcase in the gym to display her swim suit. The school will also establish an award to remember her spirit. 

Thank you for the love and remember her courage and her fearlessness in living her life to the fullest.

Sporting Life 10K for Camp Ooch

(March 10, 2015)

Today is the 2nd month since Cass has left us. Last night I had a dream of Cass that she was about 7 years old and she was happily running around in a beautiful forest. We miss her a lot...happy and sad moments!

Our whole family will run the Sporting Life 10k for Camp Ooch this year. Cassidy's EEs and some friends will be running this year to remember Cass. Cass's very best friend Sarah and her family will be participating as well. Also, Steven has run the 10k for Cass a couple times before and will continue this year. Thank you guys for all your support! 

Cass joined Camp Ooch when she was 9 years old and Camp Ooch had been her second home since then. "Camp Oochigeas (Ooch) is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with and affected by childhood cancer with unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences."- Camp Ooch 

Taking part in this run is a way for me to get involved with Camp Ooch. It is also an amazing way for my family and friends to remember Cass and to continue her legacy. I encourage you all to join and support this meaningful event. If you are running to remember Cass this year, please let me know ahead by messaging me, emailing me with your address, or finding a way to meet me at the event since we are going to prepare a sign (either a button or a sticker) to put on at the event to remember our Fearless Cassidy for her courageous fight against cancer!

One of the biggest challenges for Cass was running. Other than swimming, she had been training hard with her new running leg since the summer of 2013. One of her goals was to run again and do the 10K one day with her running leg. Our family will fulfill the first goal for her.

(This is an ad for the Sporting Life 10K from last year. Cass was with Sarah and Megan. Pictures of Cass when she was practicing with her running leg at Bloorview Kids Rehab)

It's Chinese New Year...

Cass, it's Chinese New Year today. I bring along your camera wherever I go and take lots of pictures for you! 

Life has a funny way of coming full circle, using our past to influence our future; using our pain to make us grow and to reveal who we are...

"Oh God, help me to see in the prism of my tears, something of the secret of who I am. Give me the courage not only to see what those tears are revealing but to follow where they are leading. And help me to see, somewhere over the rainbow, that where they are leading me home."
 
"Dear God, please let them be happy because it would be hard at first, but there's always a rainbow after the rain. I want them to have the prettiest rainbow ever." 

Cass, my dear daughter, thank you for your prayers...they are always with me...love you and miss you so much!! ‪#‎lovewins‬ ‪#‎fearlesscassidy‬

Thank you all

I would like to thank every single one of you for your thoughtful care and continued support throughout the years.

In the past five to six months, Cassidy had been greatly cheered, in her most difficult time, with your personal visits, encouraging words, tiny do-it-yourself artwork, the FEARLESS paintings and many many other small presents that you sent over. The responses and comments left by friends and many individuals whom we do not know personally have touched us deeply. I will never forget her smile whenever she saw you in her room or received all your generous gifts. All these had made this most painful period of Cass' life a lot more bearable for her and our whole family, encouraged and cheered her greatly and for that I'm forever grateful.

As you may know, one of Cassidy's dreams was to be involved with the upcoming Para PanAm Games. Even though she has now left us, I would like to help her to accomplish her dream. While the details has not been finalized yet, we are setting up a memorial scholarship for para-athletes, an account has been set up to accept donations from those who would like to support such cause. Please feel free to visit her blog for more information and updates . At this moment, we are spending most of our time tending to Cassidy's burial and packing up Cassidy's belongings, though we still find it extremely difficult for us to start reading her journals. May God grant us the peace and courage to start the new chapter in our life and in remembering our beloved daughter.

Your presence, words and acts are like a rainbow that beautifies the sky and enlightens our minds after one long stormy night. We would like to sincerely thank you all again for your never ending support and hope that you will continue to be with us in making Cassidy's dreams come true.

(My last selfie with Cass just a week ago before she passed away)

Sharing at the funeral - by Rob & Rebecca

Sharing for Cassidy Sheng Memorial (January 17, 2015)
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14)
 
In a world that can seem ugly you brought beauty because God made you beautiful inside and out. Both of us are so thankful for being part of your journey. There are too many points of grace we have of you, so here’s a few that will forever stand out as wonderful reminders.  
Your journey with cancer has never been simple – something none of us will fully understand. One time you had to go through a 13 hour procedure at the hospital. But throughout this event and your entire journey with cancer you were transparent and honest with all your pains and struggles. You didn’t fake about the pain you were going through, nor did you hide your frustrations. But you chose quality of life over quantity of life. That is, you chose to celebrate and cherish every moment as a gift from God (as best as you could). You chose to trust God in a life that has good and bad moments. In this, you showed us what it means to seek hope only found in God. By this you gave us a beautiful legacy of being Hope-Seekers.
 
Some of us allow our fears and discouragements to stop us from dreaming or just celebrating life. You chose to love the life you had - disability and all. You worked hard and strived forward to see your full potential, and became the woman of God & paralympian you are. You did so without looking back or letting discouragement slow you down. Somehow you knew that if you chose bitterness because of your circumstances, it would slow you down and others too perhaps. You strived to encourage others to love what they have, and not get angry at what they don’t have. In doing so love has won because you enjoyed life to the fullest, and that spirit has been such an inspiration for us. By this you gave us a genuine legacy of being Love-Bearers.
 
You were not afraid to express what’s on your mind, but not disrespectful in what you said. One time we were singing at Sick Kids Hospital and you helped me realize that my goal of singing backup for Taylor Swift was probably not a good idea when you told me, ‘Pastor Rob, I think you should stick with church music’. You were passionate to share important truths to others. It has always been your desire to speak forth the truth of seeing the God-given potential in everyone, regardless of disability, limitation, or circumstance. You’ve been doing this already through your simple, yet profound message – ‘fearless’ - which will be carried onward by us all. By this you gave us a legacy of being fearless Truth-Tellers.
 
In a world that seems so confused and messed up, you have shown us a special beauty through your attitude, your character, and faith – you have given us a glimpse of the glory of God, which is much more beautiful than we realize or understand. One place that Cassidy’s family enjoys going to take pictures is Edwards Garden. The flowers there are always blossoming and colorful. The afternoon before Cass passed away, we were by her bedside and Uncle Gary was showing us some old photos they took at Edwards Garden. Over the years, the type of flowers haven’t changed but became more beautiful – much like you Cass. For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.