Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Fjosne
Cassie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Cassie and Trevor had been married four years, experienced a loss before their son, Uriah, and then found out Cassie was pregnant with their daughter, Willa. The excitement and joy they shared for the pregnancy turned into a horrific journey when a routine lab test for hCG came back at an alarming level. Repeat hCG tests and ultrasounds were conducted, as each day passed, Cassie’s hCG level increased to astronomically high numbers. It was determined by their OB that she was having a Partial Molar Pregnancy and that Cassie needed immediate intervention. At their appointment, the OB told them, “Go home, pack a bag, start driving, and one of the three top-rated locations will be in contact for immediate admission for surgical intervention.”
Willa was loved, desired, and prayed for; she had a heartbeat, and they had to make an impossible decision to terminate their pregnancy due to the threat to Cassie’s life. Three weeks after the D&C, Cassie learned she had new growth of this abnormal tissue and was now declared cancerous, and learned that it had metastasized to her lungs. Cassie and Trevor agreed for her to undergo a total hysterectomy. With the rate at which these tumors grow, the risks of regrowth, and the fear for future babies, it was the only decision that felt safe.
Cassie and Trevor’s need for grief support inspired their passion for providing more local connections and support opportunities. Since Willa’s passing, Cassie and Trevor have been learning how to live with carrying the grief they will always have for Willa. They desire to build a beautiful legacy for Willa as they help others in their grief journey in her name.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Weeping Willa is a nonprofit organization established to provide support to families and parents dealing with the loss of a child. The process of setting up the nonprofit was relatively uncomplicated, with few obstacles. However, effectively serving the community and growing the organization requires substantial resources and time. Although we have been established for less than a year, we continue to grow, forming new connections through social media, fundraising, and donations from community members and businesses. Each of our board members has a profound commitment to supporting fellow loss families, regardless of the type of loss, as it deeply resonates with each of us. We empathize and understand the needs of these families, which is often lacking in our community. Most individuals wish to have their stories heard, establish connections with others, and have their child remembered and acknowledged. Utilizing social media enables us to connect with fellow loss families worldwide, which is truly remarkable.
Our primary challenge lies in gaining visibility, as we differentiate ourselves from other nonprofits with similar missions by not having age or territory restrictions, allowing us to support a broader range of loss families. Although we support loss families globally, our partnership with Selah Wellness Clinic, located in Sandstone, MN, is restricted to offering grief support to Minnesota residents only.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Weeping Willa – 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization?
Our mission is to create a welcoming and safe place for the bereaved to experience a community with others who understand; bringing comfort, encouragement, companionship, and hope. We affirm each child’s life matters no matter how brief a time they were here; ultimately creating a community in which no one has to endure the loss of a child(ren) on their own. We are driven to fund the support that is helpful and meaningful to you and your families on this journey.
We aim to support families and individuals who have faced the tragic loss of a child(ren) at ANY stage of life; including stillbirth, miscarriage, and termination for medical reasons. Every person who has experienced the loss of a child(ren) will have access to Weeping Willa’s comprehensive resources – such as a Weeping Willa Grant, community events, and social support.
Weeping Willa works diligently to empower families to live a hopeful and meaningful life as they move forward with their grief. We are proud to have a partnership with Selah Wellness Clinic in Sandstone, MN, where their providers offer professional mental health and grief support resources.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Throughout my life, I’ve benefited from various external resources, with relational resources being paramount. I have learned valuable lessons from individuals of all ages, and my close friends and colleagues have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Without their support and guidance, I wouldn’t possess the logical capacity to navigate life’s complexities.
In addition to my relational resources, I own my own photography business and have recently partnered with a local clinic for branding/advertising. I’ve also discovered a passion for cooking and baking, particularly sourdough bread, which I enjoy sharing with neighbors, family, and colleagues.
I prioritize self-car, engaging in activities such as walking in nature, therapy, massages, and chiropractor adjustments. These practices significantly enhance my overall well-being and resilience.
Finally, spiritual resources. While I may not attend church regularly, I engage in daily internal reflection and worship. My Godmother’s daily prayers provide me with spiritual guidance and support, reminding me of my faith and its significance in life. A quote that had a profound impact on me after Willa died was, “God didn’t do this. But He will be the reason she survives this.”. This powerful message has helped me reevaluate my faith and find solace in my spirituality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weepingwilla.org
- Instagram: @WeepingWillaMN
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563985221177
- Other: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/df9ed650-4121-42c0-bd1d-aa0f4bc9f1c9
