Meet Cassidy Scruggs

Years Awarded:
2022-2023
2020-2021
2019-2020
2018-2019
"Being a survivor... has taught me what is important, and showed me how vital it is to live everyday to the fullest."
In nearly 11 years since my diagnosis survivorship has been embedded in my shadow. It continues to follow me, and it influences every aspect of my life. I have learned how to take care of myself, to be liable for my actions and decisions, and to be extremely conscious of my health. My friends call me a perfectionist, and think I am innocent because I am not reckless. The truth is, I can’t afford to be reckless, and sometimes, I can’t afford to make mistakes. If someone were to ask me to go back in time and change the fact that I got sick, would I do it? I truly don’t know how to answer this question. Part of me is screaming “YES!”, but then I wouldn’t have met all the amazing people I did. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to help others going through the same thing, and I am sure, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
Being a survivor means blazing a trail. It means continuing to fight for myself and for others. It has taught me what is important, and showed me how vital it is to live everyday to the fullest. I have been labeled a survivor for the majority of my life. It has shaped the person I am today in more ways than one. The word survivor does not define who I am, but rather in what I have experienced and what I have to offer. My journey isn’t over, and as I grow and pave a path for myself in this world, I will continue to redefine what it means to be a survivor.