Case Study #18 - Cassey Rescuing Cats

"Cassey Rescuing Cats" 30" x 24" Oil on Canvas

Prep Sketch for oil painting

Cassey was born in the Philippines and was the first in her family who was diagnosed with NF. "Being in such a small country I thought that I was completely alone until I found the local NF chapter which helped me connect with others with the same condition"

She had quite a troubled childhood because her mother abandoned her at a very young age. She also struggled immensely in school because she had Dyslexia and was teased greatly due to her inability to do simple mathematic problems. "Even today I avoid math any chance I get because I can still hear the sounds of laugher against me."

During her High School years once the NF began to manifest itself she grew a grape sized tumor in the middle of her forehead and was called "cyclops" or "rhino". Through all that however she was able to graduate High School and participate in the International Baccalaureate program and is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University Online pursuing an undergraduate degree in Creative Writing.

In her free time she found a love for animals. In her own words "rescuing, feeding or just being with animals just brings me such joy. I don't feel judged when I help them. All I feel is pure love and affection." Cassey volunteers for an animal organization called Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA) where she helps find and rescue animals as well as helping to organize graphic designers for adoption or fund raising events.

She currently has two rescue cats that stays in her home along with 10 other cats she feeds in her area. "Sometimes the pain of NF can get so bad and be such a downer but what gets me out of bed is knowing that there are loving furry faces waiting for me to help them."