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By Your Side
'I'll be waiting for you, and when we beat this thing we are going to celebrate.'
At 15 Cass Nascimento was so beautiful she left boys tongue-tied. But her beauty was more than skin-deep: she was a sunny, generous, kind force of nature.
When Jason Carrasco was diagnosed with fast-spreading cancer at age 18 he feared the worst. Despite a loving family and supportive friends, he couldn't seem to find the strength needed to survive. Then came Cass. As terrible as Jason's ordeal was, Cass had already endured far worse, after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at just 16 years old. The way she dealt with her diagnosis and gruelling treatment stunned everyone who came into contact with her the more terrible things got, the brighter Cass's light shone.
Now in remission, Cass knew firsthand how isolating it is to be a teenager whose future has been ripped away, so when she learned about Jason she was determined he would never feel alone again – she would be by his side no matter what.
Cass was true to her word, and with her inspiration Jason made it through and was declared cancer-free. But fate had a terrible twist in store. Just as Jason walked into the sunlight Cass's cancer returned. Now it was his turn to be there for her, hoping against hope that their deepest of bonds and her remarkable optimistic spirit and love for life would be enough to save this special girl.
At 15 Cass Nascimento was so beautiful she left boys tongue-tied. But her beauty was more than skin-deep: she was a sunny, generous, kind force of nature.
When Jason Carrasco was diagnosed with fast-spreading cancer at age 18 he feared the worst. Despite a loving family and supportive friends, he couldn't seem to find the strength needed to survive. Then came Cass. As terrible as Jason's ordeal was, Cass had already endured far worse, after being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at just 16 years old. The way she dealt with her diagnosis and gruelling treatment stunned everyone who came into contact with her the more terrible things got, the brighter Cass's light shone.
Now in remission, Cass knew firsthand how isolating it is to be a teenager whose future has been ripped away, so when she learned about Jason she was determined he would never feel alone again – she would be by his side no matter what.
Cass was true to her word, and with her inspiration Jason made it through and was declared cancer-free. But fate had a terrible twist in store. Just as Jason walked into the sunlight Cass's cancer returned. Now it was his turn to be there for her, hoping against hope that their deepest of bonds and her remarkable optimistic spirit and love for life would be enough to save this special girl.
- GenresNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2016
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28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 24, 2023
This book was written really well. The story moved at a really good pace, and there was a really smooth flow of consciousness. Jason and Hazel did a great job showing the world the wonder that was Cass. She was an amazing woman.
Thank you, Jason and Hazel, for telling me the story of Jason, and Cass. I am a better person for getting to know them both!
Thank you, Jason and Hazel, for telling me the story of Jason, and Cass. I am a better person for getting to know them both!
December 6, 2017
Wonderful, emotional, read and read,couldn't read fast enough.
December 25, 2017
The best book I read all year. Thank-you Jason for opening up and sharing your beautiful heart-breaking life-changing story with the world.
May 9, 2018
This book brought me to tears twice. I know this young man and i couldn't reccomend this more. Their fight for survival is inspirational.....keep the tissues near
January 24, 2020
One of the best books I have ever read. So much love and the power of friendship and positive thinking is within every sentence. Definitely highly recommend. Worth the read
October 9, 2016
Jason Carrasco wrote an amazing memoir of a part of his life that most of us simply could not fathom - being diagnosed with cancer in the prime of your youth ... and losing someone that inspired you to survive, live and to hope. It was painful and yet beautiful. There is so much feeling in the words and while I never had the pleasure to meet Cass - I feel you captured her spirit and heart on each page. I highly recommend this book to everyone - because cancer affects everyone. Well done Jason Carrasco. Inspiring mate.
October 6, 2016
Only started tonight. Two chapters in so far, I know I'm going to need a few tissues soon. Jason is a good story teller.
September 18, 2016
Literally could not put this down.
I had a few important things I should have been doing this weekend but after the fist page, this story seemed more important than anything else I had ever read.
I had a few important things I should have been doing this weekend but after the fist page, this story seemed more important than anything else I had ever read.
August 13, 2016
Amazing book about two young Australian's experience with cancer. The bond, love and support between these two is exceptional. Their fighting spirit and positive attitude to help others is inspirational. A must read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews