A Forever Bond of Two Young Women United by the Loss of Siblings to Hydrocephalus
New York, NY (July 15, 2024) – On Independence Day weekend, Cassidy Territo, a delegate for Miss New York 2024, participated in the Miss New York pageant and her impact extended far beyond the competition stage. Her platform of hydrocephalus awareness and accessibility for all became a profound story of connection and mentorship, especially for a young girl named Mary Marquez.
Cassidy’s commitment to hydrocephalus awareness is deeply personal. She recently lost her sister, Carla, to this condition. As one of Carla’s primary caregivers, Cassidy’s bond with her sister was incredibly strong. This loss fueled her passion to make a difference for others affected by hydrocephalus. In her quest to honor Carla’s memory, Cassidy found a kindred spirit in Mary Marquez.
Mary, a 9-year-old from Hudson County, New Jersey, also experienced the heartbreak of losing a sibling to hydrocephalus. Her baby brother, Luke Jaxon, passed away shortly after his first birthday. Recognizing the shared experiences between Cassidy and Mary, the Hydrocephalus Association brought them together for the Miss New York pageant’s Empire Stars Program.
The Empire Stars Program offers children aged 3 to 12 the chance to work with and be mentored by Miss delegates. The program aims to instill values of community service and foster a sense of sisterhood among the participants. It includes various activities such as shadowing their sponsor delegate, a field trip, and introductions on stage during the final competitions.
As Mary’s sponsor and guide, Cassidy provided her with a unique and memorable experience. They shared a special bond, rooted in their personal losses and a mutual understanding of the impact of hydrocephalus. Cassidy’s mentorship offered Mary a glimpse into the world of pageantry, community service, and advocacy.
The connection between Cassidy and Mary was a testament to the power of shared experiences and the importance of raising awareness about hydrocephalus. Through the Empire Stars Program, Cassidy provided Mary with a supportive environment and a platform to honor her brother’s memory. In turn, Mary’s presence reminded Cassidy of her sister’s enduring legacy and reinforced her commitment to her advocacy work. Cassidy shared that although she was Mary’s mentor and guide, she felt that Mary was more of a role model for her.
While Cassidy Territo did not walk away with the Miss New York crown, she emerged from the weekend with something far more valuable – the knowledge that she had made a meaningful difference in the life of a young girl who shares her story. With her continued efforts, Cassidy is sure to keep inspiring others and bringing much-needed attention to the cause of hydrocephalus awareness and accessibility.
This week reinforced the importance of sharing my journey, Mary’s journey, and the legacies of our siblings, Carla and Luke, who battled hydrocephalus,” said Cassidy. “We were left with a renewed sense of strength and determination, a truly empowering experience.
About the Hydrocephalus Association:
Founded in 1983 by parents of children with hydrocephalus, the Hydrocephalus Association has grown to become the nation’s largest and most widely respected organization dedicated to hydrocephalus. The Hydrocephalus Association began funding research in 2009. Since then, HA has committed over $13 million to research, making it the largest nonprofit, non-governmental funder of hydrocephalus research in the U.S. For more information, visit www.hydroassoc.org.