Country newcomer Kassi Ashton is one of very few artists able to offer the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital first-person hope.
The “California, Missouri” singer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014, and while she’s now in remission, she’s very much able to put herself in their shoes. “I’ve just been whispering to the kids,” she told Taste of Country and other media during the St. Jude Country Cares weekend in January, “Saying, ‘Hey, we both have superpowers. Which superhero are you?'”
It’s easy to smile at St. Jude, something those who’ve never visited struggle to appreciate. The walls are colorful, and the rooms and furniture are designed for kids. Dozens of country singers and other celebrities parade through regularly. “Like, if I’m in a bad mood I just wanna come hang out here and like, be better and like hangout and volunteer and make Lego trucks,” Ashton says with a big smile on her face.
That wasn’t her experience when she was diagnosed and treated as a young adult. Ashton, who is literally from California, Mo., appreciates the naïveté of youth, but also knows these kids yearn for a normal life. During her visit several little girls asked about her outfit or lipstick. They wanted it!
“I’m like, ‘Listen, you can, because I went through the same thing you’re going through right now so when you finish and you come out like a strong superstar that you are, we’ll get you some of this lipstick.”
It’s a message even more valuable coming from someone who has been in their shoes. In so many ways this singer is a diamond in the rough, but in this fight against childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases, she’s a shining star among dozens of country stars who regularly step up to spread the St. Jude message. From Feb. 1-2 Taste of Country is joining over a dozen Townsquare Media radio stations in this fight, raising money by sharing stories and asking for you to become a partner in hope. Click the button below for more information.
Country Stars Step Up for St. Jude in 2018!
This Article Was Originally Posted at www.TasteofCountry.com
http://tasteofcountry.com/kassi-ashton-cancer-story-inspires-st-jude-kids/
