2016: Cassidy Rousseau
From Whitney Craig (nominator)
Cassidy Rousseau is 15yrs old and was diagnosed ALL (Leukemia) in 2012. She finished treatment and is doing physically ok right now. Hunting, fishing and everything outdoors is one of her absolute favorite. I think camouflage is her favorite color. She will certainly be enthusiastic about this experience and is a very funny teen. I spoke with her grandmother (who is her legal guardian) and she said "that girl will be over the moon for this opportunity!"
From Cassidy’s Grandmother (Shelby Bergeron):
Cassidy’s Dream Come True
In May of 2016, Cancer Services of Baton Rouge contacted us with an unexpected surprise. Nick Rauber of Swollfest Outdoor Wish Foundation had chosen Cassidy, my granddaughter as the recipient of the 2016 Inspirational Award and hunting trip of a lifetime which Swollfest donates annually to a differently-abled child or armed service veteran.
The whirlwind began as we went to Grand Isle in June for the tournament and Cassidy was awarded the 2016 Inspirational Award and was told that she would be going to hunt whitetail in Wisconsin at Apple Creek Whitetails, along with a gift certificate to Cabela’s for hunting gear! In September we flew to Applecreek with an amazing group of men; Nick Rauber, Jerry Copeland, Scotty Chabert, Jason Ryder and Chris Serio. Before we reached our destination this group became Cassidy’s new uncles, her heroes! They had her relaxed, laughing, talking, and ready for her adventure. Uncle Jerry had her shooting his crossbow in less that hour of being on the preserve!
Cassidy got her chance at a HUGE buck the first morning and even got to shoot him with Uncle Jerry’s crossbow! We did have to track him, which the guys turned into a fun experience for her with their humor and encouragement. I cannot even come close to describing the excitement in the stand waiting for her shot or the chills when we walked up to the beautiful monster buck she harvested! To look at her smile, her expressions when she saw him up close and held his head up for pictures…priceless!
The ranch was beyond beautiful; wildlife was everywhere you turned. The cabin we stayed in was rustic, but had everything the best hotels offer. The food was better than any restaurant I have ever been to with home-cooked meals, breakfast to supper every day. The hosts and hostess went over and beyond our expectations, everyone spoiled Cassidy rotten the entire trip… well actually they spoiled me as well!!!
Since Cassidy shot early in the trip we got to experience every aspect of the ranch, touring the entire preserve, having bonfires as well as scouting and hunting with the other hunters. Chris, our videographer, even taught Cassidy how to fly a drone and shoot video!
There just isn’t any way I can put into words what this trip meant to both Cassidy and I. For her, to experience a once-in-a-lifetime hunt where she harvested a 286” buck and was treated like a princess the entire time. For me, to watch my baby girl laugh, smile, and talk non-stop was amazing. Also for her to pick up both a crossbow and a gun, hold it, shoot it, and walk around the woods tracking her deer, which she had never been able to do previously was truly a blessing. At one time in Cassidy’s life I wasn’t sure if we would have a chance to make any new memories, but God allowed her health to return and Swollfest provided her with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you all for your part in making this happen for my baby girl.