Loving Parents – Our Story
Sanga died doing what she really loved, surrounded by people she loved in a country she loved. Whilst this is comforting we still come to a place of why, and this we may never know or come to understand. What we do know is Colin and I have each other and we will get through this together because as quoted ‘Grief never ends…. it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith…. It’s the price of love.’
Since returning home from Nepal after saying goodbye to Cassandra, we have been held, supported and loved very deeply from many people and for that we are incredibly grateful. In saying that, through our many conversations since Cassandras passing, the common theme other than I’m sorry for your loss, has been I just don’t know what to say….
We understand there are no words.
Sometimes it’s not about what needs to be said it’s simply about listening. Colin and I love talking about Cassandra and that will never change……
Death is a part of life, we all know that to be true. Some of us have experienced death and dying more than others but it does not make it any easier. From the moment Sanga was born we knew she had been here before, she was wise beyond her years, an old soul. She packed more into her 23 years of life than some people do in a lifetime. She navigated herself through her short life and into her death with grace, love, beauty, honesty and integrity.
Sanga wasn’t afraid of dying, she was afraid of not living! She was a brave, courageous human being. She faced her fears head on, not afraid to step outside her comfort zone, a true inspiration. For Cassandra the meaning of life was to live it, experience it, and do it…..
She took many leaps of faith, she trusted herself and others around her, she listened to her intuition, she lived open heartedly and honourably. She wasn’t afraid to feel her feelings and express her emotions. She lived her life to the fullest. Cassandra was a leader, a communicator, she was our girl…..
To say we are, and always will be, proud of her is an understatement. Everyone that knows us knows this to be true.
Cassandra wanted to make a difference and with your help we can make that happen.
She was passionate about adventure sports and the environment.
Cassandra wrote in journals throughout her life and it is because of these journals we knew what we needed to do. She wrote about her travels, her passion, all the things she wanted to do in her life and the driving need to make a difference. She outlined how she planned to do this in her journals and the time frame in which she hoped to achieve it. We don’t know of any other young person who does this. She has given us clear direction and although she can no longer travel this path herself we intend to travel it for her so that her life has not been in vain. We will make our girl proud and through this foundation Cassandra Elise Emary certainly will make a difference!!
Known as Cass by friends and her overseas communities and Sanga at home by close friends and family, it seemed fitting to now connect her names and unify all of her “family” around the world, she is now known as Cassanga.
We have opened 2 accounts for Cassanga with The Australian Communities Foundation. These are sub funds called the Cassanga Fund.
Our mission is to support women in adventure sport as Cassanga wanted. This can present itself in various ways such as providing education, safety and first aid, purchasing gear and sponsoring trainees. We are open to suggestions on how you as her community feel we can direct some of her funding.
In Nepal later this year, they will be hosting The Cassanga Challenge in honour of Cass.
The Cassanga Challenge is a whitewater kayaking competition to be held on the Upper Seti River – 12 km outside of Pokhara’s Lakeside community in Nepal.
The Cassanga Challenge is about celebrating Cassandra’s life as much as it is about bringing attention to the things that truly mattered to her. These ideals are paramount for the eco adventure community’s future, not just in Nepal, but around the globe. Please keep up to date with The Cassanga Challenge by going to their website where you will find all of the latest information as it comes to hand. https://cassangachallenge.com/
So please help us make a difference through our “Donate a Dollar Campaign”
please Donate a Dollar to help raise a million.
Or go to our Merchandise Store on this website and “Get a little Sanga in your life”. Please note that 100% any profit from the sale of all merchandise will go to the Australian Community Foundation / Cassanga Fund.
Holding you all in love and light.
Sue and Colin Emary
