Kelly community rallies to support Cassie Gosche

BENTON, Mo. — Cassie Gosche’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support.

Gosche, a sophomore softball player at Kelly High School, lost four fingers on her right hand in a car accident on July 27. The accident occurred on Highway 77 in Benton, Missouri, when a van going in the opposite direction swerved into their lane and hit their truck. Gosche’s father sustained minor injuries, but Goshe was airlifted to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, where she had surgery for four finger amputations on her right hand.

She is now facing multiple doctor's appointments, surgeries, and therapies, as well as needing prosthetics. All of these expenses will be the family's responsibility, as the driver of the van was uninsured.

“As the truck rolled over and over, I was awake but didn’t know that we had been hit or the extent of our injuries,” she said. “When it finally came to a stop, I felt a gut instinct to get out. I unbuckled my seatbelt and fell to the ground, hitting my head. With blood streaming down my legs, I crawled out of the wreckage and looked down at my right hand. Four of my fingers were gone, crushed to pieces. I was airlifted to the hospital, where I spent five days recovering from my injuries.”

To help the Gosche family with these expenses, there will be a benefit dinner and auction on November 4 at St. Denis Parish in Benton, Missouri. Doors open at 4:30 PM, dinner is at 5 PM, and the auction will start at 6 PM.

Organizers are looking for cash donations, auction items, raffle donations, and donations for the meal. To donate, please contact Niomie at (573) 579-1329 or email cassiegbenefit@gmail.com

Gosche’s story is a heart-wrenching one, but she is a courageous young lady who is determined to overcome this challenge.

"It's been incredibly difficult to relearn everything I've known since I was a child," Gosche said. "I used to be a player, not a fan, so watching sports has been very hard. I haven't been able to watch any games that involved the sports I played because I can't wrap my head around maybe never being able to play again. Softball was such a big part of my life. I was always on the ball field. I've supported my teammates from a distance, but I couldn't put myself through the pain.”

In addition to the emotional challenges, she has also faced practical difficulties in her everyday life.

"I'm not able to hold very many things," she continued. "I can't do my hair because my hand won't fully wrap around my hair. I can't hold heavy things. I've been going to physical therapy every other week to build up strength."

Despite all of these challenges, Gosche remains courageous and determined. Amid her darkest days, she found inspiration in two angels of mercy: her nurses, Gina and CeCe.

CeCe was a kindred spirit, a friend who understood Gosche’s pain and helped her through it with laughter and compassion. She spent hours untangling Gosche’s hair and braiding it, even though she didn't have to. CeCe's dream of becoming a doctor inspired her to pursue her dream of a career in medicine.

Gina was a calming presence in the chaotic emergency room, her voice a balm to Gosche’s frayed nerves. She stayed by her side for four hours, reassuring her and making sure she was comfortable. Gina's kindness and compassion meant the world to Gosche, who was grateful for her presence at a time when she felt so alone.

"Gina and CeCe are my inspiration," Gosche said. "They showed me that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. They are the best nurses a patient could ask for."

Gina and CeCe are shining examples of the power of human kindness and compassion. Their love and support helped Gosche through one of the most challenging times of her life.

Gosche is also grateful for the support of her family, friends, and teammates, who have helped her cope with the emotional challenges of no longer being on the field.

"They don't force me to go and watch games," she said. "They know that I'm going through challenges and just want me to know that they're supporting me every step of the day."

Gosche also finds strength in her positive mindset. She knows that she can't change the past, so she chooses to focus on the future.

"I just have to keep moving forward," she said. "There are some times when I struggle to maintain a positive attitude, but I know it's important to stay hopeful."

Even though she may not be able to play sports at the same level as before, Gosche is still passionate about the game. She plans to attend sporting events once she's ready, and she is even considering a career in sports medicine.

And while she's not giving up on her dream of playing sports again, she is also realistic about the challenges she faces.

"I don't know if playing is completely out of the picture," she said. "But as of right now, I know it's going to be very difficult to get back into too."

Gosche's story is a powerful reminder that even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome with courage and determination, and her story shows that there is always hope, even when things seem darkest.

To support Gosche and help during this difficult time, attend the benefit dinner and auction at St. Denis Parish in Benton, Missouri on November 4.

“[Gosche] is an amazing young lady who is so strong and resilient,” said Kelly softball coach and athletic director Melanie Heuring. “Despite what has happened, she has a positive attitude and always sees the bright side of everything. She is an inspiration to us all. The Gosche family especially Cassie are very deserving of our help because they would be willing to do the same for someone else. Giving a little can go a long way, and our community is so generous when it comes to helping those in need. Whether it’s donating their time or treasures, we have so many that are willing to help and that says so much about how wonderful our community is.”