Cass-Huff-1 Cass-Huff-2 12-year-old Cassidy Huff was at home recovering from her 33rd spinal surgery when she decided to organize a fundraiser for the special education classmates she tutors at Sylvester Middle School in Burien. In less than two months, Huff raised enough money to buy seven iPads, shatter-proof cases, and voice recognition apps for an entire special education class at the school. And on Friday (Jan. 16), the seventh-grader surprised her classmates with the devices at a school-wide assembly; here’s video from KING5: Cass was the first student selected to be part of the school’s new Peer Tutor program. For one period a day, she tutors special education students. Cass was so successful that the school rapidly grew the program to several periods a day. “The fact that Cass saw a need for communication devices in the class where she tutors and took it upon herself to fill the need in a few short weeks is amazing,” said Assistant Principal Robin Furlan. “Cass is one of those amazing students who inspires you to be a better person just by knowing her. She is courageous, selfless, and wise beyond her years.” Born with a rare dwarfism syndrome, Cass regularly has spinal surgeries. But that doesn’t stop – or slow – her down at all. “She was bored, recovering at home, and came up with the idea,” said Cass’ Mom, Shannon Reynolds. “By the time I got home from work one day, she had set up a Go Fund Me page and already raised $165. I’m blown away.” Cass didn’t stop with the Go Fund Me Page. She solicited help from teachers and students, local businesses, media outlets, and even celebrities. Soon, Cass raised $5,200. “While recovering I’m focusing on a project that will benefit my schools Special Ed classroom,” Cass said. “I volunteer with them every day they are the sweetest kids you will ever meet. But most of them are nonverbal. The only way to communicate with them are these little booklets that the teachers make. They have pictures taped onto them and the kids have to point to what they want. It takes a lot of time and effort to put these together. So I’m trying to raise money for at least 3 new iPad Air 2’s for their classroom.” For more info, or to donate, visit gofundme.com/grmd08.]]>

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