Michael T. Mondak speaks: Small Battles, Big Victories Chapter 13: Full Circle

The most recent post talked about how Jackson Pryts got drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cassie graduating as class valedictorian at Hickory High School.  Now, Cassie is headed to Happy Valley, bringing her journey full circle, leading to a moment that would soon bring the national spotlight to the story.

It was August in Happy Valley, and a warm, golden haze floated over campus as thousands of freshmen hauled boxes into dorms and waved tearful goodbyes to parents.

Among them was Cassie Day, suitcase in hand, heart full of hope. The once-fragile nine-year-old who had fought through cancer now strode across the Old Main lawn with purpose — Penn State’s newest meteorology student, ready to chase clouds, storms, and dreams.

Her journey had come full circle.

This was the place that had lifted her spirits when she was a child in a hospital bed.

The place that had brought her and Jackson Pryts together.

And now, it was her home.

As she looked up at the Nittany Lion Shrine, she whispered quietly:

“We made it, Jackson.”

By mid-October, campus was buzzing with anticipation. Whiteout Weekend.  The most electrifying atmosphere in college football.

And this year, the night would hold something extraordinary.

Inside Beaver Stadium, over 110,000 fans roared as the Nittany Lions took the field under a blizzard of white pom-poms and fireworks. The opponent was a fierce rival — but for once, the biggest story wasn’t about who’d win or lose.

At halftime, the stadium announcer Dean DeVore’s voice boomed across the loudspeakers:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to midfield. Tonight, we honor two Penn Staters whose courage and friendship have inspired millions…”

The crowd hushed, the band paused — and then Cassie Day walked out of the tunnel, escorted by security, wearing a crisp white Penn State jacket and a smile that could light up the night.

A few steps behind her came a familiar figure — Jackson Pryts, now a retired legend, dressed in a tailored blue suit with a Steelers pin on his lapel.

And with him, padding proudly beside them, was the stately Nittany Lion mascot himself.

As the announcer recounted their story — the hospital visits, the balloons, the fight against cancer, the comeback victories, and Jackson’s NFL triumphs — the stadium lights dimmed.

A massive image appeared on the Jumbotron:

“Small Battles, Big Victories — The Cassie & Jackson Story.”

The crowd erupted.

"At just nine years old, Cassie Day of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, was in the fight of her life against cancer.  But she never fought alone.  Penn State linebacker Jackson Pryts made a promise to stand with her - and together, they inspired us all.

"Cassie is now cancer-free, and is a proud Penn State student.

"Please join us in welcoming home… JACKSON PRYTS AND CASSIE DAY!!!”

110,000 fans inside Beaver Stadium came to their feet.  Fireworks flashed around the stadium.  Cassie and Jackson walked together on the field.  And the Jumbotron flashed We Are… Cassie Strong.

Posts on social media went viral, and included kudos from the Rooney family, the owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Fans waved white rally towels and held up homemade signs that read BELIEVE, CASSIE STRONG, and ONCE A LION, ALWAYS A LION.

Cassie looked around, overwhelmed. Tears shimmered in her eyes as Jackson placed an arm around her shoulders.

“You’ve come a long way, Cass,” he whispered.

“We both have.”

“Cassie embodies the very best of what it means to be Penn State,” said Penn State head coach Terry Smith. “Her strength, her positivity, and her spirit continue to inspire our program, our community, and the entire Nittany Lion family.”

Penn State won the game.

As fireworks lit the sky above Beaver Stadium, the scoreboard flashed “We Are… Cassie Strong,” underscoring a message that has united Nittany Nation for over a decade.

We Are… Penn State. We Are… Cassie Strong.