CASSY STAHL

Gifts in the Struggle

Written by: Zachary Cohen • Photos by: Cruz Acevedo, StudioUSA

No one expects a cancer diagnosis, and it can be one of the scariest pieces of information one can receive. When Cassy Stahl was delivered the news that she had stage III breast cancer in 2007, it upended her life. There were moments when she doubted whether she would survive and whether her three young kids would be left without her. But as the story unfolded, Cassy’s cancer battle turned into one of the most positive forces in her life. The ensuing reassessment of her values led to a more authentic life, a sense of freedom, and a new career. Cassy’s life-changing battle with cancer inspired her to take some long-overdue action, resulting in a level of fulfillment

“My experience with cancer and facing mortality gave me clarity on what’s important in life,” Cassy reflects. “What’s important? Living your true authentic self and finding the ways you can impact the world and make a difference in others’ lives.”

Gifts In The Struggle

After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Marquette University, Cassy went on to enjoy a successful 25-year career in engineering. She was good at her work, and in some cases, it brought her joy. She had the opportunity to work on projects like the restoration of the Texas State Capitol building, worked for the department of defense, and traveled overseas.

Despite her success, Cassy always sensed something was missing. She witnessed her husband Lennart’s genuine passion for his engineering work and recognized she lacked the same pull. For many years, she couldn’t fully admit that her work didn’t bring her joy.

That is, until her cancer diagnosis. At the time, her kids were 3, 7, and 9. Cancer was the wake-up call that Cassy needed.

“I just took it one day at a time. And during this time, I realized how much love there was around me. I saw what was important — friendships, family, — and eventually, I settled into a place of peace. This gave me the freedom to see what really brings me joy and how I could truly make a difference in this world.”

Cassy realized that life was too short to waste on things she wasn’t passionate about. She may have been good at engineering, but it wasn’t what she was meant to do. She was meant to be impacting others on a more personal level.

Finding Her Calling

Cassy was first introduced to the real estate industry through her father, a real estate appraiser.

Cassy fought the idea of becoming a REALTOR® due to a long-standing resistance to sales. As an engineer, her credibility was high, but she believed the same couldn’t be said for being a salesperson.

After her cancer diagnosis, Cassy was forced to look carefully at her limiting beliefs.

“Before cancer, I felt, ‘Once I achieve this, then I’ll take time for myself.’ I wasn’t taking care of myself and wasn’t doing what I wanted to do. I realized the life I was living wasn’t the life I wanted to live, and I hoped I would get a chance to do it differently. I realized I only get one go-around on this Earth. What does that look like for me on a daily basis? Where can I truly enjoy what I do and have peace along my journey?”

Cassy’s answer was real estate. She was licensed in 2013, beginning a new stage in her life.

Living In Joy

Over a decade later, Cassy is thriving. She’s free of cancer, her three kids, Sophia, Linnea, and Stefan, are now 25, 23, and 20, and her second career has been even more fulfilling than she could have imagined. Perhaps most importantly, Cassy is making a real difference in the lives of others. She’s living in joy.

I BELIEVE I’M IN REAL ESTATE TODAY BECAUSE OF MY JOURNEY, AND I BELIEVE THAT’S WHAT MAKES ME GOOD AT REAL ESTATE.

“I believe I’m in real estate today because of my journey, and I believe that’s what makes me good at real estate. What I love most about the business is the opportunity to get to know people on a personal level. My journey has allowed me to have a bigger perspective and do this well without carrying a lot of stress,” Cassy offers.

“I’m most grateful for the mind shift that occurred in my life post-cancer, the opportunity to see the blessings I have in my life and be able to share my outlook with others. I want to live my life without any regrets, and I believe my experience with cancer has helped me do that while adding value to others’ lives. I love this business, and it’s truly my calling.”