On Thursday, March 16, 2023, Cassandra Nichole Otella Eckart was called to heaven after battling a bone disease called Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP).

Cassie was born in England on January 31, 1989, to SMSgt Glen (USAF) and Karen Eckart, where Glen was serving in the United States Air Force.

She had a zest and passion for life and was not shy about introducing herself to anyone to make them aware of FOP, many times offering an FOP bracelet that they could wear to make this tragic but rare disease more known to the public. She contributed her time and artwork towards fundraising events to help scientists in Dr. Kaplan's laboratory in Philadelphia, whose lab is championing research on FOP and found the gene that causes the disease.

Cassie was a gifted and talented artist. She loved painting and photography. As a dog lover, dogs were often the subject of her artwork, including a portrait of herself and her beloved dog Rico. She also loved her favorite television shows and was often an invited guest at Dancing with the Stars and American Idol in Hollywood, where she would weave herself into the hearts of many of the judges. She also supported several local musicians, venturing out to see a concert or visiting a local venue with live music.

Each holiday was celebrated with vigor, where Cassie would coax her family into joining the fun (often captured in pictures too many to count). During the holidays, Cassie also loved baking, decorating, and eating cakes, tempting everyone in the room, and expanding grandpas waistline. She loved being surrounded by things that made her laugh.

Cassie is survived by her mother Karen and father Glen, her Grandfather MSgt Duane Beliel (USAF), her Grandmother Maryann Eckart, her aunt and uncle Drs. Susan and Greg Baldwin, her aunt Diane Beliel, her uncle Stan Eckart, her aunt Lisa and uncle John Armour, her cousins Ashley and Breana Peckenschneider, Daniel, Richard, Jerry, and Captain Mike Armour, plus many adoring friends.

The Memorial Service will be held at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Saturday, May 27th, at 2pm. If you wish to send a donation, please send your kind gift in memory of Cassie to the iFOP, at www.iFOPa.org.

Cassie lived her life to the fullest and is now Dancing with the Stars in heaven.