In March, we introduced you to Cassie Tessier. She is an Easthampton teen, struggling with a deadly disease. Her classmates organized a benefit dinner to offer some much needed financial support, and now the family is able to thank them publicly for their help.

A rare blood vessel disorder called Pulmonary Hypertension keeps Cassie on a steady cycle of medication, but on Wednesday she broke out of her normal routine and returned to Easthampton High School for a show of support from her classmates.

"It's unfortunate that this circumstance is what had to bring us all together," says classmate Charity Brown.

Cassie's Class of 2009 organized a Pasta Supper to raise money for the family's medical bills. Bills that will only increase when and if Cassie receives the new lungs she so desperately needs.

"It felt good to give her the check and see the look on their faces," says Brown. "Even though it's only a mere dent in what it actually costs, to see that we actually helped."

Because of her illness Cassie isn't able to walk through the high school's doors very often, that's why she says she was shocked when she heard the Class of 2009 wanted to help.

"Just to know that that many people care means a lot," says Cassie.

And with almost 37-hundred dollars raised, it will be money well spent.

"We're gonna use it for our medical trips back and forth before the lungs," says Cassie's mom, Brenda Winters. "And then when she gets the lungs we'll need it because I won't be working."