Prayers for Cassie: The Music That Moves Us
Editor: Elizabeth Cardenas
Photographer: Nick Blevins
Producer and Composer Josh Cavazos stands left, and Cassie Martinez stands left of screen
2024 San Antonio Artist grant recipient Josh Cavazos premiered Prayers for Cassie on Friday, March 13 at Blue Star Arts Complex’s Slab Cinema, a mini-documentary detailing Cassie Martinez’s three-year journey with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the community of support that blossomed around her. The documentary also features original music composed by Josh Cavazos that was inspired by Cassie’s journey. He had first come to know Cassie as her piano teacher and, when he learned of her diagnosis and perseverance through treatment, was compelled to share her story of hope and healing.
Cassie’s love of music developed from a young age - in the film, her parents describe Cassie’s dedication to playing piano, joking that they never needed to remind her to practice. It was during her treatment that Cassie encountered Hearts Need Art, an organization which provides creative support to those facing health challenges; In Cassie’s case, Hearts Need Art partnered with local musicians to play music for patients receiving treatment in-hospital. She later partnered with the organization to play piano for fellow patients. Even after completing her treatment, Cassie continued in her passion for music, eventually becoming a music teacher.
The documentary also highlights the emotional roller coaster that occurs from diagnosis, to treatment, and beyond. From the fear of facing mortality to enduring the hardship of treatment, your heart aches for Cassie and her family, and rejoices with them in her victories. Josh’s featured original composition–a duet with celebrated cellist Tina Guo–further underscores the power of music in bringing communities together and communicating a message of hope.
Prayers for Cassie was developed in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the Dear Jack Foundation, and Hearts Need Art, and will be available to stream on YouTube in late March 2025.
