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Cassidy Harris

Cassidy Harris was a biracial Black and white woman from the Pasadena, California, area. She attended Pasadena High School and belonged to the friend network surrounding Pattie Matsuda, Evan Hayes, Jeremy Wallace, and Connor Martinez. Cassidy began dating Connor in November 1998, remained with him through the lasting effects of his near-fatal appendicitis crisis, and later married him.

Early Life and Background

Cassidy was born circa 1982 to Terrence “Terry” Harris, a Black electrician, and Elizabeth “Beth” Harris, a white law-firm secretary. She grew up in the Pasadena area and attended Pasadena High School.

During high school, Cassidy moved within overlapping friend groups that included Pattie, Evan, Jeremy, Connor, Morgan, and Tracy. She, Morgan, and Tracy helped Pattie prepare for motherhood and became auntie figures to Lila Hayes.

Cultural Identity and Heritage

Cassidy was biracial (Black and white) and was generally read as Black. Her father was Black American, and her mother was white.

Romantic and Significant Relationships

Connor Martinez

Main article: Connor Martinez and Cassidy Harris

Cassidy and Connor had their first date at Casa Adelante in Pasadena on November 9, 1998. They began their relationship while both were sixteen and were helping Pattie and Evan after Lila’s premature birth.

Three weeks later, Cassidy accompanied Connor to Huntington Memorial Hospital when he developed severe abdominal pain. She remained present during the three-hour emergency-room delay attributed to medical racism and watched his condition deteriorate before emergency surgery for a perforated appendix and sepsis. The stress triggered a severe migraine that kept her away during part of Connor’s most critical period.

Cassidy first visited Connor after surgery on November 30. His post-septic cognitive impairment caused him to repeat questions and lose recent information, and she answered him patiently each time. During his recovery, she researched gastroparesis management, adapted plans around his access needs, and helped him remain connected to school and friends. Cassidy and Connor later married.

Healthcare Equity Advocacy

With Connor’s consent, Cassidy later used his experience as an example in healthcare-equity advocacy.

Memorable Quotes

“I was home. I had a migraine. But I’m here now. I’m not leaving.” (Source: Connor Martinez Appendicitis and Septic Crisis (Thanksgiving 1998) - Event; spoken to Connor Martinez during her November 30 hospital visit.)

“I love you too.” (Source: Connor Martinez and Cassidy Harris; spoken after Connor first told her he loved her during the same visit.)

Characters Supporting Characters Living Characters Black Characters Black American Characters Mixed Race Characters Harris Family