Life & Work with Cassandra Rocha

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Rocha.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2005 I gave birth to my second son, Isaac. We knew he would be born with cleft lip and palate but we were still unprepared. We were connected to a cleft clinic through Kaiser but still felt relatively isolated. During the year after his birth, I began running, maybe to deal with stress who knows. Over the course of the next few years, I kept trying to find ways to bring awareness to cleft lip and palate. We raised money to donate to smile train, and we created a small casino bus fundraiser but nothing seemed very impactful. I wanted something bigger. In 2010 a friend introduced me to her friend who had recently given birth to a cleft-affected baby. We connected through our shared experience and started discussing how we could make a difference. Since I had become an avid runner, I suggested we host a 5k., and Dash for Smiles was born.

A few months later, I saw a Facebook post from a cleft-related organization and I noticed another mom post she was from Thornton. I outreached her and invited her to join us. In the summer of 2011, we held our first 5k in Central Park. It was mostly family and friends but we had over 100 people. I was so energized by the experience and overwhelmed by the support we received. Through registrations and donations, we were able to donate a total of $6000 to our two local cleft clinics. Over the past 12 years, the event has grown beyond our family and friends and is much more organized than our inaugural event. We have donated a grand total of $140,000 to the clinics at Children’s Hospital and Rocky Mountain Hospital for children. Our logo is now recognized in the cleft community and around town as we have hosted various events to support our cause.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I took on a lot of the work such as filing for nonprofit status and getting all permitting and licenses each and every year. We operated as a group of three for many years but life happened and the women were unable to continue with the organization.

I was lucky my family and friends jumped on board and offered to help. We have continued our work each and every year, including holding a virtual event during covid. I am Incredibly thankful to have such an amazing support system that is passionate about this cause and motivated to make a difference in the community.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked as a probation officer with Denver County Court since 2000. I have worked with a variety of populations but have found the most fulfillment in addiction.

I have been a part of drug court and sobriety court and also a new harm reduction model program for drug offenders.

I would say I am viewed as a level-headed person who does not shy away from standing up for what is right. I am proud of working in public service for over 22 years and serving the community where I live and work.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my favorite childhood memories was being snowed in at my Ninos house over Christmas. I love the feeling of the family being together and sharing stories and enjoying great food.

Pricing:

• $15.00 child registration
• $30.00 adult registration
• $100-$5000 sponsorships available

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dashforsmiles.org
• Instagram: @DashforSmiles
• Facebook: Dashforsmiles
• Twitter: @Dashforsmiles

Image Credits
Images Through The Lens