A photograph honoring the life of Cassie Clinger now hangs in the Star Valley Health Alpine Clinic, donated by photographer Jill Hall in her memory.

“This beautiful picture reminds us of the love and care 399 provided to her cubs and, more importantly, reminds us of the love and care Cassie provided to not only her children, but also to teammates and patients,” said Jeremy Price, VP of Medical Group & Ancillary Operations with Star Valley Health.

Hall took the photo on June 6, 2020. She said the three cubs seen in the photo are a nod to Cassie’s own three children. Hall said, “I’ve loved the fight inside [Cassie] to help with mental health and domestic abuse.”

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For Cassie’s family, the donation came as an emotional surprise.

Cassie’s mother, Cynthia Clinger was getting her nails done when she heard about the donation. “I first learned about Jill’s photograph donation while getting my nails done at Salt River Salon. I cried of course. Kind of my natural reaction to all the love, kind words, acts of service, and support everyone has given us. I later found out that Jill was also donating a copy to the Alpine Clinic where Cassie worked.”

At the clinic, Cassie would check in patients at the front desk as a Patient Representative. She was one of the first faces a patient would see.

The donated print of Grizzly 399 is titled “A Wonderful Mother.” “[Cassie] was a protector, nurturer, defender, and a constant in her children’s lives,” said Cynthia. “Grizzly 399, I hear, was the same way. Cassie was a dedicated mother and often spoke of how her children saved her life. They were her entire world.”

Beyond her role as a mother, Cassie’s caring nature extended to more than her children and family.

Cynthia said she had an ability to know when others needed some extra encouragement. Cassie would know when others might need a hug and wouldn’t hesitate to follow through and act on those promptings. “I hope others remember her goodness,” said Cynthia. “I hope they got to see her silly, carefree side that still makes me smile. Her beautiful smile, her laugh, and

her ability to love others unconditionally. I hope people remember her desire to help others even when she was struggling herself. I hope they remember her passion for mental health and her desire to have it be a natural thing to talk about. So many struggle yet feel it’s a taboo subject. She wanted those barriers to disappear and to have others understand it to a deeper degree, for people to know they don’t struggle alone.”

Because of that lasting impact, the photograph donation will help others continue to learn about Cassie and her mission to bring light to subjects that might be hard for others to talk about and be vulnerable about.

“The picture of an iconic local bear adds to the hometown feel of the clinic and, when people learn of the backstory, it opens the door to positive memories of Cassie and will hopefully help people on their individual journeys of healing – both physically and mentally, “ said Price.

In that way, the print, “A Wonderful Mother” will continue to help spread the love that Cassie had to her family, friends, and to all those she met.

Speaking about the response of those in the area, Cynthia said, “the love and support from our local community, as well as surrounding areas has been so overwhelming. Our lives have been truly blessed by those around us. We have felt all the prayers offered for us and her children. All the kind words have given us the strength to endure this trial. We can’t say enough good about our community and their love and generosity.”