Cissy's Story & How We Got Started

Take The Trip Foundation is a growing nonprofit organization started by an inspiring wife and husband duo, Cissy and Jason Carroll. The nonprofit will send young families impacted by terminal illnesses on one amazing adventure together to create lasting memories for loved ones who need it most. Cissy herself was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer with brain metastases in 2015. At the time, she was given a 1% chance to live 5 years and has well surpassed that statistic and has been fighting ever since. From that day in 2015 until now, Cissy has lived by the motto “Take the trip, buy the shoes, eat the cake.” She has an undeniable zest for life and jumps at any opportunity to laugh, love, and live in the moment.

The idea for TTTF was sparked by a completely selfless act that recently sent Cissy, Jason, and their 7-year-old son Jack on the most special all-expense paid vacation together. This trip was given to the Carrolls by the most generous human that had not even connected with Cissy in over 20 years. It gave them the chance to escape reality for a while and focus on just being together to love one another and create some unforgettable memories as a family. Cissy and Jason prayed for the opportunity to be able to pay it forward and do the same for another deserving family. The opportunity to start a nonprofit came to them shortly after and they immediately knew this was how they could spread light to others. Take The Trip Foundation was born, and they have been working tirelessly to bring awareness to their cause ever since. 

Unfortunately, Cissy was recently given the news that her health has rapidly declined and there are no more treatments available to her. She has been given 3-6 months left to live and has transitioned into hospice care. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Cissy still has the burning desire to pay it forward and leave a lasting, positive mark on this world. It is her hope that TTTF will bless hundreds of families in similar circumstances to hers for years to come and that her legacy will live on through the love and cherished memories it creates.