Our Story
Chase was born in December 2016 and diagnosed with Down syndrome, multiple heart defects and spent almost 2 weeks in the NICU. Over time, all issues were manageable or treated with surgery, and when Chase turned 4 years old, he was thriving and the healthiest he had ever been for once. The following month, Chase developed a concerning rash on his body and was immediately sent for blood work. Within minutes, Chase went from being a relatively healthy 4-year old, to being diagnosed with cancer. He was admitted on the spot to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and within days was receiving chemotherapy to save his life.
Chase had a rough start to treatment and only 2 months in he fell extremely ill as a side effect of an intense chemo round. He spent the next three months admitted to the hospital fighting for his life. He developed a fungal infection all over his internal organs including his kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and even his heart. His labs were in critical condition and he was not yet in remission. During those three months, his oncology team and multiple other specialists worked hard to come up with a game plan that would keep Chase alive as he was trying to battle both an invasive fungal infection and cancer at the same time. Chase would become eligible for a newer trial chemotherapy called Blinatumomab, that did not present the same side effects of the other intense chemo's which thankfully helped his body heal the infection and fight cancer at the same time. Chase had to continue on IV medication for over 7 months to ensure the fungal infection didn’t worsen, as well as continue with chemotherapy to battle cancer. Thankfully in May 2021, Chase finally reached remission and continued on his two and a half year chemotherapy treatment plan. Though Chase was presented with multiple challenges along the way, approximately 300 hundred days admitted to the hospital, and fought pneumonia over 12 times, he remained positive, danced through the hard days and after almost 3 years of treatment, Chase finally rang the bell in May 2023.
Chase had a rough start to treatment and only 2 months in he fell extremely ill as a side effect of an intense chemo round. He spent the next three months admitted to the hospital fighting for his life. He developed a fungal infection all over his internal organs including his kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and even his heart. His labs were in critical condition and he was not yet in remission. During those three months, his oncology team and multiple other specialists worked hard to come up with a game plan that would keep Chase alive as he was trying to battle both an invasive fungal infection and cancer at the same time. Chase would become eligible for a newer trial chemotherapy called Blinatumomab, that did not present the same side effects of the other intense chemo's which thankfully helped his body heal the infection and fight cancer at the same time. Chase had to continue on IV medication for over 7 months to ensure the fungal infection didn’t worsen, as well as continue with chemotherapy to battle cancer. Thankfully in May 2021, Chase finally reached remission and continued on his two and a half year chemotherapy treatment plan. Though Chase was presented with multiple challenges along the way, approximately 300 hundred days admitted to the hospital, and fought pneumonia over 12 times, he remained positive, danced through the hard days and after almost 3 years of treatment, Chase finally rang the bell in May 2023.
Chase had a rough start to treatment and only 2 months in he fell extremely ill as a side effect of an intense chemo round. He spent the next three months admitted to the hospital fighting for his life. He developed a fungal infection all over his internal organs including his kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and even his heart. His labs were in critical condition and he was not yet in remission. During those three months, his oncology team and multiple other specialists worked hard to come up with a game plan that would keep Chase alive as he was trying to battle both an invasive fungal infection and cancer at the same time. Chase would become eligible for a newer trial chemotherapy called Blinatumomab, that did not present the same side effects of the other intense chemo's which thankfully helped his body heal the infection and fight cancer at the same time. Chase had to continue on IV medication for over 7 months to ensure the fungal infection didn’t worsen, as well as continue with chemotherapy to battle cancer. Thankfully in May 2021, Chase finally reached remission and continued on his two and a half year chemotherapy treatment plan. Though Chase was presented with multiple challenges along the way, approximately 300 hundred days admitted to the hospital, and fought pneumonia over 12 times, he remained positive, danced through the hard days and after almost 3 years of treatment, Chase finally rang the bell in May 2023.
Chase had a rough start to treatment and only 2 months in he fell extremely ill as a side effect of an intense chemo round. He spent the next three months admitted to the hospital fighting for his life. He developed a fungal infection all over his internal organs including his kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and even his heart. His labs were in critical condition and he was not yet in remission. During those three months, his oncology team and multiple other specialists worked hard to come up with a game plan that would keep Chase alive as he was trying to battle both an invasive fungal infection and cancer at the same time. Chase would become eligible for a newer trial chemotherapy called Blinatumomab, that did not present the same side effects of the other intense chemo's which thankfully helped his body heal the infection and fight cancer at the same time. Chase had to continue on IV medication for over 7 months to ensure the fungal infection didn’t worsen, as well as continue with chemotherapy to battle cancer. Thankfully in May 2021, Chase finally reached remission and continued on his two and a half year chemotherapy treatment plan. Though Chase was presented with multiple challenges along the way, approximately 300 hundred days admitted to the hospital, and fought pneumonia over 12 times, he remained positive, danced through the hard days and after almost 3 years of treatment, Chase finally rang the bell in May 2023.
Summer of 2024, Chase proudly attended the Family Advocacy Day trip to Washington DC where he and his family sat next to members of congress including Florida's Senate and House of Representatives and share his story as Congress works to improve Florida's medical system and resources available to families and children who battle an array of medical complexities. Chase was also the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Honored Hero in November 2023 and the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year Honored Hero in March 2024. Chase remains cancer free and just as happy as can be to be Chasing Life, which is not only his cancer journey's motto, but a reminder to make the most out of life and each new day we are given, regardless of the hard times we go through. Through his uplifting spirit and personality, Chase continues to serve as an inspiration to not only children with special needs, but also to children who bravely fight cancer every single day and continues to demonstrate courage, determination and a love for life in everything he is able to do.
Chase loves baseball, pizza, fries, ice cream, dancing on the dance floor with the ladies and being on the playground. He makes friends with everyone he meets and makes sure he gives you a hug or high-five!
Chase’s family started the Chasing Life Foundation in his honor. Thank you for your love and support! #ChasingLife
Chase was born in December 2016 and diagnosed with Down syndrome, multiple heart defects and spent almost 2 weeks in the NICU. Over time, all issues were manageable or treated with surgery, and when Chase turned 4 years old, he was thriving and the healthiest he had ever been for once. The following month, Chase developed a concerning rash on his body and was immediately sent for blood work. Within minutes, Chase went from being a relatively healthy 4-year old, to being diagnosed with cancer. He was admitted on the spot to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital and within days was receiving chemotherapy to save his life.
Chase had a rough start to treatment and only 2 months in he fell extremely ill as a side effect of an intense chemo round. He spent the next three months admitted to the hospital fighting for his life. He developed a fungal infection all over his internal organs including his kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen and even his heart. His labs were in critical condition and he was not yet in remission. During those three months, his oncology team and multiple other specialists worked hard to come up with a game plan that would keep Chase alive as he was trying to battle both an invasive fungal infection and cancer at the same time. Chase would become eligible for a newer trial chemotherapy called Blinatumomab, that did not present the same side effects of the other intense chemo's which thankfully helped his body heal the infection and fight cancer at the same time. Chase had to continue on IV medication for over 7 months to ensure the fungal infection didn’t worsen, as well as continue with chemotherapy to battle cancer. Thankfully in May 2021, Chase finally reached remission and continued on his two and a half year chemotherapy treatment plan. Though Chase was presented with multiple challenges along the way, approximately 300 hundred days admitted to the hospital, and fought pneumonia over 12 times, he remained positive, danced through the hard days and after almost 3 years of treatment, Chase finally rang the bell in May 2023.
Summer of 2024, Chase proudly attended the Family Advocacy Day trip to Washington DC where he and his family sat next to members of congress including Florida's Senate and House of Representatives and share his story as Congress works to improve Florida's medical system and resources available to families and children who battle an array of medical complexities. Chase was also the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Honored Hero in November 2023 and the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year Honored Hero in March 2024. Chase remains cancer free and just as happy as can be to be Chasing Life, which is not only his cancer journey's motto, but a reminder to make the most out of life and each new day we are given, regardless of the hard times we go through. Through his uplifting spirit and personality, Chase continues to serve as an inspiration to not only children with special needs, but also to children who bravely fight cancer every single day and continues to demonstrate courage, determination and a love for life in everything he is able to do.
Chase loves baseball, pizza, fries, ice cream, dancing on the dance floor with the ladies and being on the playground. He makes friends with everyone he meets and makes sure he gives you a hug or high-five!
Chase’s family started the Chasing Life Foundation in his honor. Thank you for your love and support! #ChasingLife
Meet Chase
Meet Our Board Members
Click on a member's photo to view their bio!
Alisha
Chase's Mom, Founder, President
Fred
Chase's Grandfather, Vice President
Nico
Chase's Uncle, Treasurer
Sharon
Family Friend, Secretary