In the summer of 2024, Alisha, Tali and Chase made their way to Washington DC to speak to Florida’s congress and to share their story and journey so congress can consider passing additional bills that aid in mental health resources for patients, siblings and parents in the hospital. Throughout cancer, their motto has always been “Chasing Life”, a play on Chase’s name, yet a reminder to live every day to the fullest, stay strong and brave on the hard days and to make the best out of life no matter what. In awe and in honor of Chase, Alisha decided the Chasing Life Foundation would be able to serve as yet another resource to help support families of medically complex children, children battling cancer and provide additional support for the hospitals to ensure patients and parents feel loved, supported and cared for at all times. Alisha now works for BayCare assisting medical directors and physicians with daily operations for the healthcare system, and sees first hand the care and commitment that goes into each and every patient. She’s excited that the Chasing Life Foundation can serve as another layer of care and support for patients and their families.
About Alisha
Aside from being Chase’s mom, Alisha is also the mother to Tali, Chase’s big sis. When she was pregnant with Chase she received the news he would have Down syndrome. Despite her worries, Alisha wanted to give Chase the absolute best life she could. When Chase was born, Alisha began to immediately search for resources and make connections in the Down syndrome community. Throughout her years of medical issues with Chase and advocacy for those with Down syndrome, Alisha knew she wanted to do more to help parents of special needs kids. When Chase was 4 years old, he was suddenly diagnosed with leukemia. Cancer was unlike anything Alisha had experienced before. Her life revolved around saving Chase’s life. Alisha spent a lot of time in the hospital with Chase, growing her relationship with the doctors and staff, becoming all things “medical mama” and finding ways to support other parents and improve the hospital setting. Armed with experience, dedication and desire to help other parents, Alisha joined the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Parent Advisory Council in 2022, a council of parents well equipped with hospital experience to make postive and impactful changes for the hospital, work alongside Physicians and all hospital staff to ensure parents and patients have the resources they need and the best experiences possible while in the hospital. In May 2023, Alisha held up her son Chase as they rang the bell together in completion of his cancer treatment. After Chase completed treatment, Alisha realized the effect it had on her daughter, Tali as well and thanks to Tali being open and honest about her feelings and her brothers cancer treatment, Alisha knew she needed to do more. She advocated for Tali’s mental health and found support at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, where they had been receiving care all along.