Chase

Chase is a fun-loving, creative 5-year old boy who was diagnosed on May 16th, 2011 at the age of 4 with a tumor in his lumbar spine that is classified as a Primitive Ectodermal Tumor (PNET) and falls under the category of Embryonal Tumor with Abundant Neuropril and True Rosettes (ETANTR). It’s a very rare and aggressive tumor with only 50 cases documented in literature and all of these occurring in the brain. Chase has the only known case with the primary tumor in the spine. Since last May he has undergone surgery, a recurrence, 30 proton radiation treatments with chemo on his brain and spine, two rounds of high dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, and 2 rounds of maintenance chemotherapy. Since his radiation treatments, he has had no evidence of disease! He has suffered numerous side effects including permanent hearing loss. However, he continues to be strong, happy and full of life! As he continues treatment, Chase enjoys spending time playing with super heroes, drawing and playing with his twin brother, Jake.