This little boy and his family came into the Ronald McDonald House in Albany during the last few months we were there with Gracie. We met Chase when he was 2 months old. He has a special place in our heart as he and Gracie actually met and fought their battle with cancer together. His family has always stayed in contact with us and continue to give us updates and support whenever we ask. Meet this little AMAZING miracle baby, Chase!
“This is Chase Foley…my hero. Chase Roger Foley was diagnosed at just 1 MONTH OLD with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). I remember it like it was yesterday: “Mrs. Foley, your son will not make it through the night. His WBC is 1.8 million (which the hospital had never seen even in adults) and he is 98% cancer filled. You need to prepare yourself for the next few hours.” We were devastated, but never gave up. We didn’t allow ourselves to plan anything but our life with our hero! Hours turned into days which turned into weeks. The doctors were very amazed at how Chase took to treatment and did not stop fighting hard for his life.
Everything was going great. No major setbacks and treatment was ending! Can you believe it? For a baby that was told wouldn’t make it through the night, Chase was finally 2 years old and we were doing his exit interview after treatment. This was both scary, and exciting at the time.
Unfortunately, on April 4, 2014, we were slapped in the face (for lack of better terms) again. Out of the blue, Chase had relapsed. What was a routine Bone Marrow test to see if he was Anemic, turned out to be a relapse. At this point, Chase needed a Bone Marrow Transplant, with Radiation.
On August 4, 2014, Chase was given a second chance at life. He did remarkably well with transplant, and continues to prove the doctors that first night wrong. Many people say that we are strong. They ask how did I survive these last almost 4 years. It’s because of people that held us up when we were falling. I knew the Lawton’s before they were “Amazing Gracie’s Foundation.” I had the pleasure of meeting Gracie and watch her and Chase playing at the Ronald McDonald House together. We have laughed together and cried together. This is how I get through it. We are not alone.
Even after the Lawtons experienced their loss, something that NO PARENT should have to go through, they rallied together in the name of their angel and decided to give back to families facing the same battles. Amazing Grace Gift foundation has been there for my family. Because of their generosity, my family was able to take a trip to the lake back home. Some of our greatest memories together are from 2 years ago on that lake. And now, Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation is there to help my family! From donating backpacks and supplies to the children at the Ronald McDonald House to offering to help us when needed, the Foundation steps up to help. I am forever grateful that I have had the support emotionally from the Lawtons and their Amazing Gracie’s Gift Foundation.”