Chase is 14 years old. His favorite colors are blue, yellow, green, and red (in that order). Chase loves McDonald’s Fish Fillet sandwiches and chicken ramen noodles. He likes Pokémon (especially Pikachu) and Harry Potter. Chase’s Aunt Renee introduced him to Harry. They hoped to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter together. Chase loves to swim. His Aunt Melanie taught him when he spent the summer with her. Chase loves scary movies and staying up late. Chase dreamed of being an architect when he grew up. Sadly, Chase will not get to achieve that dream. Chase Gordon will never get to grow up.

Chase lives with his father, step-mother, older brother, and two little step-sisters in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Chase also has a half brother who lives with his mother in another state. Chase has numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chase’s family adores him. Everyone who has ever met Chase adores him.

When Chase was nine years old, he was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme WHO Grade IV.  An eye exam revealed a mass behind his eye. Chase underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Monthly check ups revealed no tumors. At Chase’s last check up before being declared officially cancer free, he was told that the tumors had returned. It was time to start fighting again. This time, a port was surgically implanted in his heart for his chemotherapy. He underwent more radiation. During his year of treatment, Chase was taught at home by a visiting teacher three times a week. He was partially paralyzed on his left side, but made straight A’s throughout this year.

Chase relearned how to walk and care for himself. Eventually, he was running, riding his bicycle, and even returned to school.

Then the seizures began. Chase and his family were swimming at the lake to celebrate his recovery. Chase had seven seizures that day alone. Chase’s doctors believed that the seizures were caused by trauma from his many surgeries. After a clean MRI, he was placed on medication to control the seizures.

Two weeks later, Chase was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital after suffering four seizures in one day. Another MRI revealed two new tumors. Chase prepared to enter surgery yet again. This time, it was not successful. Doctors were only able to remove two thirds of one tumor. The other was completely inoperable. Chase underwent radiation for the last time. The family was told that half of Chase’s skull was so damaged by the radiation that it would never grow again. If Chase grew up, he would have to undergo yet more surgeries to expand his skull.

Tragically, that will not be necessary. There will be no more surgery for Chase. He was sent home to be cared for by hospice. He was given three to five months to live. Now, that time has dwindled to days. Most of Chase’s family now keeps vigil by his bedside. Chase’s father, after 6 deployments, retired from the military to avoid being deployed, yet again, away from his terminally ill son. Chase’s extended family flood his father’s house, desperate for every moment they can grasp with Chase. The family dispenses his medication. They hold him up so that he can breathe easier. They feed him by hand. They watch him sleep, terrified that each breath will be his last. Across the country, Chase’s mother holds her breath, praying that her scheduled flight makes it in time to say goodbye. Time has frozen for this family. Their  time with Chase could last for days or it could end in hours.

Through this website, the associated Facebook account, and the Facebook accounts and website of Chase’s family, a vigil is held for Chase. Across the United States, Canada, and the UK, visitors to Hope for Chase read the updates on Chase’s condition.

Letting Chase and his family know that we care, that others are pulling, hoping, and praying for them is all that we can offer now. We can ensure that Chase Gordon is never forgotten. We can make certain that Chase’s legacy  of goodness, bravery, and love is carried on.