Chase
Hometown: Caldwell, OH
Diagnosis: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Age on Race Day: 8
Chase was born with a complex congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). HLHS is a rare heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped and incapable of supporting circulation.
HLHS is a severe condition that requires immediate treatment, but because doctors were able to diagnose Chase in-utero, his parents could plan ahead. At just 2 days old, Chase had his first of three open heart surgeries at the world-renowned Heart Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Chase returned to the Heart Center for his additional surgeries at 5 months, and again at 2 years old.
In total, Chase spent over 100 days at Nationwide Children's and because of the bond he created with his care team, decided to give back.
“Chase made it his mission to re-stock the toy closets on the heart floor so that other kids could pick out a special toy like he did while in the hospital,” shares Chase’s mom, Dawna. “Our family hosts an annual summer toy drive at our local park as a way to give back to a place near and dear to our hearts.”
Chase, now 8, is thriving. He loves school and playing outside and proudly shows off his scars. “This journey has been difficult at times,” Dawna says. “But it has given us the opportunity to step back, slow down, and see what’s important in life.”
