Chase Quartarone

            Chase Quartarone was in shock and disbelief.  The news from the doctor was unbelievable. At 15 years of age Chase and his family had to process the news that he had cancer.  What began as mild aches and pains in his back, side and neck, persisted until the family sought medical help.  The diagnosis—B-cell lymphoma—came on September 22, 2008.

            Chase entered the world a healthy baby boy on May 22, 1993.  Throughout his childhood and early teens it became obvious to all who knew him that he was growing into an extremely gifted young man. Chase was an outstanding 4.0 GPA student who thrived in school and loved to learn.  Not only did he excel in sports, particularly baseball, but he also had an artistic side.  He was developing his skills as a painter, sculptor, and his musical prowess as a pianist.  And as if these weren’t enough gifts for one young man, he also loved to work in the kitchen and perfect his culinary skills.  Add to this schedule a love for hanging with friends, and it is easy to see that Chase was one busy guy.  Life, as they say, was good. 

            Chase missed the next four months of school as he underwent four consecutive rounds of chemotherapy at Rady’s Children’s Hospital.  He kept up with his school work with the help of tutors, but was too ill to enjoy the company of friends.  He suffered through much pain and nausea as a result of the treatments, and endured many sleepless nights. Chase had also met all his requirements to become an Eagle Scout, and had selected his Eagle Scout Project as Kelly Elementary School.  Unfortunately he has been unable to complete his project due to hospitalization and chemotherapy recovery.

            At the end of these months of suffering, the doctors told Chase and his family that the cancer had disappeared.  Needless to say, they were ecstatic!  Chase resumed his classes as a sophomore at Carlsbad High School, and began playing baseball again for the high school team.  All seemed well until March. 

            An exam revealed that the cancer had returned.  A tumor had developed near his heart.  It was growing quickly and within a few weeks Chase had to return to Children’s Hospital for another round of chemotherapy.  The tumor had grown larger and faster than they had expected and Chase ended up in the Intensive Care Unit with complications.  He was in the hospital for a total of sixteen days.

            In order to combat the harmful effects of chemotherapy, Chase has begun taking natural supplements.  Unfortunately these are not covered by insurance.  The numerous supplements are needed to increase enzyme production, reduce tumor growth, and increase the production of both red and white blood cells.  Several additional supplements also bolster his immune system—an absolute necessity given the fact that chemo destroys the body’s natural immunity along with the deadly cancer cells.

            In addition to the medical treatment, Chase is undergoing alternative therapies to clear his body of toxins, viruses and bacteria.  While these treatments have proven to be extremely effective in helping cancer patients, they are not covered by traditional insurance policies and have become quite expensive.

            Chase has also had to radically change his diet.  Research has proven that cancer cells cannot survive in a high ph environment. And because cancer also needs sugar to thrive,  Chase (and his family) now live a sugar-free lifestyle.  This includes following a restrictive organic regimen.   A commitment to this way of life requires perseverance and money.  The cost of organic foods can sometimes be three times the cost of supermarket varieties.  

              This challenging journey has taken quite a toll on Chase’s young body.  He has endured great suffering and continues to fight this disease, filled with the hope that he can beat it. With your help he can!  Please help Chase conquer this disease.