Learn more about our 2016-17 D.C. Champion, Chase

At age 3, while brushing his teeth, Chase mistook lye-based drain cleaner in the bathroom sink for water. The highly corrosive solution destroyed his trachea, esophagus and epiglottis, leaving him unable to breathe or swallow.

Chase spent three weeks in the pediatric intensive care unit before he was stable enough to prepare to go home. During a routine scope, doctors discovered his airway had nearly closed, and his esophagus and epiglottis had scarred closed. He required an emergency tracheotomy in order to breathe.

He now receives the sole source of his nutrition from a feeding tube. His doctors hope to remove his tracheostomy tube by adulthood.

Today, Chase sees beyond the limitations of his tracheotomy, loves playing sports and is fluent in French. He looks forward to the day when he can swim and eat “real” food.

How donations helped Chase at Children’s National Health System:  

CMN Hospitals donations support child life specialists who help children like Chase cope with their pain and understand their procedures by reading with them, playing games and making their hospital stays more comfortable.