Published: June 22, 2007 09:35 am      

The Face of Cancer: Survivor Stories

Chase Yaden

Chase Yaden was your typical athletic student at Southern Middle School. He had spent the summer practicing and conditioning for the basketball team, but soon learned he wouldn’t play basketball that season. Chase had been experiencing frequent severe headaches. Doctors discovered that Chase had a pineal tumor.

Chase, his parents and his doctor decided the best form of treatment was radiation and two brain surgeries. He underwent treatment for approximately four months.

Chase credits the love and support of his family, church and classmates with helping him get through this life changing experience. Around Christmas time, he began losing his hair. School officials allowed him to wear a hat during school hours, and he chose to wear a Santa hat! Officials at Southern Middle School tried to help the situation by allowing all students to wear hats in order to help Chase not feel singled out.

Now, 19 years-old, this six-year cancer survivor works to uplift the spirits of others who are recently diagnosed with cancer.

“You can survive cancer! It’s the truth and not just something the doctors tell you. Believe that things can work out for the best. Things are different now; life has become normal again,” said Chase.

Chase is one of this year’s recipients of the American Cancer Society’s $1,000 College Scholarship Award. He was recognized at the Relay For Life of Pulaski County held on Friday, June 15 at Somerset Community College.

For more information about pineal tumors contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the Web site at www.cancer.org.