"I wish for a playhouse!"
Chase
5
leukemia
Chase’s Playhouse Wish
In 2019, Chase was a typical three-year-old—smart, playful, and obsessed with dinosaurs. His smile was infectious, especially when pranking his siblings!
Unfortunately, Chase was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Suddenly, this happy, energetic young boy was faced with a string of hospital visits and bone marrow transplants, which put a damper on his fun, but not his spirits.
According to his mom, Oanh, he was always a fighter. “He never complained. He never said ‘Why me?’ He just took it as it came.”
So when their social worker suggested they apply to Make-A-Wish, it was a no-brainer. Being able to finally grant his wish was like letting a ray of light into a dark room.
Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has encouraged critically ill kids to dream big and put themselves first. But Chase had other ideas.
Meeting his favorite YouTube celebrity or hosting a dino-themed party wouldn’t have been as much fun for Chase’s siblings—Michelle, Matthew, and Noah. So he made a wish that they could all enjoy together: a dragon-themed playhouse!
Complete with a dragon mural and an expansive front porch, Chase’s playhouse was a huge hit for both him and his brothers. The day it arrived, the three of them had a blast playing games and having adventures.
Sharing joy is what Make-A-Wish loves most and we loved seeing Chase do the same for his family
Unfortunately, Chase was only able to enjoy his new playhouse for several weeks before he had to go back to the hospital.
Just a few months before, he had received a bone marrow transplant from his mom—his third since the diagnosis. At first, it looked as though this final procedure would be a turning point for Chase. His body accepted her cells almost immediately and he had regained much of his energy.
However, his condition soon deteriorated, and doctors informed the family that there was nothing else they could do. Chase passed away in August of 2022.
Though short, his life was a blessing to all those who knew him.
During his illness, Chase continued to fight and to put others first. Today, his siblings are still enjoying his playhouse and Chase’s memory is an ever-present part of their games. “They’re living for Chase,” Oanh said. “They’re able to play and enjoy it for him.”
Despite everything the family has been through, Chase’s mom, Oanh, credits Make-A-Wish with bringing some much-needed happiness during a difficult time in their lives.
“It brings them joy, even if it’s just for a day or two. [Make-A-Wish is] able to make them happy with everything that they’re going through. It’s so hard to describe with words…seeing your child have their wish fulfilled—it’s priceless.”
Every day, Make-A-Wish grants wishes to critically ill children like Chase so they can experience the normal things the rest of us take for granted. To learn more about local events and volunteer opportunities, contact Make-A-Wish Central and North Florida today or visit cnfl.wish.org.