New smile for a jockey

Chase has always wanted to be a jockey. He has grown up around horses and has had a special connection to these amazing athletes. He has come so far to accomplish his dream of riding, from being a young, eager boy at Los Alamitos following the greats such as Cody Jensen and the late Sam Thompson, to now a multiple stakes winning jockey. Getting to this point has not been easy and Chase has had to overcome many obstacles, including multiple surgeries. He has had multiple accidents while riding, but the most difficult accident happened 2 years ago, it shattered his jaw and he lost multiple teeth. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he had an extensive surgery to attempt to repair his jaw. Shortly after this it was discovered what would be a life changing moment. During the surgery the oral surgeon discovered 2 large cysts that had essentially eaten his lower jaw bone away to the point that his oral surgeon said "the jaw fell apart in my hands”.  




As the mending process began Chase’s oral surgeon did further research into what the possible cause of the cysts could be.  While still in the hospital, they found several concerning blemishes. Chase was referred to a dermatologist who diagnosed him with “Gorlin Syndrome” otherwise known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma. This increases a persons risk to develop cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. 

As the dermatologist did further exams and procedures it was discovered that Chase did in fact have a large spot of melanoma (skin cancer) on his back. Chase over the course of the next several months as his jaw was healing underwent multiple surgical procedures known as Mohs surgery. During that multiple layers of skin are removed and then looked at through a microscope until it is determined that the affected area has been removed. This surgery can leave large areas where the upper dermis layer is removed and a person has what is basically a big open sore. Chase had to endure this surgery multiple times.


Unfortunately, the surgeries and procedures requires to fix Chase’s jaw (and give him new teeth) will not be covered by insurance. With your help, we can give him a new smile and help him get back in the saddle sooner. Anyone who knows Chase knows he is a very hard worker and is always helping others. Whether you are a friend, family member, follower, or coworker your help would be greatly appreciated. Let’s help our boy continue to “Chase his dreams” and get back on the track.

 

Thank you