In May 2024, after a 9-month battle with a mystery illness, Chase was diagnosed with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). GPA is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) in multiple organs, primarily the lungs, kidneys, sinuses, and nose.

For months, Chase experienced severe ear pain and sinus issues that were attributed to ear and sinus infections. After multiple rounds of antibiotics and countless trips to urgent care and the ER, nothing was working. Tests came back clear. In Jan 2024, his eyes became affected by what we now know is a flare. His symptoms became so bad he experienced severe ear pain, light sensitivity, swelling, lesions on his eyes, and some days the inability to even open his eyes. He saw both ENT and eye specialists to find the cause. Scans, medications, and even ear tubes were done to try and mitigate the issues. After treatment for what was thought to be an eye infection, possibly pink eye, one of the ophthalmologists referred Chase to a new eye specialist who specialized in this type of inflammation. After examining him and reviewing his records, the specialist referred Chase to a rheumatologist.

After labs and more appointments, in May 2024, Chase finally got the diagnosis of GPA. He has undergone treatment with high doses of prednisone for more than 18 months to reduce the inflammation in his body, is on Methotrexate immunotherapy to fight the antibodies that attack his immune system, and is administered infusions every 6 months.

In April 2025, Chase had his last infusion and labs. There were high hopes that he would be in full remission and could move to maintenance medications, but his kidneys continue to show unhealthy levels, and the need to continue both the immunotherapy medication and infusions is necessary for continued progress.

Fast forward to July 2025, Chase is now 26 and without insurance. He had completed the process to obtain open market insurance; however, with the backlog at MNSure, he is still waiting on an answer.

Throughout his treatment, he has continued his education, working towards an IT degree. Per his medical team, it was recommended that Chase limit his exposures due to his compromised immune system, and he has been unable to work during his treatments. The infusions and immunotherapy side effects can cause severe fatigue, nausea, and headaches.

He continues to fight each day, and his fiancé, Calli, has been an amazing support system for him. They have worked hard to stabilize their financial output and focus on his recovery; however, without insurance at this time, Chase is at risk of missing his needed infusion and being unable to get the medication as the out-of-pocket cost is astronomical. He needs to continue to move towards remission.

We know that there is no cure for GPA, but with the proper care and continued monitoring, Chase will live a full and happy life. We are asking for support to help Chase cover medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and the many challenges ahead. If you are not able to give financially, please consider sharing his story to spread the word and surround him with love and support.