Summer is going fast!

As I lay here on the couch after having back surgery only three weeks ago, I can't help but think about all the wonderful experiences that Chase has had by being able to travel to Chicago via the Eve Carson Scholarship. He calls us on a daily basis and tell us all about the ins and outs of working for a nonprofit organization and how they go about raising money and entertaining some important people in hopes of them "giving" to the organization. He has told us about how the tabs that we all save help out and now there is a commercial with kids and Happy Meals talking about Hope being in every box. Pretty neat and it seems to be right up his alley being that he loves to meet and mingle with others.

He has also been able to spend time doing some of the things that Chicago has to offer. Friends have visited and he has traveled to see one in particular who was playing a baseball game within a few hours. He is certainly one busy young man. He even came home this past weekend to be a groomsman for a high school friend of his. What an experience for him and to be able to see all those buddies of his....what a weekend. You can check out his blog for pictures.
I believe he has only two more weeks up there and then he will head to India to see some other business aspects in another country. All the while trying to move out of one apartment, keep things in a garage and then move into a house with 5 other ball players when he arrives back from India. Does he know what the time difference is???? Whew, to be young again!

The rest of us are doing fine. Jake is in New Orleans doing two weeks of baseball camp at Tulane University. I remember when we would send them both off to Tulane and Buddy and I would use that time as a vacation. Oh, those were the days. Now we barely see the two of them. We do miss our boys, but know they are leading the lives they have chosen and may their paths lead them in to great things.

For those of you who have been wondering, Chase did have a complete MRI about a month ago and he is still "Clean" as we say. God is Good!
Have a great summer and until next time,
Judith~mother of Chase

Many updates

Chase has called giving us many updates about his day to day routine. One of them seems to be the commute. The 20 miles seems to take him anywhere from an hour to three hours. That does frustrate him, but then again, he is the one that wanted to live downtown. I know that everyone would love to hear about the events you have been planning too. They got him started right away, no hesitation. They believe in him and of course so do I. :-)

He had one of his old roomies come and visit him last week, Brian Moran, and they had a great time catching up. Brian was drafted and has many stories to tell and Chase is all ears.


These guys are Colin Bates, whose parents let Chase stay with them until he got housing, Brian Moran, the one who visited and then of course Chase. They were all roommates until they were either drafted, graduated or both. They will be friends for life. And of course I can't forget Mark Fleury, another buddy of theirs who was drafted and also playing ball. His mom and I have chatted on the phone a few times about how Chase is doing out in Chicago. Close ties to the boss man, never hurts.

This is me with Diane Fleury at last years College World Series. I think she is Chase' biggest fan....I love that about her!




On another note, I will be having back surgery this Monday, the 28th. This will be my second back fusion. From what I understand it is hereditary, thanks Daddy, and since the first one went well 5 years ago I am looking forward to another great five years after this one. :-)
I do hope that Chase will update his blog soon and let everyone know the kinds of things he is learning for a wonderful nonprofit organization. He is so good with meeting people and "bringing in the money", he takes after his Uncle Rick that way. One day Chase will be head of his own company helping out others, using his abilities he is learning now and the connections he has with baseball. I have Faith, and I know his friends, their families and of course his own family does too.
Until next time,
Judith~mother of Chase

Life in Chicago

I am happy to say that after a week of all the "unknown" in Chicago, Chase seems to be settling down and finding his place. He finally found some housing that is suitable, he has a french roommate and then two others moved in this weekend. He is relishing the fact that he is just a block or two away from Michigan Ave. and his commute to work takes only an hour. From what I hear, that is pretty good. I can't imagine doing it myself, but he is young and is learning so much that it doesn't bother him a bit.
According to his blog, he is now in charge of a project for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and therefore must seem to be doing well to have that kind of responsibility after only one week there. Needless to say we are proud parents. Hopefully we will be sent a few pictures to post. If there is one person that keeps himself busy, it is Chase. I think he got that from his father....and something that I love about both of them.
On another note, Chase's brother Jake, is playing baseball this summer for the Hi-Toms summer league in Thomasville NC. Chase did this two summers ago and now Jake is having a blast as well. They travel to many different areas of NC, play games, come home and do it all over again. You have to love baseball to be playing every day in this heat. Great experiences for these guys and great friendships are formed. If you are looking for a fun night at a ball park, come on out to Finch Field and watch the Hi-Toms. It is a great atmosphere along with loads of fun and entertainment. Look for Jake in the bullpen, that's where he'll be.




Until next time,
Judith~mother of Chase & his brother Jake

Things looking up, and yet down

Chase has had an exhausting few days beginning his new job with Ronald McDonald's Charaties and also trying to find housing. The Bates are very gracious to him to allow him to stay at their place in Naperville, but the drive was getting a bit tough. I do think now though, the hunt may be over and he will now be residing in a place right off of Michigan Ave. My question is, "who could ask for more?" I know he will enjoy that time there, get to know all about the business life of a nonprofit organization as well as make many connections and friends.

I do have a special prayer request; James Neubaur, the FOJ adopted child that the Tar Heels Baseball team supports, had to be airlifted to Duke today for surgery. It seems the brain tumor may be larger than anticipated and is causing problems with his shunts, thus some surgery. Please keep James as well as the rest of his family in your prayers. Any of you ball players still around that would like to go and see him, I know he would greatly appreciate it.

We hope to hear from Chase soon on his own blog.

Judith~mother of Chase

First Day On the Job

As I got up early this morning, I couldn't help but to wonder how Chase is doing up in Chicago by himself. I believe he is starting today by going into the business world and being shown around the Ronald McDonald Charities house. He will probably be a bit overwhelmed yet excited at the same time.
I opened up my daily devotion for this morning and this was what it said......So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go before you. He will neither fail you or abandon you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6
I really think this is fitting for Chase this morning. I pray this for you Chase.
Judith~mother of Chase

The Eve Carson Scholars's Blog

Chase has officially started his blog and it is wonderful. He really feels lead to be there and is now on the search for a place to live. However, he did stay with his friend's parents in Naperville, thanks Mr. and Mrs. Bates. They are always so nice to him, we sort of switch off with our sons. Colin is a wonderful young man who we have had the pleasure of having for dinner a few times. Great kids who work hard and deserve all that the good Lord wants to give them.

I hope you will read Chase's blog, enjoy his writing and keep up with what he is doing in the name of Eve Carson, a beautiful young lady who lost her life too soon due to an act of violence in Chapel Hill a few years ago. It is because of her legacy that Chase is having the opportunity to do what he is doing this summer.

Judith~mother of Chase

Off To Chicago....

It was an early morning rise for Chase this morning. He was up and leaving at 6:30 am, truck packed and praying that he had not forgotten anything. After all that would be a long drive back to pick it up.
We have received many calls from him updating us with where he is, gas prices and the weather. One of his bags was in the back of the truck. Lucky for him he saw the black rain clouds ahead of him and stopped to put that back inside the truck. All I can say is that he better find a dry cleaners near where he will be living because I am sure those clothes are not going to be "wearable" for those great first impressions he needs to make. LOL

Some prayer requests for him would be to find a decent living location that is not too bad for traveling time to and from the Ronald McDonald's House in which he will be working. Of course he has been looking online, has a few choices, but hasn't made that final decision yet. He wants to be on his own but yet live near enough to Chicago to enjoy the city for a couple of months. Of course safety in travel is a big prayer too. :-)

I was looking around the web today and came across a site for the Lineberger Center in Chapel Hill. It is the new cancer center that opened up last March and the one too that the UNC Baseball team did their Basebald for the Cure challenge. I thought I would leave you with this site and you can browse through, see some different pictures and even a few links from that page to some articles written if you haven't had a chance to view them.

Some kids that we have come to know and be in touch with need your prayers and support too. James, a child that Chase got to know through Friends of Jaclyn is having some difficulties recentlty. Keep him in your prayers. Also, a teenager that sought us out through this blog, Josh Kates, has the same cancer that Chase had and would love some support as well. Click on their names and you can view their blogs as well.

We are all looking forward to hearing from Chase this summer as he is going to be starting up a blog soon to keep us posted of his eventful summer.

Until next time....
Judith~mother of Chase

Summer Time

What a great and busy few month's Chase has had. He has finished up his Junior year of college, played baseball and made the dean's list all at the same time. Many of his friends were drafted and so now he is beginning to feel a little "left behind". After all, this would have been his graduating year had it not been for his brain tumor his freshman year. However, he still looks at it as a blessing and has had much good come from all of what he went through.
His next step is to go to Chicago and work for the Ronald McDonald house in that area. He is lucky to have this opportunity. Sometimes we feel like it is only because of cancer that he has these things come open for him. But, I know too that it is his faith in God that really is making it all happen. God is opening up doors for him in hope of letting His light shine through Chase and help those children who are or have experienced what he has.
Thanks for the continued prayers for Chase and also for what he will be doing this summer. I will keep you updated with what he continues to do and those he helps.
One thing we can look forward to is a blog that Chase will be writing during his time this summer. He really wants to honor Eve Carson and live up to what she would have wanted while using the scholarship money that he has received in her memory. I will let you know what that blog is once he gets it started. Stay tuned.....
God bless to all,
Judith~mother of Chase

It seems that we have another day in the life of Chase. However, this time, Inside Carolina is the one who has summed it all up. Read this article and see how well this author put Chase's past 3 plus years all into perspective. I continue to thank God for how He has worked in Chase's life.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.

Judith~mother of Chase

Chase and I have had such heavy hearts over the past two weeks. After losing his friend Ashton, he has really come to the point in his life that he realizes not everyone survives cancer. And with that, more passion to make pediatric cancer something that everyone is aware of.... Judy, Ashton's mom, and I will do our best, along with Chase to make sure more people realize that so many are affected by this dreadful disease. There is a video/song, that I would like to dedicate to Ashton. It is beautiful and the blog that it comes from is a great one to follow. Check this out.

There was a recent article on Chase in the Daily Tar Heel. You should check it out if you want to see what he is up to lately. Please donate to this cause if you are at all able to. Any little bit will help. The game on Sunday against NC State is sure to be a good one and then the shaving of the heads will be fabulous if they raise as much money as we would like. Check this out and see if you can learn anything new or see what Chase's cause is all about.

Thanks for following Chase News....

Judith~mother of Chase

This has been a long, but beautiful week. What started out with the passing of a friend and then tornadoes around the area, has left us with gorgeouse weather and remembering that God has a plan for all of us. Just today, an article came out in the Herald Sun about Chase. It is wonderful how Chase can take something so terrible as cancer and turn it into a positive learning experience. Our family has been affected by cancer on three different occasions, and that is just our immediate family. Yet, for Chase, he continues to find the positive. I love you Chase.
This weekend we will be celebrating the life of Ashton Miller. She was just 21 and lost her battle to a childhood cancer. We will gather and remember a beautiful young woman with an infectious smile. For you Ashton, we thank God that you are no longer in pain but may you find peace in Heaven.
May everyone become more aware of childhood cancer,
Judith~mother of Chase

It is with a heavy heart this morning that I write this blog. We lost a dear friend and vibrant young lady to cancer yesterday afternoon. Pictured here with Chase is Ashton Miller. She and Chase became friends with the common bond of the terrible disease of cancer. Even with their same age and same love for UNC Chapel Hill, nothing brings two people closer together than a bond like cancer. They were able to talk and discuss things like no other could because they had both "been there, done that." However, with Ashton, she had a different cancer and had fought the battle bravely for three years. When scans showed new growth last week and not much more than trials of new drugs to look forward to, she went down quickly and it was a shock to everyone.
Please pray for this family. Ashton leaves behind two younger sisters and fabulous parents. My heart goes out to them.
In Judy's CaringBrige site for Ashton, she wrote....."It is better to leave than to be left behind." I think that says what a lot of us are feeling right now.

Ashton, you will be remembered forever.
We miss you!

Judith~mother of Chase

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care

Below is an article with Chase and how he has survived Cancer. The new Cancer Center in Chapel Hill is a part of the UNC Hospital has a site that tells about people treated there and what their care meant to the,. Of course, with the big heart that Chase has, this was not about him, but more how he wants to reach out to others. I am a proud mother of a cancer survivor child. I pray for those that have not been so lucky, I really do.
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care


Judith~mother of Chase

Chase and I would like to send out a special prayer for a dear friend of ours Ashton Miller. Her battle with cancer still continues. A 21 year old should never have to make the decisions that she is having to make. We love you Ashton.....

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center :: The New Face of Cancer Care

UNC Basebald For The Cure

It is that time again, the UNC Baseball Team will be shaving some heads!

In 2007, after Chase had finished his chemo and radiation, the Carolina baseball team supported him, along with one of the coaches son's, with efforts to raise money for the UNC Children's Hospital. Since then, they have not attempted this endevor again. However, it is back again on Sunday, April 11th and Chase would like to make this an annual event that will continue even after he has graduated.

The money this year will go not only to the Children's Hospital but to the Lineberger Center as well. It is the new wing of the hospital which has been needed for a long time.

Now you can help again, or for the first time. Chase is so excited about this chance to "give back" again to his beloved hospital and the doctors and nurses that helped him through his difficult time. Click here to go to Tar Heel Blue to view information about the event. You can make a pledge online or print out the form and mail. Next, if you want to come and see the shaving first hand, the event will take place on April 11th after the game against NC State. It will be a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I am sure with my father will be looking down on Chase and the baseball team saying "Way to go guys!" I miss you Daddy, your grandson has survived brain cancer and is making you proud.

As for what he has decided to do this summer with his Eve Carson Scholarship project, look out Ronald McDonald House, Chase is coming this summer. Chicago better be ready, because, ready or not, he is coming! And he is SO EXCITED!

Judith~mother of Chase

A Huge Honor

Chase has had quite the life these past 3 1/2 years. After cancer he was determined to get well, improve in baseball and help others. He has done all three! He has been cancer free for 3 years, he is an official bull pen catcher for the UNC Tarheels AND has been a part of the USA Collegiate Baseball team this past summer. Finally, he has now been chosen as a recipient for the Eve Carson Scholarship at Carolina and will be able to follow a passion of his which is helping other children with cancer.

There have been many interviews and articles about this wonderful scholarship, however, my favorite is from our local newspaper the Jamestown News. Click here to read and of course stay tuned to see where he plans to go this summer for an internship. There are so many possibilities and so many offers. What a special young man God has created in our son Chase!

Judith~mother of Chase

We don't get snow like this very often and it has been fun. Chase is in Chapel Hill enjoying some snow there, not as much as us in Greensboro though. :-)

Soon we will be able to tell you what his summer plans are due to him receiving the Eve Carson Scholarship from UNC. A proud time for us as parents....Chase is a well deserving young man!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Childhood Cancer Awareness

Chase and I, as well as the rest of the family have been blessed with the many opportunities that have come his way. Many think that God is cruel when giving their child a cancer. I am one of the lucky ones that can say that through God, Chase as well as many others have been blessed. Chase has touched many lives in UNC Hospital when he was in as a patient and now even when he is out. Along with this, determintation has become a permanent part of his disposition. With these qualities he has shared them with many scholarship opportunities. He has recently been chosen as a recipient of the Eve Carson Scholarship that was started last year after her death. You can read more about it here.

Also, recently we had the nice time of supporting the Ashton Miller fund. Ashton is a friend of Chase's who also has been fighting the battle of a childhood cancer. Her mother, Judy, and I teamed up to help raise money for Childhood Cancer. Unfortunately, there is not much awareness of all the cancers that hit our children and there is no one to advocate for them. So Chase, as well as Judy and I, are trying to do just that. Please read the article about Chase and realize that his passion is for childhood cancer, not just baseball. However, the two may come together someday, somehow.

God is Great,

Judith~mother of Chase

Event: Children's Cancer Awareness Fundraiser www.socializr.com/event/132366708 Hosted by: Judy Miller When: Jan 25, 2010, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM Location: Wine Styles The Shops At Friendly, Greensboro, NC

Judy Miller and I share something in common, a child with cancer. Together we want to bring more awarness to Childhood Cancer. If you cannot attend this event in Greensboro, I ask you to got to my website for Silpada Jewelry. I am giving my 30% earnings from this event to this cause. The site is www.mysilpada.com/judith.jones

Please consider coming out to the event or at least ordering an item or two of beautiful sterling silver jewelry.

Here's to helping with Childhood Cancer Awareness...

Judith~mother of Chase

Childhood Cancer fundraiser

Hi there to all of those who have been touched by cancer or who would like to help those who have been.
A great friend of mine who's daughter is batteling cancer and is the same age as Chase is fighting for her life. We would like to invite our friends to attend a gathering at Wine Styles at the Shops of Friendly in Greensboro. If you are not able to attend, you can order something from my website for Silpada Jewelry and 30% of the sales will go to this cause.
Right now our plan is to use the proceeds from this event to find ways to make people aware of how prevelent Childhood Cancer is....it is truly sad how many do not know this. Please consider coming on out if you live nearby or going to my Silpada website, looking through the catalogue and purchasing something. After all, it will all go to the children and you get something too.
Thank you for your continued support of Chase and many others with the dreadful disease called cancer.
Judith~mother of Chase

What a great Fall Semester

With Chase's third year at UNC Chapel Hill underway, he has accomplished many things. The Business School at Carolina is where he spent most of his first semester and has done very well. He misses being up on campus where so many other students are that I found out he had been attending a lecture class just to be around other students. Can you believe that!? A kid going to an extra class just to see and be around others. He even went to the exam.....he wanted to be "that guy" to finish the exam in 15 min. and walk out. However, he got too involved in his essay that someone else beat him to the punch. What a great kid Chase is; sense of humor and a wonderful student. LOL

One of his best accomplishments is becoming president of the Carolina Dreams Club at UNC. This is something he is passionate about and seems as though he is destined to help out other children. Take a look at the link and see what he will be involved in during the next year or so. Of course, he will never forget Friends of Jaclyn and what that organization does for children specifically with brain tumors. I just love the Murphy's and how they have dedicated their lives to helping others.


His fall baseball season also turned out to be quite eventful. During the Fall World Series, as they call it, he was able to have an "at bat!" How exciting to see him at the plate swinging the bat. After accomplishing getting on base, by being hit by the pitch, LOL, he stole second base! Playing second base in the final inning was the ending hype of the game and there was no way you could slap the smile off his face that night.

With all that being said, we are so thankful that Chase continues to do well academically as well as in health. UNC Children's Hospital now has a new cancer wing and Chase is happy that he does not have to visit it but every six months now for scans. That is not to say that he does not go there to see other kids or to see Dr. Gold for a "hello" every once in a while, but his health has been very good and we know we are blessed. We do have one request. Please keep a dear friend of his, Ashton Miller, as well as her family in your prayers. Ashton is a friend he met through cancer and she still continues to battle the disease. Being 21 and having to make life changing decisions is truly what I am happy Chase does not have to make, but, Ashton does. Pray BIG for her, please.
Thanks for keeping up with Chase. Knowing that there are many out there praying for us and wanting the best in life for Chase makes his life wonderful.....as well as mine.

Judith~mother of Chase