On Friday, June 17, starting at 5:30 p.m., a Block Party will be held at Nasson Community Center (457 Main St., Springvale) to raise funds for Springvale resident Chace Fromwiller.
In January of this year, 12 year old Chace was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). DIPG is a brain tumor that is highly aggressive and difficult to treat. It occurs in an area of the brainstem (the lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body's most vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. Because of its location in the brain and how rapidly it progresses, DIPG is a “high grade” malignant brain tumor.
Chace has endured a tumor biopsy and 30 rounds of radiation treatment. A follow-up MRI showed significant decrease in the size of the tumor, but the cancer had metastasized to his spine. Chace is currently in chemotherapy rounds and scheduled for another round of radiation treatment on his spine. He will soon undergo a clinical trial called Car T cell therapy, in Seattle, Washington.
Amanda Wells, a dental assistant at Nasson Health Care, and an aunt of Chace’s, writes:
We are so thankful for Maine Children’s Cancer Program for all they have done, and
continue to do for Chace. His entire cancer team from Maine to Boston and Seattle has
gone above and beyond and provided him with excellent care. Chace continues to amaze
his doctors, nurses and radiation team with his positive attitude, sense of humor and kind
spirit that touches everyone he meets. He has taught us and others what it is like to live life
everyday with bravery and tenacity. Chace will be faced with many challenges in the
upcoming months but we know with courage and the will to fight he will not give up!
The fundraiser will include a community BBQ, bake sale, foul-shooting contest, 50/50 raffle, and prizes! All proceeds will benefit the Fromwiller family.
