Events

Chandler is a dynamic 15 year old boy. He loves sports and people more than anything. In 2005 at the age of 10, Chandler was playing competitive soccer with the Gilbert Arsenal Soccer Club. He also played little league baseball with the Southeast Diamondbacks. February 12, 2005 Chandler’s life changed. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He immediately had a portacath placed in his chest and began chemotherapy. Chemotherapy consisted of shots, pills, spinals, and intravenous medication which continued for 2 ½ years. As a result of the chemotherapy Chandler became weak, sick, had some nerve and brain damage, and went bald. He developed avascular necrosis (bone died and chipped away) in several joints including his elbows, knees, and hip. He no longer could run or play sports and had to use a wheelchair for a while. He didn’t let that keep him down. He started playing wheelchair basketball with the Banner Wheelchair Suns through Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled. He remained in remission off chemotherapy for 2 years. During that time he made remarkable recovery. He began to catch up in school. He began walking again. He was determined to get out of the wheelchair for high school. He had a bit of a setback when he broke the tibia bone in his leg trying to play basketball at the park without his wheelchair; however, he made his first day of high school with a boot and no wheelchair. Life was wonderful and High School was bomb! November 3, 2009 life’s challenges came once more. Chandler relapsed with the leukemia. He had a portacath put back in and once again started chemotherapy. This time the chemotherapy is more intense than the first time. He is preparing to go for a bone marrow transplant in Tucson, Az. in late February 2010. He will be in the hospital for three to four months. The most difficult things for him are being away from his friends, school, and especially not being able to play basketball this season. He is okay with the bald head now, except he said it is cold on his head without hair. This concert is put on by Sam Flemings and friends. All proceeds go to Chandler and his family.

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