NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Orthodontist Seeks to Help Sick Teen Smile Again

Chase Crawford of Laguna Niguel was once a fit, active kid with plenty to smile about. But at 13, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. And while Chase was able to beat the disease and live a normal life (even having braces fitted by Dr. Mogavero), he was then diagnosed with Leukemia in his junior year of high school. He now requires blood transfusions every two to three days, as his body has difficulty producing new blood cells to help him battle the disease.

"This is a great kid who's had a really difficult time over the past several years," says Dr. Mogavero. "But even chemotherapy and radiation treatments couldn't break his spirit. He's got a strong will to live and strives to make every day count. I just want him to have that chance. Chase needs blood products on a regular basis, so we're calling out to the community to donate blood on his behalf."

On Saturday, September 20, a Red Cross BloodMobile will be at Dr. Mogavero's new San Clemente office to accept donations and interested parties can sign up for blood donations beforehand by visiting http://www.givelife.org using the sponsor code (drfrank) or sign up in person. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), http://www.marrow.org, will also be on hand to conduct simple cheek swabs to test for donor matches. Matches could help save the lives of others like Chase, who has been a marrow recipient. Tissue Typing is an expensive test, and the NMDP is asking donors to contribute towards these costs. Checks are preferred, made out to "The Marrow Foundation."

Chase, an avid fisherman who enjoys spending his free time at sea with friends and family, recently graduated from Aliso Niguel High School and plans to attend college in Santa Barbara. He hopes to one day become a fishing boat captain or open a charter boat business of his own.

Throughout Chase's ordeal, his mom, Kim Quickel, blogged (http://www.chasecq.com) about their family's ups and downs, as well as the outpouring of support they've received. "I am drawn to the quote by Aesop," Kim wrote. "'No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.' I hope you all know how appreciative we are for every gesture of love and support ... Our lives will never be 'normal' again, and I think that's a good thing. The goodness of people has changed all of us forever."

SOURCE Dr. Frank Mogavero