Chase Smith April 2008
Despite being diagnosed with the chronic condition of cystic fibrosis, Chase Smith, 17 years old, outwardly seems like any other normal teenager, juggling a packed schedule of school, a part-time job, involvement in sports and a busy social life. Not many people know that on top of Chase's rigorous normal activities, he also undergoes a complicated and time-consuming medical routine each and every day. Despite the disease's accompanying hardships, Chase possesses an incredibly positive attitude and intense determination to succeed in life. He and his family attribute much of his continued health to his commitment to staying on track with his medical routine, a hearty appetite, exercise and the committed care from his medical team at his CF center.
"Chase is a role model for teenagers living with CF. He takes care of his health, knowing that this is the only way he can thrive and achieve his goal of being a chef. He thinks of others living with cystic fibrosis through his fundraising activities," said Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, who co-chairs the Heroes of Hope Living with CF Advisory Panel with her twin sister Anabel. "Despite the challenges of CF, Chase succeeds in school and in music and sports," said Anabel. "Where others may see CF as an impossible obstacle, Chase consistently strives to achieve his best both in his personal life and in helping others through his CF fundraising activities. He is a truly inspiring and strong person."
On top of the demands of Chase's full schedule, he undertakes a rigorous medical regimen that requires hours each day. The variety of medicines that Chase takes to keep his CF under control include three different inhaled medications, antibiotics, pancreatic enzymes with meals and snacks, acid reflux medicine, inhalers and vitamins. One tip that Chase offers to remember all of his pills is to create a pill box that is organized by day and filled with the medications for the whole week. That way, he can immediately tell if he has missed a dose and its presence serves as a reminder to take his pills.
In addition to vigilantly taking his medicines, Chase exercises to help keep his lungs strong and vigorous. Chase plays golf, baseball and lifts weights. During the school year, he plays on his high school baseball team and has become quite a versatile player, adeptly handling multiple positions such as 2nd baseman, 3rd baseman, catcher, shortstop and pitcher.
Not only does Chase eat to stay healthy and strong, which is essential for someone with CF, but food is also a life long passion for him. In his high school, Chase has chosen "culinary" as his major and apprentices under award-winning Executive Chef Curtis Eargle, whom he counts as his mentor, at the exclusive restaurant Maryland Club in Baltimore, Maryland. Food Network is Chase's favorite television channel and is always on at their house, according to his mother.
Besides his love of the culinary arts, Chase has numerous other hobbies typical of a normal American teenage boy. He loves spending time mastering his video games, hanging out with his friends and family and both listening and playing music. An accomplished student of the piano and violin, Chase also dabbles in playing the guitar.
In Chase's free time, he is intent on giving back to the CF community. Each year, he and his family participate in Great Strides, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraiser. For the past two years Chase has also volunteered at the Maryland fundraiser called Country Concert with a local band called the Hard Travelers, who founded the event along with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation over 20 years ago. Chase and fellow culinary students help volunteering Maryland chefs to put on the event's VIP reception. During the 2007 event, Chase was able to work along side chefs from the restaurant where he works, and he was surprised when the chefs rallied together and announced that Chase was the reason why they volunteer their services.
By staying busy with activities that he loves and by keeping in mind his numerous talents and positive aspects in his life, Chase doesn't have the time or want to waste any energy with self pity. Since he was an 18-month-old toddler, Chase and his family have learned to live with all the challenges of cystic fibrosis, and by now, it is just another part of his life that he takes into stride.
