It has been a long journey for little Chase Lamont, but one made easier thanks to the support of the community of Williams Lake.
“I can’t believe what Williams Lake is doing, just rallying for Chase. It’s pretty amazing. When you’re on the other side of it, it’s overwhelming, in a good way,” said Chase’s mom, Shanna Stangoe.
Since Aug. 23, 2016, and even before that, Shanna has served as Chase’s nurse, caregiver and therapist since he suffered a debilitating stroke. A few years earlier, Chase had fought and won a battle with cancer.
“It almost seems like cancer was a dress rehearsal for this.”
Chase was put in a medically-induced coma to reduce further injury to his brain following the stroke and his parents were faced with some very difficult choices early on.
Shanna said she continued to read and talk to Chase during that time, and knew when her son woke up he was still there.
“I saw my son. I saw in his eyes that he was there. A mother would know. And so I just loved him back.”
Chase and his mom are thankful they have been able to return home to Williams Lake after nine months away to continue with his therapy.
Shanna is grateful for Twila and Scott Nelson, who secured a wheelchair-accessible apartment for them and renovated it for their return.
Shanna, along with both the Stangoe and Lamont families, including Chase’s father Chris, are also thankful for the fundraisers planned this Friday, June 16 and Saturday June 17 for Chase’s trust fund, which helps with all of the many medical expenses.
Recently Shanna used $4,000 of Chase’s trust fund to pay for a standing frame built especially for him. She also had a sling installed in the apartment to help him walk.
On Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Williams Lake Honda on South Lakeside is hosting a fundraising barbecue by donation for Chase. Everyone is welcome to stop by.
On Saturday, management at Cariboo Steel and Machine Ltd. is hosting a garage sale with many donated items both new and used up for sale. The event is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Items can be dropped off Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
The family also has a Facebook page called Hope for Chase to let everyone know how Chase is progressing.