In the summer of 2022, Chance’s parents, Amy and Dwayne, noticed changes in their sweet, energetic boy. He seemed consistently lethargic and uncharacteristically had no appetite, along with a noticeable swelling in his neck. Initially diagnosed with mono, Chance’s condition worsened, leading to even more visits to the doctor.
A few days later while Amy was making breakfast, she heard Chance call out, “Mommy,” and when she turned around his neck was three times the size of normal. She immediately took him to the doctor, who sent them directly to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
At the hospital, their world turned upside down. At just nine years old, Chance was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL), a fast-moving and aggressive blood cancer.
Amy and Dwayne were told at the time of Chance’s arrival at the hospital that he was going into congestive heart failure because the cancer had attacked his thymus gland and wrapped completely around his heart. The doctor, who had been in practice for over 30 years, reported that he had never seen a mass that large squeezing a child’s heart. Amy and Dwayne were told that they would have been very lucky for Chance to have been alive 72 hours after they brought him into the emergency room.
Chance began a grueling treatment journey that included battling three major blood infections. Despite the challenges, Chance shows incredible strength, and his family remains right by his side, every step of the way. His mom, Amy (also a cancer survivor herself) found ways to bring a smile to sweet Chance’s face during long days and painful treatments. She said she uses a good steak as her magic wand; it always brightens his spirits.
A Special Night at Nàdair with Chef Kevin Gillespie!
As Chance continues his fight, moments of joy, encouragement and sizzling steaks help bring light to him and his family. American chef, author and James Beard Award Winner, Chef Kevin Gillespie invited Chance and his family to Nàdair, his acclaimed restaurant inspired by his time in the Pacific Northwest, New England, Scotland, and the American South, set on the edge of Zonolite Park in Atlanta.
For Chance, the night was nothing short of magical. Dressed in a custom chef’s jacket with his name embroidered over his heart, the same heart that fought off a massive tumor, and a chef hat, Chance joined Kevin in the kitchen, where the two bonded over Chance’s favorite food, steak!
The family, along with Bert Weiss and Moe Mitchell from The Bert Show, enjoyed a six-course tasting menu that highlighted reimagined Scottish dishes and the bold flavors of woodfire cooking Gillespie is known for.
Chance’s favorite dishes included the Wood Grilled Georgia Grown Wagyu Culotte and the decadent Salted Chocolate Pot de Crème. He also couldn’t get enough of the hand-squeezed lemonade, inspiring Gillespie to send him home with a custom “chef’s to-go cup.”
The Surprises Don’t Stop There!
To top off the evening, the family received a $500 gift card to Snake River Farms for premium American Wagyu steaks to cook in the comforts of their own home. Now, Chance can test the skills he learned in the kitchen with Gillespie at home!
Chance’s journey is far from over, his treatment is expected to continue through the end of 2025. With steak as his magic wand and a team of loved ones by his side, Chance continues to face his journey with strength, love and an incredible support system.
