HS football star doesn't let sudden cancer diagnosis ruin prom

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — A local community is rallying behind a high school football star who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

To make things worse, Chase McDaniel found out he had cancer the morning of prom. Like the fighter he is, Chase still went to the dance with his date, Jaida.

"He was just determined. The prom thing?  It was not a question.  He asked it right away.  Can I go?" said his mother, Kim McDaniel.

Chase is currently at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta battling stage 3 lymphoma cancer.

"I try not to think into the future. I'm trying to think right now," he said. "I don't feel like it's going to slow me down. In the fall, I'll be back to myself."

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Chase is now getting chemotherapy.  His hospital room looks a bit like a locker room with football jerseys, and notes from classmates and teachers. He's a linebacker and expects to be a starter this fall.

"We trust God that he is able, and so if he can believe, I can believe," said his father, Tracy McDaniel.

Chase has a strategy: Have faith, get well and suit up when it's time to take the field.

"It means a lot to me. Especially this season. But, I'm just happy. I'm gonna be back out there," he said.

Chase has several rounds of chemotherapy ahead of him. His 17th birthday is on Thursday and we've learned the doctor has given him the OK for cake and candles.

Cox Media Group