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Chase Away Cancer: A Powerful True Story of Finding Light in a Dark Diagnosis
You may think you know how this cancer story goes. The a little boy, a loving family, the team of doctors. The terminal, little hope for a cure. There are two possible outcomes. Will his family be plunged into extreme sorrow or miraculous joy?
What if the answer was both?
Ellie Poole Ewoldt debuts with a memoir of desperate hope and fierce love; of a family who refused to give up even when they heard the worst possible news for their two-year-old son, Chase. Moment by moment, the Ewoldts faced brain surgery and chemo, spinal taps and transfusions. And yet, the true miracle lay not in the medicine or Chase’s prognosis―rather, Chase’s life shows us the miracle of hope, even through the darkest nights. If there is anything he and the Ewoldts have learned, it is that God is always good and will stay at your side through every moment, no matter what it holds.
You’ll fall in love with Chase through his story and be inspired to help chase away cancer―for this headstrong boy, his fighting friends, and all those in your own life who need hope for whatever tomorrow may bring.
What if the answer was both?
Ellie Poole Ewoldt debuts with a memoir of desperate hope and fierce love; of a family who refused to give up even when they heard the worst possible news for their two-year-old son, Chase. Moment by moment, the Ewoldts faced brain surgery and chemo, spinal taps and transfusions. And yet, the true miracle lay not in the medicine or Chase’s prognosis―rather, Chase’s life shows us the miracle of hope, even through the darkest nights. If there is anything he and the Ewoldts have learned, it is that God is always good and will stay at your side through every moment, no matter what it holds.
You’ll fall in love with Chase through his story and be inspired to help chase away cancer―for this headstrong boy, his fighting friends, and all those in your own life who need hope for whatever tomorrow may bring.
- GenresMemoir
304 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
4 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 25, 2016
Ellie is a dear friend of mine so on the one hand, this review is biased because I love her and because I walked alongside her from afar as her son Chase was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Yet on the other hand, this isn't biased because I know good writing when I come across it and I also know the pediatric brain tumor world, as that was my specialty when I worked as a pediatric oncology social worker. In fact, Chase was diagnosed only a year after I stepped away from social work. I remember talking to Ellie on the phone soon after, she in Illinois and I in Nashville, as she tried to sort through the decisions they had to make about treatment. I remember how sad and scary it was and I also remember Ellie's confident faith, even in the midst of her worst nightmare.
It is that same faith that flows through her account in this book. No matter what twists and turns their cancer journey took, Ellie remained unflinching in her belief that God was carrying them and carries them still. I can say with assurance I would not respond the same way, which is partly why I'm so amazed by my friend. But Ellie in all her amazingness is human, too. Her honesty about her fears, her questions, and even her capability in difficult circumstances is something we can all relate to, even if our circumstances are different. People may hear what this book is about and think it's not for them or that it will be too hard to read and they will be wrong. This book is full of hope, laughter, and love. It is full of life, in no small part due to Chase's vivacious personality brought to life by Ellie's words.
There are no wrapped-up-in-a-bow conclusions. Chase's prognosis is uncertain and yet this is a family who is choosing, moment by moment, to fully live to the best of their abilities. Ellie is a gifted writer and I'm so glad she chose to share her story in this way.
It is that same faith that flows through her account in this book. No matter what twists and turns their cancer journey took, Ellie remained unflinching in her belief that God was carrying them and carries them still. I can say with assurance I would not respond the same way, which is partly why I'm so amazed by my friend. But Ellie in all her amazingness is human, too. Her honesty about her fears, her questions, and even her capability in difficult circumstances is something we can all relate to, even if our circumstances are different. People may hear what this book is about and think it's not for them or that it will be too hard to read and they will be wrong. This book is full of hope, laughter, and love. It is full of life, in no small part due to Chase's vivacious personality brought to life by Ellie's words.
There are no wrapped-up-in-a-bow conclusions. Chase's prognosis is uncertain and yet this is a family who is choosing, moment by moment, to fully live to the best of their abilities. Ellie is a gifted writer and I'm so glad she chose to share her story in this way.
May 25, 2016
This book held special meaning for me as a reader, because last year right about this time, my 2-year-old niece was diagnosed with brain cancer and had to have immediate emergency brain surgery. I was only her aunt, not her mom, but I could identify with many of the circumstances and complications explained by Ellie in her book. I cried, not only for Ellie and her son, Chase, but for my brother, his wife, and their sweet little girl.
Ellie’s honest story of how God got them through the diagnosis and subsequent treatment helped me to understand perhaps a little more the emotions, decisions, and struggles faced by my brother and his family. It also was a wonderful testimony to the grace of God and His ability to work through even the most terrible of life events.
Whether or not you have been personally touched by cancer, you will want to read this book: It will give you an understanding of what families face when their child is diagnosed, and it will give you compassion for anyone you might know undergoing a similar situation. And whether or not cancer ever affects your life, you’ll find Ellie’s story incredibly encouraging in your Christian walk!
Read my complete review here: http://www.thefitlyspokenword.com/cha...
Ellie’s honest story of how God got them through the diagnosis and subsequent treatment helped me to understand perhaps a little more the emotions, decisions, and struggles faced by my brother and his family. It also was a wonderful testimony to the grace of God and His ability to work through even the most terrible of life events.
Whether or not you have been personally touched by cancer, you will want to read this book: It will give you an understanding of what families face when their child is diagnosed, and it will give you compassion for anyone you might know undergoing a similar situation. And whether or not cancer ever affects your life, you’ll find Ellie’s story incredibly encouraging in your Christian walk!
Read my complete review here: http://www.thefitlyspokenword.com/cha...
May 8, 2016
Grab a box of tissues and be ready for one of the most powerful, intense stories of your life. I feel like I say that about a lot of books, but when I read any books about children fighting pediatric cancer, immediately my heart melts and my eyes are a puddle, yet inside of each child is a warrior. "Chase Away Cancer" shows us the warrior inside of all of us despite the needle pokes, scans, radiation or whatever junk comes our way, we all have a hope and this book reminds us of who are hope is in and where we can find it. Whether you're facing Cancer or some other storm in your life, this book is for those who need to know there is something beyond the battle and you have the courage to weather the difficult storm. Thank you to Tyndale for allowing me to review this book. I give this book 5/5 stars. I was not compensated for a positive review.
May 23, 2016
Family introduced then into Chase's story. Scriptures throughout cancer battle!! "Cancer Day" - when the awfulness of the disease is even heavier on our hearts than other days. Focus on scriptures to get through it. This should be on the "must read" list of books for everyone who is touched by cancer.
April 24, 2016
The title is true - this is a POWERFUL, TRUE story. I don't remember how many times I cried with this family, then wiped my tears and laughed with them as well. Some of the emotion comes, I'm sure, from knowing Bapa, but Ellie's writing style, stark and real, will elicit an emotional reaction from even the coldest, darkest heart. Absolutely EVERYONE should read this book.
September 11, 2016
I picked up this book because Chase is in my daughter's class this year. I met his family over the summer and learned about the book.
This story is raw. You will cry. You will also have hope. If you know the thief that is cancer, this will hit a nerve. And you can't help but love the personality of Chase and the voice of his mother.
This story is raw. You will cry. You will also have hope. If you know the thief that is cancer, this will hit a nerve. And you can't help but love the personality of Chase and the voice of his mother.
July 3, 2025
Number of pages: 277
Genre: Non-fiction Biography
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: When Chase was two years old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The tumour was removed and from the biopsy, his family learned he had cancer which was likely terminal. Rather than give up on him, his parents determined that they would do everything they could for Chase. That way, whatever the outcome, they would know they couldn't have fought any harder. Despite many setbacks and difficulties along the way, Chase defied the odds!
My thoughts: This book was very difficult to read. It’s so sad to see a child so young, suffering from such a severe disease. I hurt for his parents who had to tell their two year old he was “going to sleep with the doctors” so they could get the “baseball” out of his head. I can’t imagine telling a two year old that they couldn’t hold him away from death, and if Jesus wanted him, they’d have to let him go. I felt awful for Chase and his parents when they had to hold him down to give him a needle, or to keep him from flailing and pulling out the IV already inserted. I felt sorry for his siblings, so young themselves, not knowing everything that was going on and missing their brother and their parents. This could not have been easy.
As the book speaks of Chase's cancer journey, there are descriptions of treatments, of needles, of tubes being put in and pulled out, and of blood. I had to put the book down a few times, partly because of the heavy content, but also because the medical descriptions were a bit much for me.
I thought Ellie had a really interesting perspective on living with cancer. She talks about having prepared herself for her son to die, but never really considered that he might live. Yeah, she didn’t want him to die, and was fighting with him for his life, but words like terminal cancer don’t really give that kind of hope. I found it interesting to think that sometimes it can be more difficult to take care of a child, not knowing when their cancer might come back and how much longer you have with them. Not that it’s easy to let them go either, but at least knowing that they were in heaven with Jesus, no longer sick and in pain could bring some peace.
I was impressed by Ellie and Bob's (Chase's parents') faith. And by Chase's. Chase, as a two and a half year old, thanked God for his cancer. Did he exactly know what he was saying? Maybe not, but it just made me think about how much I wish I could have faith like that. I think it’s so amazing when people are able to say not only is this difficult thing not a punishment from God, but it is a blessing because it brought us closer to Him and allowed us to depend fully on Him. As Ellie pointed out, you never appreciate the light so much until you find yourself in darkness.
This was a very powerful yet difficult read, and I would recommend it.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
Genre: Non-fiction Biography
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: When Chase was two years old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. The tumour was removed and from the biopsy, his family learned he had cancer which was likely terminal. Rather than give up on him, his parents determined that they would do everything they could for Chase. That way, whatever the outcome, they would know they couldn't have fought any harder. Despite many setbacks and difficulties along the way, Chase defied the odds!
My thoughts: This book was very difficult to read. It’s so sad to see a child so young, suffering from such a severe disease. I hurt for his parents who had to tell their two year old he was “going to sleep with the doctors” so they could get the “baseball” out of his head. I can’t imagine telling a two year old that they couldn’t hold him away from death, and if Jesus wanted him, they’d have to let him go. I felt awful for Chase and his parents when they had to hold him down to give him a needle, or to keep him from flailing and pulling out the IV already inserted. I felt sorry for his siblings, so young themselves, not knowing everything that was going on and missing their brother and their parents. This could not have been easy.
As the book speaks of Chase's cancer journey, there are descriptions of treatments, of needles, of tubes being put in and pulled out, and of blood. I had to put the book down a few times, partly because of the heavy content, but also because the medical descriptions were a bit much for me.
I thought Ellie had a really interesting perspective on living with cancer. She talks about having prepared herself for her son to die, but never really considered that he might live. Yeah, she didn’t want him to die, and was fighting with him for his life, but words like terminal cancer don’t really give that kind of hope. I found it interesting to think that sometimes it can be more difficult to take care of a child, not knowing when their cancer might come back and how much longer you have with them. Not that it’s easy to let them go either, but at least knowing that they were in heaven with Jesus, no longer sick and in pain could bring some peace.
I was impressed by Ellie and Bob's (Chase's parents') faith. And by Chase's. Chase, as a two and a half year old, thanked God for his cancer. Did he exactly know what he was saying? Maybe not, but it just made me think about how much I wish I could have faith like that. I think it’s so amazing when people are able to say not only is this difficult thing not a punishment from God, but it is a blessing because it brought us closer to Him and allowed us to depend fully on Him. As Ellie pointed out, you never appreciate the light so much until you find yourself in darkness.
This was a very powerful yet difficult read, and I would recommend it.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...
August 9, 2020
Spoiler Alert.
The fact that Chase is still here and still fighting is an incredible story. From this book, I went on to follow Ellie on Facebook and would recommend that everyone who reads it does. What an amazing family, and what a woman of strength. Chase, you are so loved all over the world and your story is embedded in our hearts.
The fact that Chase is still here and still fighting is an incredible story. From this book, I went on to follow Ellie on Facebook and would recommend that everyone who reads it does. What an amazing family, and what a woman of strength. Chase, you are so loved all over the world and your story is embedded in our hearts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
"moment by moment"
December 30, 2016
This is a wonderful, glorious, and convicting book. Of course, any book about a sick child is a heartbreaking read, but in this book, the faithfulness and grace of God that was poured out into this family just shines through like a beacon. The question on the back: "Will the family be plunged into extreme sorrow or miraculous joy? What if the answer is both?" says it all. Finding hope in the most difficult of circumstances, having faith in a God is who good and gracious and has a purpose for all things, that is what this book tells us.
I bookmarked several inspiring quotes in this book, and my favorite is this: "We will never find a circumstance in which moment-by-moment grace is not both desperately needed and graciously, abundantly given by the One who knows us best. No matter what your hard thing is in this moment, inhale and exhale and trust that the most beautiful grace will meet you there."
I owe the author, this mother, my thanks for sharing her family's story so beautifully and helping me put my problems into perspective.
I bookmarked several inspiring quotes in this book, and my favorite is this: "We will never find a circumstance in which moment-by-moment grace is not both desperately needed and graciously, abundantly given by the One who knows us best. No matter what your hard thing is in this moment, inhale and exhale and trust that the most beautiful grace will meet you there."
I owe the author, this mother, my thanks for sharing her family's story so beautifully and helping me put my problems into perspective.
May 7, 2016
I recevied a complimentary copy of this book.
Review Q&A-
- What did you like about the book and why? It was written with strength and honesty.
- What did you not like about the book and why? It was incredibly sad and I had a hard time getting through some of the worst parts. To be left with a mix of grief and triumph is hard to handle.
- What did you learn? The even the smallest vessel can be strong and to never count out anything until it is a sure thing.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? The book is super sad and will create tears of mixed emotions and for that reason I would only recommend this book to older youth and adults. If you can not handle this type of topic or are a depressed person, this is not going to be the best pick me up.
Review Q&A-
- What did you like about the book and why? It was written with strength and honesty.
- What did you not like about the book and why? It was incredibly sad and I had a hard time getting through some of the worst parts. To be left with a mix of grief and triumph is hard to handle.
- What did you learn? The even the smallest vessel can be strong and to never count out anything until it is a sure thing.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? The book is super sad and will create tears of mixed emotions and for that reason I would only recommend this book to older youth and adults. If you can not handle this type of topic or are a depressed person, this is not going to be the best pick me up.
April 18, 2018
I was highly encouraged by Ellie's story of the faith in the midst of painful circumstances. I didn't expect the beauty that was interwoven as the family dealer with extreme sorrow and yet embraced the miraculous joy that arose from their situation. You may think you know how this cancer story goes, but do you dare to read it?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews