The story of one local teen continues to impact a community.
Chayse Andrews, from Hampton, was diagnosed with fibrinoid leukodystrophy, commonly referred as Alexander disease, on March 11 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The rare disease affects an individual in the same way like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) but also attacks mental abilities by affecting white matter in the brain.
But throughout his journey, citizens have been able to provide support to the family and in a variety of ways and Chayse’s journey has been documented on social media.
It is a journey that resident Hannah Hughes has followed closely. Also from the Hampton community, Hughes has been working to put together a benefit carnival to help cover the costs of medical expenses and help raise awareness for Alexander disease.
“The reason I am hosting this is to raise awareness not only for Alexander disease, because Chayse is the only person in the state with this disease, but also to raise money for him and his family,” Hughes told the Elizabethton Star Friday. “Anything medical is expensive, but you throw in a rare disease that there is known cure for and it’s outrageous.”
The “Team Chayse Carnival” is taking place on Saturday, July 8, beginning at 11 a.m. at Hampton High School’s track inside J.C. Campbell Stadium
A variety of activities will be available, according to Hughes.
“We are having carnival games there, as well as inflatables and face painting,” she said. “A bake sale, hotdogs and chips, drinks raffles and a silent auction … we’re providing all that we can to help Chayse and his family.”
Hughes added that multiple prizes have been donated by local businesses, along with prizes coming from as far as Asheville, North Carolina, and Pigeon Forge.
“The Hampton Fire Department will be there with a fire truck and we’re hoping to have the county sheriff’s office involved too,” Hughes said.
Hughes added there is a need for volunteers to assist with the event and donations are also being accepted for the bake sale, raffle, and auction. Individuals can also make monetary donations that can go to benefit the family.
“I’ve been working on getting things together for the event, so any help is very much encouraged,” she added.
For more information, contact Hughes via email at hhugheshh70@rossmedical.com or call (423) 433-9917. Members of the public that want to stay up to date with Chayse’s story can visit the Team Chayse Updates Facebook page online.