 | Fifteen and full of energy, Andrew was a happy, athletic high school freshman enjoying life as a teenager. There was never a dull moment as Andrew played basketball on the school team, lifted weights, snowboarded, hunted, fished, started learning how to drive, and hung out with friends. Then on New Years Eve of 2008 an MRI changed everything, revealing a large chordoma in Andrew’s spine. Throughout his intense battle with chordoma, Andrew lived life to the fullest, his motto “always pursue.” Read Andrew's Story » |
 | Tyler Seaman was a joker, a drummer, a music lover, a caring brother, son, and friend, an aspiring medical student, and a devoted Camp Baco camper and counselor. He was diagnosed with a clival chordoma in 2007 at age 14. He didn't let dealing with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, stop him from graduating from high and getting a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he hoped to do chordoma research with Dr. Brian Harfe. Sadly, Tyler never made it to UF as chordoma took his life in October, 2010. Read Tyler's Story » |
.JPG) | Dr. Ed Les is a veterinarian turned pediatric emergency physician in Calgary, Canada. He went through an ordeal after being diagnosed with a large skull base chordoma in 2007, but despite lingering symptoms has returned to the medical practice that he loves. Now he cherishes life more than ever with his wife Sherri, and three girls Megan, Taylor, and Peyton. This profile is Ed's firsthand account of what it's like when a doctor becomes the patient. Read Ed's Story » |
 | Brittani Spight is an Arizona teen with a "no limits" attitude. Despite five surgeries, radiation, and round after round of chemotherapy, Brittani and her family maintain a positive outlook on life. When Brittani lost her hair to chemo one relative after another shaved their heads in solidarity - including her mom, Tami. This profile is Tami's account of how her family rallied to support Brittani. Read Brittani's Story » |
 | Lauren Richmond was a gifted young lady from New Jersey whose wisdom was far beyond her years. She loved so many things in life - her family, poetry, fashion, and broadway. Before she lost her 5 year battle with chordoma, Lauren published a powerful book of poems called Black and Brown Markers, which Lauren got to read with Jenna Bush at the Whitehouse.Though Lauren walked this earth for only fifteen years, she is remembered by everyone whose life she touched for her loving heart and compassion. Read Lauren's Story » |
 | On August 1, 2008, Ray Underhill passed away from complications with chordoma, not even two years after his initial diagnosis. He was 45 years-old. The former skateboard pro left behind Kerry, his wife, their two children, Keaton (13) and Olivia (8), and a laundry list of friends stretching from North Carolina to California. In this profile Kerry talks candidly about Ray's philosophy, their intense battle with chordoma, finding respite in Tony Hawk’s guest house and her hopes for the future. Read Ray's Story » |
 | Justin Straus heroically battled chordoma for six years before passing on September 17, 2008, shortly after his 13th birthday. His battle touched the lives of many, inspiring everyone who met him with his courage and maturity far beyond his young age. Before passing, Justin passed on a final lesson by writing the perseverance on his whiteboard, a final call rallying for his noble cause to find a cure. The Straus family and Justin, in memory, continue to be determined advocates for the chordoma community. Read Justin's Story » |