Summit, NJ – What began as a seemingly minor anomaly on a young boy’s toe during a family vacation has blossomed into a powerful mission, transforming the life of 10-year-old Chase Singer and inspiring a community to rally against rare cancers. Diagnosed in early 2024 with clear cell sarcoma, an exceptionally rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer, Chase’s story is a testament to resilience, the profound impact of dedicated medical care, and the unwavering spirit of a child determined to make a difference.
Clear cell sarcoma, a malignancy that typically targets tendons and connective tissues, is a diagnosis rarely encountered in pediatric patients. For Chase, a vibrant fifth-grader who thrived on the soccer and lacrosse fields, the sudden onset of this formidable foe presented a stark and life-altering challenge. His family’s journey from initial concern to a life-altering diagnosis highlights the critical importance of vigilance and prompt medical attention when encountering unusual health concerns.
The Unforeseen Diagnosis: A Shadow Falls on a Young Athlete’s Life
The initial signs of trouble emerged subtly. During a family getaway, Chase’s mother, Sarah Singer, noticed a peculiar bump on his toe. "Like any parents, we looked at it and we thought maybe it was a bug bite," she recounted to NJBIZ. This initial assessment, a common parental reaction to minor ailments, would soon give way to a far more serious reality.
As the swelling on Chase’s toe failed to subside, the Singers sought professional medical advice. Their concern quickly escalated, leading to a referral to the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center. "It went from literally we thought like maybe he needed an antibiotic or something was stuck – to a solid tumor," Sarah Singer explained, emphasizing the rapid and alarming progression of the condition.
At MSK, a team of specialists delivered the difficult news: Chase had clear cell sarcoma. The rarity of this cancer was underscored by his doctors, who informed the family that only a few hundred cases had been diagnosed globally over the past decade, a stark statistic that underscored the urgency and complexity of his situation.
Navigating the Medical Maze: A Battle Against the Unknown
The absence of consistently effective standard treatments for clear cell sarcoma presented a significant hurdle. Doctors determined that surgery was the most viable option to combat the aggressive cancer. Chase underwent the amputation of one of his toes, followed by a series of intricate tissue grafts and further surgical interventions. The subsequent recovery process was arduous, marked by pain, extensive physical therapy, and frequent hospital visits.
"We went from having a kid that was playing on a national soccer team at a young age, who was loving life and was the life of every party, to going in for a biopsy," Sarah Singer reflected, her voice tinged with the memory of their son’s former vitality. "Unfortunately, having to amputate his second toe to tissue grafting it. And it took about six months for Chase to go from that process with all of the secondary things that happened to being able to walk and run again."
The road to recovery involved the use of wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers, interspersed with constant monitoring. Chase has endured countless PET scans, MRIs, CT scans, X-rays, and blood work every few months to vigilantly track any signs of recurrence. "He literally still spends entire days every two-and-a-half, three months fasting and being pricked and going through scans that make him sick to his stomach," Sarah Singer shared, highlighting the relentless nature of cancer surveillance. "All to sit and wait for results."
Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Chase’s spirit remained remarkably undimmed. His mother emphasized, "Still, she said her son’s energy and personality have remained intact." He continued to approach his challenges with a youthful exuberance and an unwavering positive outlook. "What I know is that I have the right people fighting for me, and Chase is going to fight and still come out being a silly, fun, sports-obsessed, video gaming, smart kid who is going to continue to have that personality," Sarah Singer affirmed. "Cancer is not going to get that from him."
The Pillars of Support: Compassionate Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering
The Singer family lauded the exceptional care they received at MSK, particularly from pediatric oncologist Dr. Julia Glade Bender and orthopedic surgeon and surgical oncologist Dr. Daniel Prince. These medical professionals not only provided Chase with expert medical treatment but also forged a deep emotional connection with him and his family.
"Dr. Daniel Prince – who Chase will tell you – is literally his spirit animal in life," Sarah Singer exclaimed, her admiration evident. She described how Dr. Prince would engage with Chase on his level, playing basketball or video games with him, demonstrating a level of compassion that extended far beyond conventional medical practice.
"They continually are amazing," Singer said of both Dr. Prince and Dr. Bender. "There’s very few doctors – and we’ve seen several unfortunately over the last couple of years – that will get down on the floor with Chase and talk to him in a way he can understand. Because this is tricky; and he’s little. And they not only have to talk to him, they have to talk to us and our whole family. And I just don’t think there’s many institutions that can do it the same way." This profound human connection proved to be an invaluable source of strength and comfort during their darkest hours.
From Patient to Advocate: Riding for a Cure with Cycle for Survival
Inspired by the exceptional care they received and driven by a desire to help others facing similar battles, the Singer family has channeled their experience into advocacy. They have become deeply involved with Cycle for Survival, the official rare cancer fundraising program of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Cycle for Survival has evolved into a formidable national movement dedicated to combating rare cancers. Since its inception in 2007, this philanthropic initiative has raised over $450 million for critical rare cancer research and clinical trials at MSK. The 2026 campaign alone generated an impressive $38 million.
The program collaborates with Equinox to host indoor stationary cycling events across the country each winter. These events unite families, survivors, medical professionals, and supporters in a collective effort to fund research for rare cancers, which, despite accounting for roughly half of all cancer diagnoses, often receive a disproportionately smaller share of research funding.
In the recent campaign, over 30,000 participants and approximately 155,000 donors contributed to the cause, with 100% of donations directly supporting rare cancer research and clinical trials at MSK. Preparations are already underway for the 2027 rides and fundraising efforts.
The Singer family’s involvement began serendipitously. After spotting a Cycle for Survival billboard during one of Chase’s hospital visits, he expressed a clear desire to participate. "To raise money for my doctors and cancer research," he stated with conviction.
The annual events feature four-hour team stationary cycling rides, led by Equinox instructors, welcoming participants of all athletic abilities. At the Summit Equinox event in New Jersey, held on March 14th and 15th, over 1,000 riders pedaled across more than 100 bikes, a powerful demonstration of community support for rare cancer research.
"Chase the Cure": A Young Warrior’s Fundraising Triumph
For Chase and his family, participating in Cycle for Survival became a tangible way to contribute to future breakthroughs in treating diseases like his own. "Rare cancer is so underfunded and pediatric cancer so underfunded," Sarah Singer emphasized. "If there was a blood test that we could give Chase to take away all those hospital hours just to diagnose him, that would be life-changing for him." She further elaborated, "If there was an immunotherapy treatment, and MSK has several that they’re working on, that meant we didn’t have to open him up every time something looks suspicious. That would be life-changing for him. So, when we look at everything MSK has done for us, what we want to do back is to help support what the future of care can be."
Riding under the team name "Chase the Cure," the Singers quickly emerged as standout participants. Chase himself raised an astonishing sum exceeding $100,000. "Oh yeah, I beat my doctor’s team," Chase declared with a proud smile. His remarkable fundraising efforts culminated in a significant role at the event: announcing the final fundraising total for the year.
"It was kind of cool for Chase also, because it was the 20th anniversary of Cycle for Survival this year," Sarah Singer noted. Chase also made a memorable appearance at the event itself, with a poignant photograph capturing him sitting on the handlebars as instructors played music while his brother, Jacob, rode. The total fundraising for the year surpassed $35 million at the event, with further contributions expected in the following weeks.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Resilience and Gratitude
Despite the immense challenges he has faced, Chase articulates profound lessons learned from his experience. When his mother asked what it had taught him, he responded with a simple yet powerful declaration: "A fighter. And to be brave."
The Singer family’s perspective on daily life has been fundamentally altered. "We make every day good," Sarah Singer stated. "We don’t take anything for granted. It’s all about small wins and big pictures." This outlook underscores their appreciation for each moment and their commitment to finding joy amidst adversity.
For Sarah, the broader mission of Cycle for Survival is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude and a persistent hope for the future. She views it as a tangible goal, a way to actively combat the disease. "And the incredible thing about it is every single dollar raised goes exactly back into the hands of the people that are looking for the next cure, the next advancements," she explained. "So, for me, being able to look at a cause and to do something gives me a sense of – I’m going to fight back, not just to keep Chase healthy. But what can I do to help the cause and to help with some small way in the advancement?"
A Future Inspired: Dreams of Healing and Discovery
Even as Chase continues his rigorous schedule of scans and testing every few months, his family maintains an optimistic and resolute outlook. "We’re going to make cancer scared of Chase, instead of Chase scared of cancer," Sarah Singer declared, a powerful statement of their determination to confront the disease head-on.
Chase’s experience has also profoundly shaped his future aspirations. He now aspires to follow in the footsteps of his compassionate medical team. "Chase has said now he wants to be them when he grows up," Singer revealed, referring to Dr. Bender and Dr. Prince. "I want to be a doctor," Chase confirmed, specifically expressing a desire to work at MSK as an oncologist one day. His sister, mirroring his dedication to healing, has expressed her ambition to become a nurse practitioner. "I think it shaped a lot of how our family views things," Sarah Singer concluded, reflecting on the transformative impact of their journey.
Chase Singer’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of rare and aggressive diseases, the human spirit, bolstered by exceptional medical care and a supportive community, can find strength, purpose, and the unwavering drive to fight for a brighter future.
For more information on Cycle for Survival and how you can contribute to rare cancer research, please visit https://www.cycleforsurvival.org/.
