URBANA, Md. — This Thanksgiving holiday, a Maryland family enduring hardship has plenty to be thankful for.
On Aug. 9, Alex Lancaster's son, 16-year-old Chase Lancaster, jumped in front of a bullet to save someone he didn’t even know.
Chase was at a party with friends at a clubhouse in the 3300 block of Galena Drive when shots were fired. His father said at some point during the shooting, Chase shielded a girl from gunfire, saving her life but nearly taking his.
“Definitely, thankful Chase is alive. I’ve been blown away by the support from the broader community." said Alex Lancaster, Chase's father.
The bullet destroyed his kidney and damaged his liver and one of his largest veins.
Since then, Chase has endured nearly 100 surgeries and multiple complications. This holiday season, there’s finally some good news.
“We are so thankful. Chase is like a new person. The doctors looked at him and said who are you? He’s recovered that much," Alex Lancaster said.
Before the shooting, Chase dreamed of playing professional football. For months, it was unclear if that dream could survive.
After three months in the hospital, Chase is able to walk and talk again and those dreams are back on the table.
“The best news was from doctors that he’ll make a full recovery and play football. Sky is the limit for him!" Alex Lancaster said.
The Lancaster family will spend Thanksgiving at the hospital with Chase, celebrating with all his favorite dishes and if all goes well, Chase will be back home just in time for his 17th birthday and Christmas.
“The audience of WUSA9 news loves you [Chase]. The reason for this follow up is because people were asking about Chase, wanting to know how you’re doing. When I got the call from Leslie, I was excited to know people are interested in your story and development." Alex Lancaster said.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s office told WUSA9 that Chase was not the intended target.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with hospital expenses.