ST. LOUIS – Kelly Chase is once again battling leukemia. The former Blues player and broadcaster received a clean bill of health last spring, but the cancer has returned. FOX 2 Sports Director Martin Kilcoyne sits down with “Chaser” as he takes on this new challenge.

After staring down cancer one year ago, Chase faces a new battle with leukemia. Chase’s latest diagnosis has sent him back to St. Louis’ Siteman Cancer Center for chemo treatments.

And his spirits are good, despite the recent setback.

Chase says he has completed seven rounds of chemo in recent weeks and he currently has a white blood cell count of zero.


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“At the end of the day, I really feel strong,” said Chase. “What’s wrong with me is they can’t get this chromosome to stop multiplying. I can’t get rid of the infection.”

The former Blues enforcer says he feel healthier than he did during the early stages of his first fight with cancer. One day prior to his interview, Chase said he walked 17 miles around the hospital, rode a bicycle, and completed 250 push-ups and 180 sit-ups.

Unlike last time, Chase will get a bone marrow transplant.

“I’ll get a bone marrow transplant,” said Chase. “My brother is a 100-percent match, so I joke with him ‘I’ll become a little dumber. but I’m going to be healthier.’ That’s sort of the plan. Be optimistic this works again and keep fighting.”

Chase continues to reflect on his battles with optimism and humility.

“I never rang the bell [after the first cancer diagnosis], because I felt, it’s like beating a guy on the ice. You beat them in a fight, but knock ’em out and show ’em up, someone is going to get you. It might not be that guy, but karma says it’s coming around. So I never rung the bell.”

“One of the nurses said, ‘You never rung the bell, and I said ‘No, because I feel like I’m showing up cancer. I don’t want to do that.’ She said, ‘What about the people that never get to ring it?’ I felt bad.”

“Inside, I’m optimistic, I’m positive and I always feel like I’m going to beat it. On the flip side, I’m also someone that’s paid attention to it now.”

“I’d bet on me [on beating this diagnosis] as opposed to playing in the NHL. I have full faith in Siteman’s. I have full faith in the process here.”

Amid his ongoing battle, Chase is looking to raise money for cancer research. A St. Louis Blues alumni group says at least $8,000 had been raised as of Saturday. Donors have the opportunity to be entered into a drawing to shave Chase’s head.