Local mom whose son died of cancer helping other families coping with similar loss

CARROLL COUNTY, Ga — Kiki McDaniel has an office full of collectors’ items to sort through. They have been donated in memory of her son.

“I think Chase knows the impact he has made, and the legacy he has made,” Kiki said.

Channel 2 introduced you to Chase McDaniel in 2019. The star football player at Carrollton High School had just been diagnosed with cancer. Doctors told him the day of the school’s prom, but he still took his date to the dance.

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Chased passed away later that year. Shortly after, his family formed a foundation called Chase the Victory. The

nonprofit helps grieving families that have lost a child to cancer, and sends them on a retreat to the beach. The foundation also provides sneakers to kids going through cancer treatments. Chase loved the shoes.

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For the second year in a row, Chase the Victory is holding a Sneaker Ball at the Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta. Guests will be “dressed to the nines,” including sneakers. The items in Kiki’s office — including sports collectibles and even all-expense paid trips —will be up for auction to help more families. Kiki believes her son is looking down from heaven and smiling. “He knows that ‘we too’ want to encourage and help other people. I would say Chase’s thoughts toward us are. ‘go Mom, go! Go Dad go!,” Kiki said.

Last year’s ball raised $100,000 to help local families. Kiki hopes to double it this year. The event is Saturday night.

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