Chase’s Story: One teen’s journey with pectus bracing

Meet Chase

When 14‑year‑old Chase from Kearney, Mo., came to Children’s Mercy Kansas for his pectus brace fitting, he didn’t say much about the moment, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t important.

“He was excited,” his mom, Jennifer, shared. For Chase, the brace represented more than a medical device. It was an important step in treating pectus carinatum, a condition that causes the chest to push outward, and a chance to feel more comfortable and confident in his own body.

Chase also marked a special milestone for the Children’s Mercy Pectus Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas — he was the 1,000th patient to receive a brace through the program. To help celebrate, the brace manufacturer surprised Chase with a jersey from the Argentinian national soccer team, making the day even more memorable for him and his family.

A non-surgical option that makes a lasting difference

Chase’s experience reflects how care for children with chest wall differences has evolved at Children’s Mercy Kansas. Years ago, surgery was often the only treatment option available for pectus carinatum, which meant many children — especially those with milder cases — didn’t receive treatment.

Today, non‑surgical bracing offers an effective option for many patients. Since launching its bracing program in 2011, the Children’s Mercy Pectus Center has helped hundreds of kids avoid surgery while still achieving meaningful results.

For families like Chase’s, that often means a treatment approach that fits more easily into everyday life, allowing kids to stay active, attend school and continue doing the things they enjoy.

Care focused on the whole child

At the Pectus Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas, care goes beyond correcting the chest wall. The specialized team treats all types of chest wall differences, including pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum, and works closely with patients and families over time.

As treatment progresses, many children experience more than physical changes. Families often notice improvements in confidence and self‑image as kids begin to feel better about how they look and more comfortable in social settings, which can make a lasting impact.

Families travel from across the region and beyond to receive care at Children’s Mercy, drawn by the center’s experience, advanced technology like 3D scanning for precise brace fitting and a strong commitment to patient and family education.

Looking ahead

For Chase, receiving his brace at Children’s Mercy Kansas marked the beginning of a journey — one shared by many children who come to the Pectus Center seeking answers, options and support. His story is a reminder that behind every milestone is a child and a family taking an important step toward feeling better, inside and out.