Chase finds strength in his music after facing numerous health problems
March 1, 2025
When Chase Morgan was 15 years old, his life seemed to be heading down a certain path. As a member of the Foothill Bisons AA Hockey Team in Alberta, Canada, playing hockey at a high level consumed much of Chase’s energy. However, a few things seemed ‘off’, and it was his hockey coach who noticed Chase wasn’t putting on as much weight as a 15-year-old hockey player normally would. Chase was about to face off with an entirely new set of challenges.
With a variety of other GI related symptoms, Chase eventually ended up in the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary to undergo a series of diagnostic procedures. A colonoscopy eventually led to a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease, and a liver biopsy confirmed a dual diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Interestingly, PSC wasn’t a complete unknown in Chase’s family as his paternal grandfather was diagnosed with it at the age of 35, passing away last year at the age of 82.
Despite the triple diagnosis, getting the Crohn’s under control was first on the agenda, and a biologic eventually did the trick. Over the next few years, other symptoms persisted and despite the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) getting under control, Chase continued struggling to gain weight and experienced persistent fatigue.
Chase describes the strangeness of battling an “invisible disease” where every day, something different is going on. “I would do everything possible and still not wake up with a spring in my step,” explained Chase. “We get pretty good at covering things up.”
Eventually, the symptoms became unavoidable, and Chase was hit with a couple of rounds of pancreatitis, which landed him in the hospital. He later had his gallbladder removed, leading to some post-procedure complications with an abscess. Once that was dealt with, Chase wondered whether he was dealing with chronic pain or if he was experiencing something more acute. Sure enough, an MRCP confirmed his bile ducts were impeded by a mix of stones and sludge. By November 2024 and no less than 4 ERCPs later, his ducts were finally cleared.
Venturing through these types of health challenges can bring silver linings, and for Chase Morgan, that was music and his love of playing the guitar. Chase began playing years earlier as a mental exercise during quiet periods through concussion protocol while playing hockey. “This was a way I could challenge the mind without having to constantly look at blue light. The small movements of the hand, the sound, it helped stimulate my brain without overstimulation.”
Chase noticed this to be a beneficial therapy for life after hockey, especially balancing the mental hurdles that come with a series of health challenges, plus it was a way to help reduce stress. “I’m able to get lost in that world and out of my own head for a while,” says Chase describing the benefits of music.
The progression of a budding musical career transpired organically for Chase. Complimenting his skills on the guitar, he discovered song writing, then felt well enough to branch into singing. Chase began putting his music online, then a bar in High River, AB, Chase’s hometown, had a last-minute cancellation and took a chance on Chase. The bar ended up packed with supportive fans and after that, Chase was hooked.
Reflecting on that evening, Chase realized “I can do the thing that gives me the most peace in the world and see it bringing everyone together.” While Chase might have a few jitters before performing, it’s reminiscent of the pre-game adrenaline rush he experienced playing hockey.
Chase also draws inspiration from his grandfather, “he was incredibly good at listening and understanding his body, his diseases, and what he needed to get through each next day.” With the power of music, Chase is ready to battle whatever lies ahead.
Chase Morgan shared his story with Matt Hodgson, a volunteer writer with PSC Partners Canada.
Photos credit: Chase Morgan
