Ace Evans is as carefree a kid as any nine year old soon to be turning double digits. He is happy go-lucky, speaks whatever is on his mind, and never meets a stranger.
“Everything’s fine in Ace’s world all the time. It’s a very good attitude to have and a blessing from God. He did not get that from me and he did not get that from his dad. He’s not worried about a thing,” according to Lacye Evans, Ace’s mom.
Evans also believes it is this attitude that has helped Ace not only face but persevere and thrive after a daunting diagnosis at the young age of 6.
Ace was playing on an All- Star baseball team in spring 2018 when a coach from another team noticed a spot on Ace’s face and asked Evans about it. She thought it was probably a bug bite. A few months later they encountered the same coach who approached Evans and again commented on the spot, stating it looked larger this time.
August was on the horizon and that meant school. Simpson County Academy secretary Nina Grubbs called Evans to tell her that Ace needed one final school vaccination before enrollment. When they visited their pediatrician, Evans asked him to look at the spot.
“He took a look at it and said, ‘We need to get y’all to a pediatric dermatologist sooner rather than later.’ Five days later the dermatologist performed a punch biopsy.
On September 5, 2018, Adam and Lacye Evans received the call no parent ever wants. Ace was diagnosed with metastatic spitzoid melanoma and needed to be seen as quickly as possible.
Ace underwent two surgeries in October and November 2020 to remove the cancerous tissue and then a final reconstruction surgery. All operations were performed at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital by a team of physicians from St. Jude’s Hospital. Ace has been considered in remission ever since.
While Ace is in remission he currently receives ongoing infusion treatments to keep the cancer at bay. In February 2019 he began receiving a medication cocktail through a monthly six hour infusion. In July 2021 the infusion was changed to a weekly 45 minute procedure administered at home by mom and dad who were trained by a home health nurse. Lacye added, “Chances are he’ll have to do this for the rest of his life.”
Like every other student in a traditional school setting in Mississippi, Ace began homeschooling in March 2020 due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Others may have experienced difficulties in the transition – Ace did not. “His passion is school work for whatever reason. I never thought I’d be able to say that about my child but he loves to read, loves schoolwork, and loves to be at school. He loved being here as well.” “Here” is the Magee Alfa Insurance office run by his mom.
Ace discovered another passion while homeschooling – baking cupcakes. He had always watched his mom in the kitchen and helped too. “My mom is a talented cook,” Ace commented.
One day he asked if they could bake some cupcakes. Once made, Evans asked now what do we do with them? Ace said, “We should sell them to people!” Bake My Day Cupcakes was born. Ace developed a menu and designed a logo. Most of his cupcakes were made for small ventures like parties or church events. Until Crazy Day 2020.
The little venture grew quickly. Evans said cupcakes covered every inch of available space in the kitchen with extra tables brought in to accommodate the growing number of cupcakes. Within an hour and a half of setting up for Crazy Day, Ace sold all 426 treats.
While homeschooling, Ace finished his third grade work and completed half of fourth grade too. He returned to a traditional classroom in August enrolling as a fourth grader at Puckett Elementary to be with students his own age. He is the first to admit that he loves school. “My favorite subject in school is science,” he said. “My favorite part besides recess and lunch is the worksheets.”
One of the main reasons for the medication switch is Ace’s return to school. The Hizentra infusion he takes weekly helps build up his immune system. The previous medicines suppressed it.
Ace enjoys fishing, building Legos, sleeping, watching tv,baseball, basketball and soccer, his favorite of the sports. He plays for the Rays baseball team and Upwards basketball, the Cavaliers. His dad Adam coaches on both teams.
Ace exudes joy in his speech and actions. He likes the creativity of designing the cupcake decorations best. “The more the merrier, I always say!”
For a boy who has faced a life threatening illness Ace’s demeanor reflects living life to the fullest with every ounce of joy possible. Lacye put it plainly. “He’s not worried about a thing. Everything is just always good.”
