Owen is 16 years old.
Sixteen years old should be about school, friends, youth group, making plans for the future and figuring out who you want to become. It shouldn’t be about chemotherapy, surgeries, hospital rooms and cancer.
But Owen has recently been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer, and his life—and his family’s life—changed almost overnight.
Before cancer entered his world, Owen was an incredibly driven, responsible and bright teenager with big plans for his future. He is part of the Civil Air Patrol and dreamed of someday serving in the military.
Owen is the kind of kid who is genuinely curious about the world. He loves reading, building Legos, science fiction and books about the cosmos. He loves action movies, chocolate, spending time with his friends and his Chihuahua, Perry. He enjoys being part of the youth group at Calvary, and those who know him know his funny side, his intelligence and the wonderful young man he is becoming.
Now, instead of beginning another normal year of high school, Owen will be doing high school from a hospital bed.
His treatment is taking place in Spokane, several hours away from his home and community. Owen and his family will need to travel to Spokane every week for the next 8+ months as he undergoes an intensive treatment plan that includes chemotherapy and, at some point, major surgery to remove the cancer from his bone.
His mom will be leaving her job so she can be by her son's side and care for him throughout treatment.
The financial impact on this family will be enormous.
Along with mounting medical expenses, there will be months of travel back and forth to Spokane, gas, meals, lodging and countless unexpected expenses—all while their household loses an income.
This family needs to be able to focus on one thing right now:
Helping Owen fight cancer.
That's why we're asking our friends, family and community to come together as #TeamOwen.
$16 FOR OWEN 💛
In honor of Owen being just 16 years old, we're asking people who are able to consider donating at least $16—one dollar for every year of Owen's life.
But please don't feel limited to $16.
If you are able to give $25, $50, $100, $500 or more, your generosity can make an incredible difference for this family during the months ahead. And if $16 isn't possible, any amount matters.
16 years old. $16. One community standing behind him.
Our hope is to see thousands of people put their names behind Owen—to show this young man that while he may have to walk into those hospital rooms, he isn't walking into this fight alone.
Please donate if you're able.
Please share Owen's story.
Please challenge your friends, family, coworkers and local businesses to join #TeamOwen.
And above all, please keep Owen and his family in your prayers as they begin a journey no 16-year-old or family should ever have to face.
Owen had big plans before cancer.
Cancer doesn't get to take those plans away without one heck of a fight.
Let's show Owen just how many people are fighting beside him.
#TeamOwen 💛
