Ferris’ cancer journey began just after Christmas of 2015, when what she thought was their 4th pregnancy turned out to be an aggressive form of cancer called choriocarcinoma. At the time the Owen kids were 5, 3 and 7 months old. Through 2 major surgeries, inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy treatments, she and Robert have continually cast their anxieties upon the Lord and embraced this life to the fullest. Ferris knows how to throw a super fun slumber party for her girls in a hospital room, and she can turn any lab, ultrasound or waiting room into a classroom. Witnessing the endurance, perseverance, and persistence of this family throughout Ferris’ fight against cancer has been extraordinary. 

Just a few months ago, they thought they had moved to a new season. They thought cancer was behind them. Unfortunately, their journey continues. In November of 2018, Ferris’ cancer markers began to rise, once again. She had a partial nephrectomy (kidney removal) in December and began a clinical trial chemotherapy (immunotherapy) on January 28th, 2019 and will continue treatments every 3 weeks for about 13 months. 

Ferris and Robert have worked hard to maintain as much normalcy in their children’s lives as possible. Clara and Ellie, now almost 8 and 6, are thriving in school and gymnastics. John Mark, 3.5 years old, loves trains, weapons and playing outside. They are joyful, kind, amazing kids. On top of normal bills and daily needs, unpredictable medical bills arise often. Ferris loves her work as a family Nurse Practitioner, and she plans to continue working as she is able. Robert continues to work diligently under a research grant and is preparing to begin Medical School this summer. They love each other, their children, and their community deeply. Our hope and prayer for this campaign is to be able to bear financial and tangible burdens with them, so that healing and rest can be prioritized. 


I have taken the following from  Ferris' blog , as her words are very powerful and give a clear picture of her and Robert’s perspective on life, Jesus, and this journey. 

“That [cancer continuing] is not how it was supposed to happen. I was looking for a clean break and a fresh start. But new beginnings don’t always take off immediately after a complete cessation of the preceding path. Sometimes they commence while you are still on the path…and that is what this was. Or still is. I am still fighting cancer. Not the order in which I wanted things to go, but the narrative that I have. I like clean lines. I like checking off boxes. I like to fully end one thing before I begin another. But no one asked me. I may not have a choice in the order of occurrence, yet I still have a choice. How am I going to respond? I can allow myself to die inside even if my lungs might be still breathing…OR I can accept the colored continuation of this chapter, receive it as a part of my life and keep living my life. As long as I have life, for however long that may be.

We always have that choice. Am I going to live my life to the fullest in acceptance of the circumstances of which I have no control? Or am I going to the let the circumstances hijack the driver seat and careen me over the edge of the cliff? In the day to day, it can feel as though it is just too much. But when I look ahead at the long run, I realize there is still more to do. Thus, the choice is clear.

I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.

-Deuteronomy 30:19-

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

-John 15:16-

He chose me. He provided me with the life that I have. So I will live it. And I will lean on Him for life, for strength, when I have none for myself."