Update – 2026

We never imagined we would be writing this again.

After fighting so hard and showing incredible strength, Owen has relapsed. The leukemia has returned in both his bone marrow and his scrotum. Hearing those words again has been devastating for our family.

Owen is now back in treatment and will be undergoing an intense plan that includes additional chemotherapy, CAR-T therapy, and a bone marrow transplant (BMT). These treatments are aggressive, but they give him the best chance at beating this once and for all.

CAR-T therapy is an advanced immunotherapy that reprograms Owen’s own immune cells to attack the leukemia. Following that, he may receive a bone marrow transplant to rebuild his immune system and help his body stay cancer-free long term.

This road will require extended hospital stays, long periods in Ann Arbor, and months of recovery and isolation to protect his new immune system. It will be physically and emotionally exhausting, but Owen continues to amaze us with his bravery.

He is still the same little boy who loves his games, trucks, first responders, and playing Roblox and Gta with Dawson. He still talks about being a police officer one day. And we are holding onto that future with everything we have.

We are asking for continued prayers as we step into this next phase of treatment. If you are able to share or donate, we are deeply grateful. Your support helps cover travel, extended stays, medical expenses, and allows us to focus on being with Owen through every step of this fight.

Owen Strong. Always.

2023: On behalf of our grandson Owen, Joseph and Janice smith want to start a go fund me to support travel expenses and medical bills going forward.

Owen was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the blood that starts in the bone marrow and spreads to the bloodstream ALL is the most common children's cancer, accounting for 35% of all cancers in children. There are about 2,900 new cases of ALL diagnosed in children and adolescents (0-21 years old) in the United States each year.

Owen is 6 years old and attends McComb elementary in Caro Michigan as a kindergartner. He loves farm tractors, lawn mowers, and trucks. He also has a strong love for fire fighters, police officers and in his words (army guys). One of his favorite thing to do is play the game Roblox with his twin brother Dawson.

Owen has a long road ahead of him with treatment but will be getting the best possible care from the University of Michigan.

any donations are greatly appreciated and we thank you for your prayers and support.

OWEN STRONG!