Owen's Journey Battling Neuroblastoma Cancer

Owen is a sweet and funny little boy, only 2 and a half years young. He has been on a heart wrenching journey fighting an aggressive malignant neuroblastoma cancer founded in late December 2022 when he was admitted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital for a lingering pain in his chest. Fluid had accumulated in his chest that required surgical draining, followed by a series of imaging scans. A large malignant tumor was identified on the left side of his chest, very close to his left lung.

Ivy and Nate are struggling alongside their beloved son through this ongoing battle with cancer. They spend their days and nights by his side, providing their love and strength as Owen fights on. Their journey at the hospital started on December 15, 2022. Chemotherapy, breathing tube, feeding tube, platelet transfusions, immunotherapy injections, pediatric ICU on two separate occasions, ECMO alert, surgery to remove a portion of the tumor that was compressing his spine, and different chemotherapy and immunotherapy over again and again. Owen and his parents have been at the Stollery for over three months and were just recently allowed to spend some time in their own beds in March. After months of medical procedures and failed chemotherapy treatments, a chemotherapy medication was used and successful in reducing the size of the tumor, giving Owen and his family a fighting chance to beat this cancer. And a lot of smiles from Owen and his parents alike.

However, due to an infection at the surgical site on his back, Owen is once again in the hospital for 6 weeks until the end of May to receive IV-administered antibiotics and additional cancer treatment. Against this backdrop, Owen remains his jovial self and is often heard singing and cracking jokes. He is persistent and loving, re-learning to walk again shortly after getting home in March, showing his strength and strong will.

It is unimaginable to most what our little Owen has endured so far but the battle is just beginning.

With the continued love and support from family and friends, Owen, Ivy and Nate remain strong, optimistic, and are fighting everyday. They are forever grateful for all the positive energy and well wishes from everyone who hears Owen’s journey; the love they felt and continue to feel is palpable.

The outpouring of support from loved ones has been immense and very much appreciated. Ivy and Nate truly believe the love, prayers, and positivity have been part of the healing power Owen desperately needed to get to this stage of his journey. The months ahead will require Ivy and Nate to remain on extended leaves of absence from work. I know that many of you want to help in a tangible way, so let’s do what we can to help this beautiful family relieve some financial burden to help them focus their energy on Owen’s treatment and road to recovery.

With love,

Janet and Sophia

PS: I will send updates on Owen's progress every month at the minimum so please check back here often :)