On Wednesday (1/21/26), Jenny and Donovan took Owen to the St Johns ER for persistent headaches that had led to nausea and vomiting. After an MRI, they received the news that Owen had multiple masses in his brain. The oncologist in Springfield quickly got St Louis Childrens involved and he was promptly transferred to St Louis Children's (in a really cool blue ambulance).
There is a tumor in his cerebellum that is pushing on his brain stem that is causing Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) to build up in the brain and causing pressure. The tumor has metastasized into the CSF in the brain and spinal cord. He is having surgery Friday morning (1/23/26) to remove the main tumor. He will have several weeks of recovery and then will start an aggressive treatment of chemo and/or radiation in St Louis.
We are all so grateful for all doctors and everyone that made the transfer happen so quickly and that they were able to take his sweet newborn little sister (Dottie) with them. Ava and Ella remained with family.
Owen was diagnosed with Group 3 Medulloblastoma. He started radiation/chemo 2/18/26.
Thanks SO much for giving! We set the goal not really knowing what the need is but anticipating a long road ahead for O-boy and family and anticipating pretty high medical and living costs for the family this year. Please still give/share and cover the family in PRAYER!
Jenny's V e n m o is @Jenny-herpel
Jenny's P a y p a l is @Jennyherpel
Send Owen cards !!! (we're not sure about packages yet)
Owen can receive mail at St Louis Childrens! Please address mail to:
Owen Herpel
One Children’s Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
From Donavan & Jenny 1/23/26 - -
For those of you who are anonymous, and all who have given by name;
May God bless you and keep you, may he be gracious to you may he turn his face towards you and give you peace. Owen begins his journey today alongside his father and mother, baby Dottie, his sissies and all of you. Thank you for your generosity.
We trust that no one is a victim in this situation. Rather it's an opportunity to watch God do what only he can do. We are scared and have anxiety, but we are not mad, we are not regretful.
This is what God has for us and it is good and it is holy and it is the path we will walk by faith.
Donate to St Louis Children's Child Life (Amazon Wishlist):