5yo Owen Battles Leukemia & Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Donation protected
Help Owen Fight Two Rare Diseases
Meet Owen Watson - our curious, brilliant 5-year-old who loves taking things apart to see how they work. Unfortunately, life has given him two incredibly complex puzzles to solve: B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
Owen's Story
In February 2023, when Owen was just 3 years old, we noticed swollen lymph nodes around his ears, head, and armpits. What we thought might be a simple infection turned into our worst nightmare - a leukemia diagnosis that flipped our world upside down.
But Owen's challenges didn't stop there. Six months into his leukemia treatment, we began noticing new symptoms: frequent tripping, difficulty climbing, and struggles with movements that used to come naturally. Our physical therapist recognized the classic signs of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, leading to another devastating diagnosis in November 2024.
Owen is one of only two documented cases worldwide of a child having both conditions simultaneously. The only other recorded case was in Cuba in the late 1980s, and that child didn't survive past age 13. We're literally writing the playbook as we go.
Our Daily Reality
Every week brings multiple medical appointments:
- Leukemia treatment at OHSU in Portland (2+ hour drive from our Eugene home)
- Duchenne treatment at Shriners in Portland
- Countless specialist appointments, lab work, and procedures
Every Tuesday: A home nurse comes to access Owen's port for his weekly Duchenne infusion - a 30-minute process that requires both of us to take time off work.
Every treatment day: Owen can't eat for 8+ hours before sedation, turning simple medical appointments into day-long ordeals of hunger, exhaustion, and emotional strain.
The Financial Reality We're Facing
Immediate Medical Costs
- Ongoing treatment expenses not covered by insurance
- Experimental treatments and clinical trials that insurance won't cover
- Specialized medical equipment Owen needs as his conditions progress
- Home care support for complex daily medical needs
Transportation & Accommodation
- Gas and vehicle maintenance for 4+ hour round trips to Portland multiple times per week
- Hotel stays when treatments run late or Owen needs overnight monitoring
- Meal costs during long treatment days when we can't return home
- Lost Income
- Reduced work hours - we've both had to cut back significantly to manage Owen's care schedule
- Unpaid medical leave for hospital stays and emergency situations
- Career limitations - we can't take jobs requiring travel or inflexible schedules
Home Modifications & Equipment
- Accessibility modifications as Owen's mobility decreases due to Duchenne
- Medical supplies for home infusions and daily care
- Adaptive equipment to help Owen maintain independence as long as possible
- Future Planning
- Specialized therapy programs to slow disease progression
- Emergency fund for unexpected complications or hospitalizations
- Quality of life improvements - giving Owen normal childhood experiences between treatments
Why $100,000?
This isn't just about covering current expenses - it's about giving Owen the best possible chance at a longer, fuller life while maintaining some semblance of normalcy for our family. The funds will provide:
Financial stability so we can focus on Owen's care instead of worrying about bills
Access to cutting-edge treatments that might not be available locally
Peace of mind knowing we can handle whatever comes next
The ability to say yes to experiences and opportunities for Owen without financial stress
Owen's Spirit
Despite everything, Owen remains the curious, determined little boy who loves figuring out how things work. He handles his port access like a champ, asks thoughtful questions about his treatments, and still finds joy in everyday moments. His strength inspires us every day.
We're not asking for pity - we're asking for partnership. Owen has shown us what real courage looks like, and we're committed to giving him every possible chance to grow up and maybe even solve some of the world's biggest puzzles himself.
Every Dollar Matters
Whether you can contribute $5 or $500, every donation brings us closer to focusing on what matters most: time with Owen. Your support means we can spend less time worrying about finances and more time making memories, advocating for better treatments, and giving Owen the childhood he deserves.
Please share Owen's story. Even if you can't donate, sharing helps us reach people who might be able to help or who might be facing similar challenges.
Thank you for being part of Owen's journey. With your help, we're going to rewrite the story for kids like Owen.
Co-organizers (2)
Devin Watson
Organizer
Eugene, OR
Melissa Watson
Co-organizer