Owen Watson
From Owen's parents:
On May 2nd, 2020, at 2:02 pm, we were blessed with a son whose blue eyes sparkled with curiosity from the very beginning. Owen's sandy blonde hair and his first words, "Hi!" followed by an adorable "Lasagna," a nod to his favorite show, "Go, Dog, Go!" on Netflix, brought so much joy into our home. His curiosity was apparent early on; unlike other children fascinated by aquarium fishes, Owen was more intrigued by how light switches worked, the doors' mechanics, and the technology's wonders.
Owen's personality blossomed as he grew. He was patient, persistent, and loving. If he's promised something, he won't let it go unnoticed. His stubbornness, matched only by his focus, makes him determined to achieve whatever he sets his mind to. He loves building and has always been keen to work with his hands. His affection for us, his parents, and his grandparents knows no bounds—he calls us "his friends" and cherishes our cuddles.
Our lives took a turn just as Thanksgiving 2023 approached, with Owen's right neck visibly bulging. What we initially thought were remnants of ear infections soon spiraled into something far more concerning. The following months were a blur of hospital visits and tests, leading to a heart-wrenching diagnosis that no parent should ever have to hear.
B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia had stealthily crept into our lives, challenging our son's health and our family's resilience. The call that confirmed Owen's condition came on a day filled with innocent joy as he climbed a play structure, his achievement lighting up his face. His words, "No Daddy, but I feel better now," in protest of returning to the hospital, will forever echo in my heart. Admitting Owen to OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital marked the start of a daunting journey against an invisible enemy. Despite the rapid deterioration of his condition, Owen's bravery never wavered.
B-ALL is a blood cancer where immature B lymphocytes proliferate, crowding out healthy cells and leading to anemia, infections, and in some cases bleeding.
We're currently navigating the challenging waters of cancer treatment, with the Induction phase nearly behind us. This phase required an aggressive chemotherapy regimen aimed at sending the cancer into remission—a journey that demanded relocating to Portland and making sacrifices we never imagined.
We're scared, angry, and so incredibly sad. Yet, there's also this underlying current of determination.
This isn't a journey we would have chosen, but it's one we're on together. It will test us in ways we can't even imagine right now. But we'll face it as a family, drawing strength from each other and the incredible courage our son shows us every day.
For Owen, we'll be strong, hopeful, and, most importantly, together through it all.