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Adventure 40
December 1 - 4, 20242
Colorado, FL>
9 year old Owen is in an all out melee with Gangliglioma (brain tumor) and Autism
Being strong and courageous!
Owen has been a fighter since birth! Diagnosed at 13 months old with a brain tumor, Owen and his family faced the unimaginable. He underwent brain surgery immediately to remove his tumor, but it was found to be intertwined with his cerebellum. Unable to be removed, his team and family were back to square one. Owen had to wait 6 months after surgery before treatment could begin and his team had a plan. He began chemotherapy through his port, paired with oral chemotherapy.
His mother, Rachel, stated that this seemed to do the trick for four long years. However, after his port was removed, and Owen only remained on oral chemotherapy, his tumor began to "get smart" and began growing. A different oral chemotherapy was given instead, and this seemed to work again for the next two years.
Originally scheduled to go to the Florida Keys to Swim With The Sharks in October of 2023, just before his “Ginglymostoma (nurse shark)” adventure, his doctor said no traveling because Owen’s brain tumors were augmenting.
Not to lose out completely….
Piper the Alligator (a famous Reptilian Floridian artist) from the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, painted a personal picture and sent it to Owen.
Scrambling, Brave Young Hearts contacted SeaQuest in Littleton, Colorado, and came through for Owen with an Epic Quest for him and his family!
Animal interactions of all kinds were completed! There were sharks and rays, sloths and otters, pythons and turtles, parrots and porcupines!
A conjunct cisternal thanks to Tammy O’Shield and SeaQuest, for your donation of Owen's Adventure Epic Quest!!!
Thank you for partnering with Brave Young Hearts!!!
We look forward to a long relationship with Sea Quest!
Tammy wrote:
“SeaQuest teamed up with Brave Young Hearts to make dreams come true! Meet Owen, an incredible eight-year-old with a passion for exploration. Despite facing challenges due to his ganglioglioma, Owen's spirit remains unbreakable.
Originally set for a Florida shark adventure in October, Owen's journey hit a roadblock due to his growing brain tumors. But here's where the magic happens: Papa Bear from Brave Young Hearts reached out to us, and we're thrilled to announce that the adventure is on!
Our Littleton location rolled out the red carpet for Owen and his family. Owen was scheduled to dive into an epic experience swimming with stingrays and sharks at our Littleton location but, unfortunately, he was not feeling up to it. Owen's parents were able to dive in and Owen enjoyed watching his parents experience our stingray tank. Even though Owen was not able to snorkel he had a blast with his family and tons of memories were made!”
Owen’s Mom, Rachel wrote:
“Brave Young Hearts sent Owen on an EPIC adventure! We can't say thank you enough for everything they did for Owen. Owen was able to be a normal kid! He was able to do so many things that made me laugh, and cry...happy tears of course.
This year has been probably the worst year in 9 years, Owen had relapsed twice, flew to St. Jude for treatment, being away from Brylei and Jeff, finishing treatment, having tumor growth again, Children's Hospital saying they think Owen's tumor had progressed and radiation didn't work (I honestly don't know how they can say this when they don't) to restarting chemotherapy, to crying and begging for a miracle, to finally giving it God.
Phil. 4:6 - 7 Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
This trip was more than just an adventure for our family, it gave us the Joy that we needed, the Joy that was hiding and let us be a family and have an experience that let Owen be Owen.
Not a patient, not worrying about the Hospital, or anything no other kid has to worry about. I just can't thank Papa Bear enough for everything he and his wife do for these families. They put their whole heart into their work and we can't thank them enough for the love and memories they have given us.
It honestly was so amazing to see Owen smile so much, and laugh”
Then off to stay at the Gaylord of the Rockies for a 3 night’s stay, and enjoyed “Ice” a Christmas Story, Cirque: Spirit of Christmas, Reindeer Games Scavenger Hunt, Gingerbread Decorating Corner, and the Elf TrainingAcademy!
