Send Your Support
Help our family with out-pocket costs and caretakingx for Owen.
How Will Your Donation Be Used?
As many of you know, Owen is navigating two major medical diagnoses: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Leukemia. It’s a journey no child should have to walk, but Owen faces it with courage, humor, and a heart full of light.
We’re incredibly grateful that Owen’s medical treatments are currently covered through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), which takes a significant burden off our shoulders. However, there are still many out-of-pocket expenses that fall outside the scope of what insurance can support — and this is where your generosity can truly make a difference.
Traveling
One of the biggest challenges for our family is the frequent travel from Eugene to Portland. We make this trip monthly (and sometimes more often) for Owen’s treatments, specialist visits, and checkups. While OHP covers the care, it doesn’t cover travel expenses like gas, food on the road, and occasional overnight stays — which all add up quickly.
Accessibility
Beyond the medical appointments, we’re also preparing our home to better support Owen’s mobility and safety as his needs change. These modifications are not covered by insurance, but they are essential for his quality of life. Some of these include:
A wheelchair-accessible bathroom remodel to help Owen bathe safely and with dignity
A ramp for both the front door and back yard so he can move freely and enjoy being outside
Special shoes that work with his leg braces, which are expensive and not always easy to find
Other adaptive equipment and daily living aids that help Owen maintain independence for as long as possible
Quality of Life
Just as important as the physical changes are the things that bring Owen joy, confidence, and a sense of adventure. Your support also helps us invest in his quality of life — the moments that remind him he’s still a kid with big dreams.
This includes activities like adapted sports, art supplies, music lessons, accessible playground visits, or even something as simple as a trip to the coast or a special outing with friends. These experiences may not be “medical,” but they are every bit as vital. They help Owen live a full life — not just one defined by hospital visits and health challenges.
Every donation — no matter how big or small — goes directly toward these kinds of needs. It helps us make sure Owen has a home that supports his body and a family that can focus on giving him the best care possible, without constantly worrying about how to make it all work financially.
Thank you for showing up for Owen and for us. Your support means more than words can say — it brings hope, relief, and the feeling that we’re not in this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, we are very fortunate that Owen’s medical treatment is currently covered through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
This includes his Leukemia treatment and care related to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
However, OHP does not cover many other essential costs — like travel to appointments, home modifications, or mobility and comfort-related needs.
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Donations will help cover:
Monthly travel from Eugene to Portland for treatment (gas, food, lodging if needed)
Accessibility modifications to our home (bathroom remodel, ramps, adaptive tools)
Specialized shoes and braces
Quality of life experiences (adapted activities, day trips, supplies for hobbies)
Anything else that helps Owen live with comfort, dignity, and joy
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As Duchenne progresses, Owen’s mobility will become more limited. We are trying to stay ahead of his needs by creating a home that is fully accessible.
This includes remodeling the bathroom so he can shower safely, adding ramps for easy entry and exit, and making sure he can move through the house freely with assistive devices.
It’s also more expensive as we do not own our home, and any changes we make will need to be reversed in the event we move.
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Absolutely! Sharing our fundraiser, checking in with encouraging words, helping with errands or meals, or offering professional help (construction, transportation, childcare, etc.) are all deeply appreciated. If you have a specific way you’d like to help, just reach out — we’re so grateful for any support.
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We’ll be sharing updates on right here on this website, where you can follow along with Owen’s progress, treatment updates, and some of the moments that bring us joy and hope.