Today, our brave little Owen woke Dad adorably, nudging him with a playful, "Daddy, you done sleeping yet?" Moments like these keep the light of hope flickering in our hearts.

But the morning was a challenge. Owen, facing the requirements of his lumbar chemotherapy, was under a strict "no eat or drink" restriction. It's hard to explain to a child why they can't have even a sip of water, let alone have food — an injustice he was too young to understand.

The journey to the operating room was bittersweet for Owen. He was one step closer to food, but he fell into a peaceful slumber once the anesthesia took hold. Meanwhile, Dad sought solace in a solitary breakfast. At the same time, Melissa and Myrna found comfort in each other's company, leaning on Ed for support. In these moments of vulnerability, we see the depth of love surrounding Owen, a reminder that we're not facing this battle alone.

Thankfully, Owen's procedure went smoothly, a small victory against leukemia. But the aftermath was a test of patience, especially for Owen, who had to endure an agonizing 15 minutes for his much-anticipated breakfast Dad had ordered 30 minutes earlier. Watching him devour bacon, eggs, and French toast was a joy when it finally came.                    

The day sped by, meals blending into one another, with Owen's appetite making a fierce comeback. Even Dad's French fries weren't safe from his newfound hunger! And then, the news we'd been waiting for: we were officially being discharged. Yet, another round of chemotherapy was required before we could depart.

The bureaucracy of discharge and the preparations for our temporary stay outside the hospital were exhausting. Myrna, ever our guardian angel, was with us every step of the way. With its less-than-ideal parking situation, the hotel was just another emotionally triggering obstacle. Still, once settled, we found solace in our shared exhaustion.

Owen eating half a hamburger might seem trivial to some, but it was a monumental achievement for us — as he's never taken on a hamburger before. Despite Owen's protests, administering his meds outside the hospital for the first time went smoother than we expected. Watching him engrossed in "Octonauts," when he's usually enthralled in Paw Patrol, was a nice change of pace.

Reflecting on the day, we discovered that our GoFundMe goal was met. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all the incredible souls who have rallied around us during this challenging time. The journey of the last eleven days has been made lighter and brighter thanks to your generosity, kindness, and the outpouring of love we've received. Your gifts, donations, and messages of support have been a beacon of hope and comfort for us.

A special thank you to Ingrid Lowry, whose thoughtful gifts, games, and a bag of snacks brought so much joy. To Casey and Katie Faris, your generosity, including the basketball hoop, car for Owen, and the Starbucks gift card, has been a source of delight and much-needed energy boosts.

Dan and Liz Bernard, the books "Shorty and Clem" and "How to Surprise a Dad," along with the water-coloring books, have been a treasure trove of fun and learning for Owen. To Michael and Alex Sherman, your gifts of blankets, a goodie bag, "Dr. Suess's Something About Sharks," and a Visa gift card have warmed our hearts and helped keep us caffeinated.

Nick and Brittany, the Pokemon plushy, toy dinosaur figurines, and your visit meant the world to us. Aunt Lisa and Lane, the teddy bear you gave Owen, have become one of his cherished companions. Myrna's family, your love, support, messages, and gift basket filled with toys, stuffed animals, and books have brought endless smiles to Owen's face.

To Trisha, your Paw Patrol-themed gifts have captured Owen's imagination, fostering hours of creative play. Melissa's mom, Myrna, your unwavering support and presence have been our rock—your dedication knows no bounds. Ed, thank you for ensuring our home is looked after and supporting Myrna throughout her stay.                    

The kindness and support from Aunt Connie, Trish McKennon, Rita Proulx, Kathy Krauss, and all of Myrna's family have been invaluable to us.

To Devin's parents, Doug and Tawnia, who always stay in touch and seek updates from hundreds of miles away, expressing their love and regret for not being closer.

To everyone who contributed to our GoFundMe page — friends, family, even strangers — your generosity has been overwhelming, and we are forever grateful.

Finally, a profound thank you goes to Mrs. Shannon, Owen's former daycare provider, who, despite facing her own extraordinary medical and family challenges, has gone above and beyond to support us. Shannon, your efforts to set up a fundraiser and share our story have touched our hearts deeply. Your care for Owen over the last two years has been nothing short of maternal, and we are eternally grateful for the love and warmth you've provided.

Each of you has played a crucial role in supporting us through this journey, and we are humbled by your kindness. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you've done. Your generosity will always be remembered and cherished.

— Owen’s Parents