Today, as parents, we're feeling the full spectrum of emotions: tired, stressed, and overwhelmed, but amidst it all, we are incredibly thankful for the avalanche of donations that have come our way.

Our resilient fighter, Owen, is understandably tired, his little body taxed by the treatment. The steroids seem to be making him grumpy, and he's been dealing with body aches and an insatiable hunger that seems almost impossible to satisfy. Despite these challenges, we've settled into a routine with some normalcy.

Our morning started early, with breakfast from the hotel, followed by a marathon of cartoons. Owen watched intently throughout the morning and into the afternoon. There was a peaceful moment when he took a nap on the couch, giving Mom a chance to research programs that could help us navigate this journey. The support from our community has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in from our email subscribers and friends, leaving us humbled and profoundly grateful.

The night wound down in much the same way it had started. With our usual medication routine and more cartoons, Owen nestled on the hide-a-bed until sleep claimed him. Today, we learned a great deal about the programs available to families like ours, navigating the complex waters of long-term treatment, which is expected to last about two and a half years for Owen. We were enlightened about these programs' specific guidelines and challenges, especially regarding the timing of our expenses and reimbursements. Our plan is to discuss these intricacies with our social worker tomorrow morning. We also connected with another family who faced similar battles, gaining insights and comfort in knowing we're not alone.

Managing Owen's hunger was a challenge today. His cravings for protein are intense, leading us to navigate his requests carefully, balancing his needs with what's best for his health. His laughter, though, was a beacon of joy for us. A simple cartoon sparked a giggle that was utterly contagious, leading to a family laughter session that brightened the room and our spirits.

Today's small detail that caught our attention was the noticeable change in Owen's bone marrow bruise, a reminder of the battle waging within his body. It's a detail we'll discuss with his doctor first thing tomorrow.

We are immensely thankful for the generosity of our community. The donations have surpassed our goal and lifted a weight off our shoulders, allowing us to focus more on Owen and less on our financial strain.

Looking ahead, we're planning a little adventure before Owen's doctor's appointment tomorrow. A drive around Portland, showing him the city that holds a special place in our hearts, might be a breath of fresh air we all need. It's a small step towards making tomorrow even better, embracing the beauty of the present and the hope of what's to come.

— Owen’s Parents