Waking up this morning to his eager hugs was a reminder of the simple joys we sometimes take for granted. The shadow of his recent ordeal with Dexamethasone is lifting, revealing the kind, spirited boy we cherish. His appetite stabilizes, and his emotional state is more balanced, allowing for moments of pure childhood delight, particularly in his interactions with his grandparents, Nana and Papa. Their home became a playground of imagination and laughter, something precious for us all.

Owen's treatment today was minimal, limited to his daily dose of Septra to prevent fungal infections. It's a small mercy in the grand scheme of his treatment plan but one we don't take lightly. Every day without a complication feels like a victory.

His energy levels have been a source of joy and amusement, especially his proud achievement of walking on all his own. These seemingly small, intimate moments fuel our spirits and remind us of the progress being made, not just in his physical health but in his emotional and psychological resilience.

The day unfolded with a blend of routine and new experiences. Owen's newfound fascination with "Dinosaur Train" and his cheeky decision to not share his bacon with Dad offered a glimpse into his returning personality. His adventure at Nana and Papa's introduced him to the wonders of nature, like the Venus flytrap, sparking curiosity and wonder in his eyes. The day ended with a simple yet welcomed moment: Owen, exhausted but content, came into Devin's office for a nighttime hug and kiss before sleep claimed him. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated love.

Financially, we are facing a steep hill with Owen's next phase of treatment, and our resources are dwindling despite the incredible generosity of those who've donated.

Induction therapy, the first part of Owen's treatment, was all about hitting the leukemia hard right out of the gate, aiming to wipe out as many cancer cells as possible and achieve remission. As you know, it was a challenging phase, filled with a week in the hospital with one parent in a hotel, two weeks in a hotel together (nearly $2.4K in hotel expenses), lots of hospital visits, emotional flare-ups, and keeping a close eye on how Owen responds (thankfully great!).

Now, entering Consolidation – imagine it as the phase where doctors build on the success of induction. Even if doctors can't detect them, Leukemia cells might still be hiding out, and consolidation's job is to find and destroy these stragglers. It's like ensuring the weeds don't grow back after clearing the garden. The idea is to prevent leukemia from returning by eliminating these hidden cells that could cause a relapse.

Consolidation therapy will involve a mix of chemotherapy treatments similar to those in the induction phase but tailored to ensure the best chance of keeping the leukemia in remission. It's a bit of a balancing act, maintaining the effectiveness of the treatment while managing side effects, as we always want to keep Owen as comfortable as possible.

During this time, it's all about support and care for our child and us as parents. It involves regular check-ups, being vigilant about any signs of infection since their immune system might be weaker, and keeping in touch with the healthcare team about any concerns or questions.

It's a challenging road, no doubt — as we'll still be required to drive Owen to Portland at the end of each week for his main Chemotherapy for the next month or so. This is in addition to Lab visits to Riverbend, with Melissa out of work for the next 12 weeks and anything unexpected that arises.

The costs associated with Owen's care, combined with the everyday expenses of living and the additional burdens brought on by his condition, are relentless. Yet, we are committed to navigating these challenges, bolstered by the support of our family and community.

Our family, including Owen's grandparents, remains a pillar of strength and support. Their involvement and love provide a much-needed sense of normalcy and comfort amidst the uncertainty. We are profoundly grateful for every moment of joy and normalcy, for Owen's laughter, and for the unwavering support we've received.

As we look ahead, we're focusing on a fundraiser set for March 20th, hoping it will provide the financial support needed for the next phase of Owen's treatment. This event is not just about raising funds; it's an opportunity to connect with our community, share Owen's journey, and gather strength for the challenges ahead. We are mindful of the health precautions, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment for Owen and all attendees.

Our immediate goal is to reassess our financial situation, understand the impact of Owen's care on our budget, and strategize for the upcoming months. We hope our expenses will decrease now that we are past the most intensive phase of his treatment. This evaluation and planning process is crucial, not just for financial management but also for preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally for the road ahead.

Today has reminded us that we're like superheroes, equipped with strength, resilience, and love as our superpowers to help us conquer even the toughest challenges. And while our journey is far from over, we'll keep wearing our capes and saving the day, one obstacle at a time.

P.S. We're having a fundraiser at Papa's Pizza this Wednesday, March 20th! Eat some delicious pizza and all the while, help us support Owen! Learn more here!