As the sun rose on March 18th, marking day 35 of Owen's valiant battle with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, our household embraced a new week with renewed vigor and hope. The journey has been arduous, yet today, as we sit down to pen this update, there's an unmistakable aura of gathering strength and resilient spirits within our walls.

Owen, our nearly 4-year-old hero, has been reclaiming pieces of his normalcy with the tenacity of a knight in shining armor. The day was greeted not with the passive observance of his favorite shows from the couch but with active engagement on the living room floor, surrounded by his trusty fleet of Hot Wheels. Seeing him muster the energy for play, his imagination undimmed by his ordeal, is heartening. But "Dinosaur Train" continues to be the chosen entertainment during rests, a testament to Owen's enduring appeal of trains.

This Monday heralded the beginning of his Consolidation phase, a significant milestone in his treatment journey. With the heavy armor of Dexamethasone shelved since last Thursday, we welcomed a day free from oral medications. This reprieve rejuvenated Owen's spirits and body alike. Notably, once beleaguered by the side effects of his previous medication, his system is beginning to find its rhythm again, as evidenced by his improved mobility and the relief of regular bowel movements—a small but significant victory in our eyes.

Owen's resilience shone brightly as he ventured outdoors to bask in the sunshine, his laughter a melody that played the tune of hope and strength. These moments, when he plays until exhaustion, hinting at an early bedtime, remind us of the normalcy we're fighting to reclaim. Watching over him as he succumbed to sleep's embrace seconds after his head touched the pillow was a poignant reminder of the day's small victories and the peace they bring.

While navigating this journey, our family faces challenges beyond the physical and emotional toll. The support of our community remains our bastion of strength. We're rallying for a fundraiser at Papa's Pizza this Wednesday, an event that promises to be a gathering of hearts united in support of Owen. This endeavor, alongside Papa's generous offer to donate 50% of proceeds from meals purchased with a flyer, illuminates the path of communal support and love that surrounds us.

Our gratitude today is boundless. Witnessing Owen emerge from the shadows of his treatment, his laughter ringing clear and his smile beaming bright, has been our beacon of hope. These moments of joy and normalcy are the treasures we hold dear, fueling our resolve to press on.

As we look towards tomorrow, our gaze is fixed on Owen's upcoming appointment at Riverbend Hospital for a critical draw of labs. This step is crucial, as it paves the way for his scheduled surgery on Friday to transition from a PICC line to a Chemotherapy Port—a decision weighed with careful consideration of Owen's comfort and well-being. The transition from the more visible and maintenance-heavy PICC line to the discreet and durable Port underscores our journey's mantra: to gather strength and make each step forward as comfortable and hopeful as possible for Owen.

In sharing our story, we invite support by joining us at the fundraiser, sharing the event, or contributing to Owen's GoFundMe. Each gesture of kindness and solidarity adds to the collective strength that buoys our family through this storm.

As we navigate this new week, our hearts are full of gratitude for the community that stands with us and the unwavering spirit of our son. Owen's journey is a testament to the incredible resilience in his young heart, a beacon guiding us towards brighter days ahead. In this narrative of love, challenge, and hope, we are reminded of the profound strength found in unity, the warmth of shared burdens, and the unyielding light of a child's courage.