Today marked the 36th day of Owen's journey with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a journey that, each day, teaches us more about resilience, hope, and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our brave little warrior. Owen's current treatment stage, Consolidation, brings challenges and victories, which we're navigating as a family.

Physically and emotionally, Owen showed us the brightest side of his spirit today. His laughter filled our home, turning it into a space of pure joy and respite from the battles we faced outside. His energy was infectious, prompting playful antics and games that reminded us of the simple joys of life. From racing Hot Wheels with his Dad to imagining himself as a dinosaur, Owen's resilience shone brightly, offering us a precious glimpse into the spirit of a child who refuses to be defined by his illness.

Owen's progress over the past week has been nothing short of remarkable. He is walking again and engaging with his toys, showing signs of genuine joy and curiosity. Most hearteningly, he appears to have wholly emerged from the foggy haze induced by Dexamethasone. His recovery is a beacon of hope and a testament to his resilience.

Today, his treatment was significant. Owen's medical chart was updated to fully encompass the Consolidation phase of his therapy, highlighting the journey ahead with weekly trips and procedures designed to ensure the Leukemia remains at bay.

This new phase includes weekly visits to Portland, coupled with a challenging series of three consecutive procedures involving spinal taps and bone marrow extractions. Amidst this daunting schedule, a ray of hope shines through: the latest results from Owen's bone marrow examination at the end of his induction therapy reveal no trace of Leukemia. In essence, Owen is now in remission. This milestone is both heartening and a significant relief. Yet, we remain cautious, understanding that "cured" is still beyond our grasp.

This victory is akin to removing weeds from a garden. At the same time, the surface may appear straightforward. Still, unseen roots linger beneath, poised to regrow without ongoing vigilant care. Nonetheless, the absence of detectable Leukemia at this stage tentatively places Owen in a standard too low-risk category, a beacon of hope that the darkest days may be behind us. We draw strength from this progress, knowing that if traces of Leukemia had persisted post-induction, Owen would face a much steeper path ahead.

We promise to inform you of every new development. It was a reminder that each step forward is a victory in its own right, yet the road ahead remains uncertain and daunting.

Our visit to Riverbend for Owen's labs returned results that bolstered our spirits further; his immune system's strength is a testament to his body's resilience and the efficacy of his ongoing treatment. This assurance also meant Owen could safely attend the upcoming fundraiser, a gathering we look forward to with both anticipation and gratitude.

Despite these moments of joy and victory, we face ongoing challenges that stretch beyond the confines of the hospital. The financial strain of Owen's treatment looms large, prompting us to organize a fundraiser to help mitigate the mounting costs. This event, aimed at supporting not just the medical expenses but also the day-to-day costs of this journey, is a beacon of hope in our quest to provide Owen with the care he deserves.

We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of love and support from our friends, family, and community. Today, more than ever, we feel surrounded by a network of support that lifts us during our lowest moments and celebrates with us during our victories. Owen's playful spirit and resilience are a constant reminder of the strength of innocence and the powerful impact of communal support.

We're focused on the fundraiser and the upcoming consent meeting for Owen's port surgery tomorrow. This next step, while daunting, is necessary to ensure Owen receives the best possible care with the slightest discomfort. It's a move towards normalcy, a chance for Owen to experience his childhood as freely as possible despite the circumstances.

To our dear friends and family, we invite you to join us in supporting Owen by attending the fundraiser, contributing through Venmo or GoFundMe, or simply by keeping Owen in your thoughts. Every gesture, no matter the size, is a significant strand in the web of support that sustains us.

As we close today's journal entry, our hopes for tomorrow are simple yet profound. We wish for a successful fundraiser, a smooth preparation for Owen's surgery, and, above all, for Owen to continue facing each day with the strength and joy he displayed today. Our journey is far from over, but with each step forward, we're reminded of the power of hope, the strength found in community, and the unwavering spirit of our son, Owen.