Owen

At age six, Owen was diagnosed with bone cancer in his left leg. He began chemotherapy treatment, and in June 2007 Owen underwent a delicate procedure where the majority of his femur and all of knee were replaced with a metal and plastic implant. He underwent a second operation in February 2008 to replace the first implant. Owen has attended Camp Rainbow, a week-long camp for children diagnosed with cancer, for the last two years.

How has your diagnosis affected the life of your family?

 It affects the entire family and in many ways, including financially. Even though we have insurance the cost is still large just for travel, food, and insurance deductibles.

What was Owen's longest hospitalization?

We were at Phoenix Children's for more than two weeks for Owen's first leg surgery to remove the tumor and place his implant.

What is Owen's favorite thing about Phoenix Children's?

The Pet Therapy Program. Owen couldn't have survived without it.

What has been one of the most difficult aspects of Owen's diagnosis and hospitalization?

It's difficult caring for our three other children and giving them the attention they need too. Also, learning how to understand the long term effects of treatment on Owen's body.

What aspect of Owen's care at Phoenix Children's stands out in your mind?

Everyone at the hospital helps in the recovery of my son and my family. From the smile of the cafeteria worker at 7 a.m. when you have been up all night with your child, to the nurses and the doctors. The best thing that the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has done is assign our family one main point of contact, a nurse who starts and finishes treatment with us. We don't have to go through many people to get answers and these nurses become part of our family. They cry with us, comfort us, and take care of our whole well being.

Has Owen's illness changed how you view things?

He has taught me to expect the unexpected.