Owen’s Hope: A Family’s Journey Through Childhood Cancer.
When Owen was born, Sarah and Brandon said life seemed relatively normal for his first two and a half years. Their daughter Claire thrived in kindergarten, dance, and school life, often becoming the center of attention. But everything changed when Owen was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain cancer. Overnight, the family’s focus shifted entirely to Owen, and Claire, just starting kindergarten, was temporarily pushed to the background.
Sarah recalls the first signs vividly: neck pain, irritability, occasional falls, and morning vomiting. At first, they were dismissed as typical toddler behavior, but the symptoms persisted. After multiple doctor visits, Owen was eventually recommended for further testing. The reality became clear: Owen had a brain tumor.
His treatment journey was grueling. He underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy, but after completing treatment, he had a recurrence. That’s when he needed two more brain surgeries, high-dose proton radiation to the head and spine with a boost to the tumor bed, and high–dose chemotherapy with 4 stem cell rescues. Remarkably, Owen became his own hero, donating his own stem cells for the transplant. At just three years old, he endured seven hours of stem cell donation without sedation, staying perfectly still during collection.
Life in the hospital was overwhelming for Sarah and Brandon. They navigated long ER waits, emergency closures due to inclement weather, and moments of deep fear, but amidst it all, they felt tangible support from God and from organizations like His Grace Foundation. Simple gestures, a welcome basket, and pizza on Super Bowl Sunday brought hope and comfort during moments that otherwise felt impossible.
The experience shaped the Langston family in profound ways. Claire became a source of joy and strength for Owen, helping him feel like a regular kid at home despite his treatments. Owen, nicknamed “The Mayor” for his friendly nature, now enjoys building with LEGO bricks, participating in Boy Scouts, and playing sports, facing life with resilience and positivity. While cancer changed their lives, it does not define them. They focus on what truly matters: survival, faith, and each other.
Sarah’s advice to other parents going through this journey is simple but powerful: take care of yourself. Caregivers are the most important members of a child’s team, and prioritizing their own well-being allows them to support their children more effectively. Now, Sarah gives back as part of the His Grace Foundation team, using her own experience in the hospital unit to support families facing similar challenges. She has seen firsthand that HGF puts donations directly toward the programs and families they promise to serve. She wholeheartedly believes that every donation given directly impacts children’s lives, offering hope and practical support to families fighting pediatric cancer.
Today, Owen dreams big; he loves robotics and hopes to continue exploring new adventures. Claire aspires to a career in medicine, inspired by the care and community around her. Together, they embody resilience, love, and the power of family in the face of unimaginable challenges, a testament to courage, faith, and the strength of the human spirit.
