There are moments in life when a child’s courage becomes a beacon of hope, reminding everyone around them of the power of joy, resilience, and love. Such is the story of 3-year-old Bowen Askew from Dallas, Georgia — a toddler whose radiant smile has lit up hospital rooms and hearts alike, even while facing one of life’s greatest battles.
I first saw Bowen through the pictures his parents, Josh and Kellie Askew, texted me. In nearly every shot, he was smiling — big, broad, contagious smiles that seemed to say, “I love life, and I’m ready to fight.” Bowen is the kind of toddler who embraces each day with enthusiasm. He loves Peppa Pig, Yahtzee, Magna blocks, and riding scooters. But above all, he loves his family — his parents and his older brothers, Davis and Cooper — and the unwavering support they provide during the most challenging fight of his young life.
Bowen’s journey took a frightening turn in June 2025. He became unusually lethargic, and as a NICU nurse, his mother Kellie knew immediately something was wrong. Concerned by his weak pulse and low energy, the family rushed him to Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, where doctors delivered life-altering news: Bowen had a large brain tumor.
The diagnosis: Choroid Plexus Carcinoma (CPC) — an extremely rare and aggressive cancer, accounting for only one percent of all brain tumors. For any family, hearing the word “cancer” is terrifying, but for Bowen’s parents, it was also a call to action, requiring courage and trust in the medical teams.
Bowen’s treatment began with an intense 9-hour surgery to remove the tumor. Josh recalls the moment vividly: “I lost it. I thought we might lose him.” After surgery, Bowen spent a week in the PICU, his tiny body recovering from one of the most grueling procedures imaginable. Yet, even in the hospital bed, Bowen’s smile endured.
Complications arose shortly afterward. Just two days after being discharged, Bowen returned to the hospital with an infection inside his skull. Doctors had to remove part of his skull and administer high doses of antibiotics. Through it all, Bowen remained positive, playful, and full of life — traits that have become his signature, even in the face of adversity.
A few weeks later, the Askews traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis for further care. The move offered Bowen a chance at a better prognosis and access to leading specialists in pediatric oncology. There, Bowen began a carefully monitored chemotherapy regimen designed to target any remaining cancer cells while sparing him from radiation.
Now, as Bowen enters his fourth month at St. Jude, he is nearing the end of his third chemotherapy cycle, with three more to go. Each cycle is more challenging than the last, testing his stamina, strength, and spirit. His medical team has had to monitor closely, adjusting treatments and scheduling transfusions to ensure his body is ready for the next round. Yet Bowen’s optimism has never wavered.
“He’s incredibly strong,” Kellie said. “His radiant smiles and playful personality have earned him the sweetest reputation with friends, doctors, and nurses here at St. Jude.” Bowen’s resilience is not only inspiring his family but everyone who encounters him in the hospital — a constant reminder that courage can coexist with joy, even in the darkest times.
For Josh and Kellie, maintaining a positive outlook has been essential. “This is not the journey we expected to face,” Kellie admitted, “but we know it has a purpose. So far, we’re finding that it encourages others to find strength and happiness in spite of very difficult circumstances.” Their commitment to hope, faith, and love has been a cornerstone of Bowen’s recovery.
There’s no set date for when Bowen and his family will return to Paulding County, Georgia, as they are prioritizing his health and ensuring he completes treatment safely. But when that day comes, it will be a moment of joy, celebration, and reunion with the small joys that have kept him smiling through months of uncertainty — Peppa Pig, Yahtzee, Magna blocks, and scooters.
Bowen Askew is more than just a patient. He is a toddler with a spirit that uplifts everyone around him, a child who has already taught lessons about courage, joy, and the power of family. His journey is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, a smile can be a source of hope, a bridge of connection, and a symbol of unyielding strength.
For those following Bowen’s story, it’s impossible not to be moved by his bravery. He embodies a kind of light and resilience that leaves a lasting impression, proving that even in the hospital hallways, under the weight of treatments and surgeries, there is room for laughter, joy, and the pure love of a child.
As Bowen continues his fight, his family stands steadfastly by his side, supporting him with patience, encouragement, and love. They know each day is a gift, and each smile a victory. Bowen’s journey may be challenging, but it is also extraordinarily inspiring.
And when Bowen finally returns home, the simple pleasures of childhood — playing, laughing, and being with his family — will be all the sweeter, earned through resilience, faith, and hope.
Bowen Askew is, without a doubt, my kind of toddler: brave, joyful, and full of life. His smile is contagious, his spirit unbreakable, and his story is one that will touch hearts far beyond Dallas, Georgia.
💛 Send Bowen your best wishes, encouragement, and prayers. He’s fighting the fight of his life — and he’s doing it with the brightest, bravest smile imaginable.
