At just three years old, Bowen should be running and laughing on playgrounds, playing with his friends, and enjoying the simple joys of childhood. But instead, he’s facing a battle that no child—or parent—should ever have to endure. Bowen is fighting for his life against a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, a diagnosis that has turned his world—and his family’s—upside down.
What started as a tumor deep inside Bowen’s skull quickly escalated into a series of medical emergencies. The family’s journey began with emergency surgery to remove the tumor, followed by a dangerous infection that led to another surgery, this time to remove part of Bowen’s skull. Despite the gravity of his condition, Bowen’s spirit remained unwavering. Now, he is in the midst of his fourth chemotherapy cycle out of six, all while being treated at the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Through it all, Bowen somehow continues to smile. Despite the pain, despite the uncertainty, Bowen’s infectious optimism and determination shine through. He tells the nurses he wants Chick-fil-A, tries to “help” draw his own lab results, and brightens every room he enters. His joy in the face of such adversity is nothing short of remarkable and serves as an inspiration to everyone who meets him.
His parents, Joshua and his wife, take turns traveling six hours to St. Jude for Bowen’s treatment. In addition to supporting their son, they juggle the responsibility of caring for Bowen’s two older brothers, keeping up with work and school, and navigating the overwhelming emotional and financial burden of dealing with childhood cancer. Despite the chaos, the couple has managed to stay united, holding their family together through nightly FaceTime calls, sharing love, strength, and hope from miles apart.
But Bowen’s parents aren’t just fighting for their son—they’re also sharing his journey to help other parents who are walking the same difficult path. Joshua offers this advice to other families battling cancer:
“Be patient. Be prepared for setbacks. Keep life as normal as possible for all your kids. And remind your spouse they matter—it’s easy to forget that in the chaos.”
These words, spoken from a father who has lived through unimaginable pain, offer a beacon of guidance and strength to other parents navigating the unpredictable terrain of childhood cancer. Joshua’s resilience and wisdom remind us that, even in the darkest times, love, patience, and support are the most powerful tools a family can have.
Bowen’s fight is far from over, and the road ahead remains uncertain. But every day he smiles, every time he expresses his wish for Chick-fil-A, he shows the world the immense strength and courage that lie within him. It’s not just Bowen who is fighting this battle—it’s his entire family, bound together by love, determination, and a relentless desire to see him through to the other side of this nightmare.
In times like this, the power of a community can make all the difference. As Bowen and his family continue their fight, they need all the prayers, love, strength, and encouragement they can get. A simple word of hope, a prayer, or a gesture of support can mean the world to a family in the midst of such hardship.
So let’s come together, as a community, to offer Bowen and his family the love and encouragement they need. Drop a message below, share your prayers and your strength, and remind this family that they are not alone in their fight. Bowen’s battle is not just his own; it’s a battle that involves all of us who care, who support, and who hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Let’s show Bowen’s family that, no matter how difficult the journey may be, they are surrounded by love, strength, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.
Prayers, love, strength—whatever you’d want to hear if this were your child. Bowen, we’re with you every step of the way. 💛
