January 2023
Diagnosis
On January 23, 2023, Jake Owen, 24 went into the hospital to be evaluated for persistent headaches and nausea. Shortly after, our whole world changed as we received the diagnosis, brain cancer.
"Not a coincidence"
After receiving the devastating diagnosis and discouraging words from initial providers, Jake’s father, Craig Owen, refused to accept defeat. Determined to find hope, he began reaching out to other doctors and resources, unwilling to give up on his son’s future. Just two days later, a call from a neurosurgeon in Houston, Texas, changed everything. That same day, Jake and his parents made the trip to Houston for a last-minute consultation. Though they arrived 30 minutes late due to travel delays, the nurses greeted them with warmth and compassion, reassuring the family that they were meant to be there and that it was no coincidence. After meeting with the surgeon, he explained the critical urgency of Jake’s condition and scheduled his craniotomy for the very next morning."
January 25, 2023
Less than 24 hours later, Jake was undergoing his first 12-hour craniotomy. Our immediate family filled the waiting room, holding tightly to one another as the hours slowly passed. Every update from the surgical team brought waves of hope and fear, but we clung to our faith and to the strength that Jake had always shown.
"To all our friends out there that have been praying for our boy. Jake has made it through surgery. He still has a long road ahead and needs lots of prayers so keep them coming. Our family cannot even explain the love we’ve felt from everyone through prayers, texts, posts, donations. We can’t wait to show Jake all the support and the army he has behind him. We’ll update everyone when we know more. "
January Cont.
Answered Prayers
Relieved that the surgery was over yet anxious about what the days ahead might hold, we found ourselves facing a new kind of waiting. It was January 29th, 2023. That morning, Jake’s mom, Teresa, posted a heartfelt cry for prayer : 'Lord, please be with our boy today and let him hear our voices, feel our prayers. Let him open his eyes and look directly at us. We don’t ask much this early on, but we need to know he hears us and feels our love and support.'
Later that day, Teresa posted an update that brought tears of joy to so many who had been praying: 'Our prayer today has been confirmed. Praise God, he just opened his eyes and gave us a smile. Keep praying, everyone!'
January 30, 2023
"Our confirmation today from Jake was a promise from God that Jake was still in there. "
Heading back for pre-op now for round 2 to remove the remaining tumor on the right side of his brain. Jake gave us a thumbs up.
Support from jarrell fire department
Firefighters at Jarrell Fire Department shaved their heads in a show of solidarity for Jake.
"There is no better firefighter than Jake", Stewart said, describing Jake as someone who is “humble, kind, soft-spoken” and a person who “always has a smile on his face.”
Stewart said the news hit his department hard, and the firefighters known for putting their lives on the line to save others felt helpless.
“It’s our job to lift him up and lift his spirits, emotionally, and to show him that we’re behind him.”
February 2023
Post Op Update
02/04/23 "Day 4 post surgery was good to us before and today was no different. Jake’s been pretty responsive today and he’s been able to relax better with less medication. I did get a smile although it was a bit fake lol! He did it because I asked him to. He also had his first walk today and, so far, plans are to remove the drain in his head tomorrow. Praise God! More miracles to come….. "
February 7, 2023
Chick Fil A for the win!
Well it’s not chicken fried steak (as requested by Jake before the last surgery) but it’s the first real food he’s had in 14 days. Chick fil A for the win! Thanks everyone for continuing to lift our boy up in prayers. This whole ordeal has been the scariest thing we’ve ever faced in our life and we couldn’t have survived these past weeks without the support and continued prayers. This boy will have one huge testimony to share when all this is over.
Headed Home!
2/9/23 "We’re officially out of here Memorial Hermann. 16 days is long enough. Jake’s finally headed home for some rehab and recovery. He’ll be back in Houston for radiation and chemo treatments very soon. The hospital and staff have been wonderful and we will always treasure the care and love they gave to Jake while we were here. Keep him in your daily prayers please. God’s got this!! ""
Back to the fire station : jarrell Push-in ceremony
