March 29, 2024
Features | Herald-News


Features

Baran-Unland: Rooting for a 'little warrior' named Baby Owen Buell

Joliet toddler OK in some areas, struggling in others

It's been up and down for Owen Buell of Joliet, who just turned 2 in August and almost missed celebrating his birthday with his family.

At the time, Owen and his family were staying at a Ronald McDonald House and unrest in the city made it unsafe for them to leave.

But Own made it home - shortly before a derecho blew through Will County. But then, it's been a whirlwind for Owen and his family ever since he was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma in February.

Owen recently received his second stem cell transplant

On Sept 8: the "Help for Baby Owen Buell" Facebook page posted this heart-stopping post: "For the past week Owen has been in the hospital having his second stem cell transplant. This little warrior has been fighting with all his might. Tonight things became more difficult and he is having trouble breathing and other problems. He has been moved into the ICU."

Owen recently came off the ventilator.

But then he had another issue. And then he's doing better. And then he's not.

Owen's had feeding tubes, numerous ports, bone marrow tests, stem cell extractions, major abdominal surgery, aggressive chemotherapy, an infection in his central line and two stem cell transplants.

That's a lot for anyone - especially for a little guy who was 17 months old at his diagnosis and isn't old enough for preschool.

One night in February, Owen stopped eating and drinking and began screaming and crying. His abdomen had doubled in size and his eye looked bruised and was drooping,

Owen was dehydrated and unable to move his bowels. At the time of diagnosis, Owen had a huge mass in his abdomen, a tumor behind his eyes and a spot on his liver.

But he's since had moments of stardom. He's seen himself featured on TV and his GoFundMe page said that members of the Chicago Police Department's ninth district drove out to Joliet to bring him a little party.

The GoFundMe page said, "They brought Chicago style pizza, pasta and meatballs. They also brought Owen a special birthday cake and gifts. Actually they showered Owen and his brothers with gifts. Owen was super happy! They went out of their way to do something nice for the family."

But perhaps the post on March 20 sums it up why I'm rooting for him so much.

"Owen is a tiny fighter. He is fighting to have a life. To be able to grow up and experience all the things we take for granted every single day," his GoFundMe page said. "Please keep him in your heart."

Donate at the "Help for baby Owen Buell and his Family" GoFundMe page at bit.ly/2S7sPN7.

Denise M. Baran-Unland is the features editor at The Herald-News. Contact her at dunland@shawmedia.com or 815-280-4122.