Donate to Greg's Journey for a Cure

Hello, as time has passed, I feel the need to explain the circumstances I have faced daily as the only caregiver for my son Greg. Greg was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Astrocytoma in the fall of 2022. With that diagnosis, there have been many daily obstacles. After his initial surgery, treatment options were limited here in Arkansas. We pushed forward. In the spring of 2023, Greg's tumor recurred. As the cancer progressed, doctors in Little Rock created roadblocks by failing to recognize seizure activity due to the progressing tumor. During the month of June, he remained hospitalized due to seizures. He was discharged to home without any further treatment for cancer, only to return due to contracting MRSA during his inpatient stay. He returned to LR to be admitted to the ICU. During July and into August, the doctors in LR provided no hope or help due to an altered mindset as a result of the ongoing seizures and tumor progression. In late August 2023, after countless meetings with administrative-level staff, Greg underwent another brain surgery to remove the recurring tumor. That resulted in a correction of all issues at the time.

Following surgery, Greg underwent Proton Radiation treatment in Little Rock's new facility.

Life has not been easy. Going from full-time employment to full-time caregiver is something no one can be mentally or financially prepared for.

On May 15th, 2024, after a few weeks of back and forth with his doctors over severe nausea and almost constant vomiting, a routine MRI was performed.

We were met by the doctor with joy. We were told there was no cancer, "top 4 or 5 patient responses in her career," "we will publish a paper." Obviously, we were pleased with that news. We were told the nausea and vomiting were a result of anemia due to treatment and possible medication side effects. A week or so later, Greg collapsed in his bathroom, striking the bathroom sink with the back of his head, resulting in a trip to the ER. A CT scan and several stitches later, we were sent home. After multiple trips to LR, Greg saw no relief to the progressing symptoms. Nausea and vomiting plus being off balance and falling. In fact, they had continued to worsen in spite of multiple blood transfusions for "anemia."

On July 22nd, another regularly scheduled MRI was performed in Little Rock. On July 24th, we received a telemed appointment with his doctor. We were told of good news and bad news. The good news: the original tumor site was clear, no cancer. The bad news: a new 2.4 cm tumor was seen in his cerebellum.

In shock after hearing such promising news from the May MRI, I began researching through his medical records. After a request to the hospital, I was able to see the radiologist's report from the May 15th MRI where the cerebellum tumor was noted at 1 cm. Research showed that tumors in the cerebellum typically cause a person to be off balance, nauseous, and vomiting.

Devastated, I immediately contacted Duke University on the east coast, and they scheduled an appointment for August 6th, 2024.

We attended one last appointment with the doctor in Little Rock before leaving for Duke. We were told surgery was not an option and their opinion was to biopsy and start over. Not good enough.

I asked the doctor in person WHY we were not told about the cerebellum tumor in May. The response was "didn't know what it was, it was a lesion, might have been a stroke."

We left Little Rock on a wing and a prayer for the east coast. We now receive treatment through another provider here in Arkansas at the direction of Duke.

We return to Duke periodically to see the experts Greg desperately needs.

I have fallen behind on bills, putting Greg's needs before everything else. We need help. I know everyone in the world is hurting, but we face daily obstacles that are unheard of.

I cannot afford an attorney to address the clear issues that took place in Little Rock. I personally feel the facility should be held responsible for failing my son.

Trust me when I tell you that what has happened is not just my version. I can back it up. Every. Single. Word. No one should suffer as a result of trusting the wrong doctors. A 22 year old deserves every opportunity for cure.

We need help to get caught up and stay afloat as the doctors at Duke push to get Greg well enough to be on the treatment that could provide a cure.

Preston Owens