Support Nick's Fight Against Brain Tumor

Hi, my name is Cody, and I’m reaching out for support for my younger brother, Nicholas (Nick) Owens. Nick is 24 years old and has always been a bright and steady presence in our family. He’s kind, gentle, and sharp, with a great sense of humor. He loves playing video games (Silent Hill 2 and Zelda are his favorites), running, exploring new foods, and, of course, being the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer.

Earlier this month, Nick received the unexpected news that he has an inoperable stage 2 glioma—a rare brain tumor. While the tumor is thankfully not more advanced, it cannot be removed due to its location. To manage it, Nick needs immediate treatment to slow its growth and reduce its impact on his health.

Nick’s tumor has been identified as an astrocytoma with a specific genetic marker—a monoallelic mutation in the IDH1 gene. This mutation provides a clearer picture of his diagnosis and influences the approach to his treatment. It is also associated with a better prognosis compared to tumors without this mutation, which gives us hope as he begins his treatment journey.

Nick will be starting a new treatment plan with a targeted therapy drug called vorasidenib (VORANIGO), which is classified as an isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) inhibitor. This type of treatment works by targeting specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, rather than broadly attacking rapidly dividing cells like traditional chemotherapy does. Vorasidenib is part of a lifelong plan to control the tumor. Other treatment options include additional therapies like radiation if needed.

This diagnosis came just weeks after Nick started studying psychology at UCSD, pursuing a goal he’s been excited about for years. It’s been a tough adjustment for him and for all of us who love him. After his biopsy, Nick faced temporary but challenging complications, including difficulty swallowing, weakness in one arm and leg, double vision, involuntary breathing symptoms, trouble regaining balance, and other neurological symptoms. We are optimistic that these challenges will be short-lived, and Nick has been working hard every day to regain his strength.

As a family, we’ve rallied together to support Nick. Our parents temporarily relocated to San Diego, staying in an Airbnb while he underwent testing and recovery. Family members have traveled from Los Angeles, Utah, and even Paris to be there for him. While we’re grateful to be together during this time, the financial strain of housing, travel, loss of work, and medical bills has been significant.

Since this is a lifelong treatment plan, we are unsure of the full extent of medical and ongoing living expenses. The starting goal for this fundraiser may change as we better understand the long-term costs.

We’re asking for your help to ease the burden so we can focus on helping Nick heal.

Nick has been a source of light to us all, and now we want to give him the same in return. Any amount you’re able to contribute would make a meaningful difference. Even sharing this page helps us get closer to our goal.

Thank you so much for supporting Nick and our family during this time.