Join the Force: Care for Greg Owen
Donation protected
Because our friend and fellow glassmaker, Greg Owen, was diagnosed with gliosarcoma, a rare brain tumor, earlier this week, we are generating financial support to help him receive treatment.
Earlier this week, a debilitating headache sent Greg to the emergency room at Swedish Medical Center in Ballard, Seattle, where he was immediately transported to the CTScan and MRI unit at First Hill. The scans revealed a cancerous tumor. Greg underwent brain surgery on Monday to have the tumor removed, and he was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Greg is currently staying with friends in Seattle.
Unfortunately for so many friends and colleagues within our creative community, we know from (too many!) recent experiences that brain cancer is an expensive, and potentially aggressive, disease. Greg's surgeon reported that the resection was successful, and the team took extra time to confirm the greatest possible results. Even with 100% resection, brain tumor recurrence is probable, thus Greg's current course of treatment will include radiation and chemotherapy, with additional medication to prevent seizures and alleviate pain. Greg's treatment will also require that he receive regular MRI scans for the rest of his life to monitor potential regrowth of the tumor.
An appointment is scheduled with his care team for early next week, when more information should identify the type and grade of the tumor, and provide additional information about treatment. *Follow up: the tumor has been identified as gliosarcoma, a rare form of glioblastoma, which is an aggressive cancerous tumor that originates within the brain.*
Funds raised on Greg's behalf will go directly to the costs of his medical bills, and to support the secondary and ongoing expenses associated with brain cancer. Greg is a self-employed independent artist and entrepreneur. Contributions to Greg's healing fund will help pay for his medical bills and ease the financial strain while he is unable to work.
Greg is a talented and creative glass sculptor and significant contributor to the international glass community. He helped build the "Hotshop Heroes" program at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, a PTSD recovery program through which wounded veterans learn to blow glass. Through his involvement with the glass community, Greg has cultivated a substantial social media network of glass enthusiasts. He uses social platforms to educate the public about glass, and build awareness of artists using glass around the world. We know Greg is eager to get back in the studio to make glass and share the process with his enthusiastic social media following, but it is so important that he can rest and recover first.
We hope you can contribute to this fund for Greg (@gmanonfire ). If a financial contribution is beyond your means, please consider these additional ways to help:
• During the 6 weeks of radiation therapy Greg would like to stay as close to Swedish hospital on Broadway (in Seattle) as possible. If you can help with housing or transportation, please let him know.
• Share this story with your friends and connect with Greg's community on social media.
Instagram: @gmanonfire YouTube channel: Greg Owen
• All positive energy and healing thoughts are gratefully accepted.
Yours truly,
Josie Gluck & Michael Schunke
Earlier this week, a debilitating headache sent Greg to the emergency room at Swedish Medical Center in Ballard, Seattle, where he was immediately transported to the CTScan and MRI unit at First Hill. The scans revealed a cancerous tumor. Greg underwent brain surgery on Monday to have the tumor removed, and he was released from the hospital on Wednesday afternoon. Greg is currently staying with friends in Seattle.
Unfortunately for so many friends and colleagues within our creative community, we know from (too many!) recent experiences that brain cancer is an expensive, and potentially aggressive, disease. Greg's surgeon reported that the resection was successful, and the team took extra time to confirm the greatest possible results. Even with 100% resection, brain tumor recurrence is probable, thus Greg's current course of treatment will include radiation and chemotherapy, with additional medication to prevent seizures and alleviate pain. Greg's treatment will also require that he receive regular MRI scans for the rest of his life to monitor potential regrowth of the tumor.
An appointment is scheduled with his care team for early next week, when more information should identify the type and grade of the tumor, and provide additional information about treatment. *Follow up: the tumor has been identified as gliosarcoma, a rare form of glioblastoma, which is an aggressive cancerous tumor that originates within the brain.*
Funds raised on Greg's behalf will go directly to the costs of his medical bills, and to support the secondary and ongoing expenses associated with brain cancer. Greg is a self-employed independent artist and entrepreneur. Contributions to Greg's healing fund will help pay for his medical bills and ease the financial strain while he is unable to work.
Greg is a talented and creative glass sculptor and significant contributor to the international glass community. He helped build the "Hotshop Heroes" program at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, a PTSD recovery program through which wounded veterans learn to blow glass. Through his involvement with the glass community, Greg has cultivated a substantial social media network of glass enthusiasts. He uses social platforms to educate the public about glass, and build awareness of artists using glass around the world. We know Greg is eager to get back in the studio to make glass and share the process with his enthusiastic social media following, but it is so important that he can rest and recover first.
We hope you can contribute to this fund for Greg (@gmanonfire ). If a financial contribution is beyond your means, please consider these additional ways to help:
• During the 6 weeks of radiation therapy Greg would like to stay as close to Swedish hospital on Broadway (in Seattle) as possible. If you can help with housing or transportation, please let him know.
• Share this story with your friends and connect with Greg's community on social media.
Instagram: @gmanonfire YouTube channel: Greg Owen
• All positive energy and healing thoughts are gratefully accepted.
Yours truly,
Josie Gluck & Michael Schunke
Organizer
Josie Gluck
Organizer
Seattle, WA