Wyatt Owens |
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Diagnosis |
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Five or six weeks ago, Wyatt started feeling tired and lethargic. They thought it might be COVID. After going to the doctor and undergoing many different tests, they couldn't figure out what was wrong. Roughly three weeks later, after yet another several doctor visits, blood work revealed a high white blood cell count.
Wyatt then received the news that he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has since been receiving inpatient treatment at a children’s hospital and will have to go through more testing to try and begin chemotherapy within a week. Wyatt is only 18 years old and a senior in high school. He will not finish his final season of high school hockey and his plans to join to military have been halted. The news of the cancer and the treatment it requires has taken a huge emotional and financial toll on him and his family.
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Update |
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As of December 22nd, he is part of the way through 1st of 6 high-intensity chemo sessions. He doesn't have any side effects at this time and some of the cancer symptoms have decreased. We are hoping for the best but things can change at any time.
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Support |
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The hockey community has come together to support him with St. Louis Blues Goalie Jordan Binnington and forward Jake Neighbors visiting him while he was hospitalized. On December 19th, at the East Alton Ice Arena, the Alton Redbirds, Granite City Warriors, Highland Bulldogs, and Bethalto Eagles players all had their sticks wrapped in lime green, the color used to bring awareness to lymphoma. In addition, several teams joined in for a big group photo that night to share with Wyatt.
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A new member of the pack |
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Our board has approved a 3-1 match per dollar donated up to $2,500 with a maximum DAWG Nation match of $7,500. Any donations to Wyatt that exceed $2,500 will go directly to him and his family.
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Other ways to help |
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Join us at the Steinberg Skating Rink February 23rd-25th at Jonny O's DAWG Nation Winter Classic. More information coming soon about Wyatt and this event.
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DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation |
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DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to providing opportunities for persons with and without disabilities to gain confidence and independence through participation in national and international amateur ice hockey events and to support local, national, and international amateur ice hockey players and their families in times of crisis.
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