Henderson resident Randy Owen was on Tuesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss his 10-year-old daughter Raegan “Rae Rae” Owen’s battle with cancer, fundraising efforts and his and wife Debbie’s gratitude for the community’s continued support.
“Rae Rae was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on October 31, 2018, and we’ve been at Duke [Medical Center] pretty much ever since,” said Owen. “Every time we are admitted for a treatment, we are here for approximately 30 days; we’re currently on the fourth treatment.”
Committed to 24/7 visitation with their daughter, who has Down Syndrome, Owen said the process has been tough on the entire family. “It has not only affected us mentally but also physically and financially, so the support we have received has taken a lot of the burden off of us so we can focus on our daughter.”
Raegan “Rae Rae” Owen, a local 10-year-old girl battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, snuggles under a special comfort blanket made for her by a family friend. (Photo posted with permission of Owen family)
Without the support of friends, family and well-wishers sending thoughts, prayers and donations from as far away as out-of-state, Owen said the battle to fight Rae Rae’s cancer would be even more difficult.
“The support we’ve been given is unbelievable. She [Rae Rae] may not understand 100%, but she understands that people are behind her 100%.”
Also lifting spirits is Rae Rae’s prognosis. According to Owen, his daughter is showing signs of remission and the family is hopeful her treatments will be completed this summer.
“She gets a bone marrow and spinal tap after each treatment and test results are showing negative for any leukemia cells right now,” explained Owen.
To help her through these tests and the sickness that accompanies the chemo treatments, Owen said Rae Rae takes comfort in the items she has received including shirts, cards, stuffed animals and a special blanket made by Randy’s former co-worker Maria Bailey.
Owen, the Fire & Rescue Coordinator at Vance-Granville Community College, said Bailey made his wife Debbie a blanket when she was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.
Upon learning of Rae Rae’s diagnosis, Bailey promptly delivered the little girl a blanket of her own made with her favorite colors.
“Maria is what I would call an expert blanket-maker; it’s a love blanket,” Owen said.
In addition to the comfort items and words of encouragement, Owen said his family is very thankful for the numerous fundraisers that have been held to raise money for Rae Rae’s battle – including a fishing tournament, food sales and a bench press contest held by the Brick Power Team at the Henderson Family YMCA.
Those wishing to support the family have an opportunity to purchase a chicken plate this Friday, February 22, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the City of Henderson Fire Department located at 211 Dabney Drive.
The event is sponsored by the Vance, Franklin, Granville and Warren County Fire and Rescue Departments. All proceeds benefit Rae Rae and family.
Owen invites all of those interested in following Rae Rae’s journey to view the “Rise Above for Rae Rae” Facebook page (click here). The family attempts to update the page daily.
To hear the Town Talk interview with Randy Owen in its entirety, please click here.