A Kentucky toddler will mark his third birthday this Saturday with a special celebration featuring monster trucks, fire trucks, and first responders, just days after receiving a devastating diagnosis.
Bowen’s parents first noticed one of his eyes turning inward and initially believed he might need glasses. However, doctors discovered a swollen optic nerve, which prompted a CT scan and an urgent transfer to UK Hospital, where physicians shared the heartbreaking news.
“Cierra was alone in the hospital room. Ryan had stepped out briefly because they believed it would take some time, and she received the news while sitting there as a young mother with her precious baby boy — that he had DIPG, a non-operable, terminal brain tumor,” said Natasha Brown, a family friend.
DIPG affects about 300 children each year, most of them between the ages of 5 and 10. Bowen will turn 3 on Saturday.
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“He is just a little angel baby that I just want to see grow up. I want to see him have many, many, many birthdays,” said Clara Skipper, another family friend.
Doctors placed a shunt to relieve pressure on Bowen’s brain. Radiation remains the only known treatment to try to slow the tumor’s growth.
“You can’t have, do any type of surgery on it, because it, they would have to remove the brain stem and you can’t live without your brain stem,” Brown said.
Despite the diagnosis, Bowen continues to behave like any typical 3-year-old.
“He was just playing with his cars and talking and eating grapes and not whining and eating his Chick fil A,” Skipper said.
The birthday party will take place Sunday in Stanford and will feature monster trucks, fire trucks, tow trucks, and rides from first responders for the young farm boy.
“Our prayers are that he has many, many, many more years to celebrate, but it’s his 3rd birthday tomorrow, and we want to make it the best, the best thing for him,” Brown said.
“He’s polite. He’ll give you kisses. He talks and has this cute little personality, and then, you know, everything, everything’s perfect until two days ago,” Skipper said.
If you would like to donate, you can Venmo Cierra at @cierrapenn. Those who want to donate a birthday gift for Bowen can drop it off at Atomic Gym and Supplements in Stanford or at the Stanford Drive-In Center from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Bowen’s third birthday celebration will be held at the Stanford Drive-In Center from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday and will continue afterward at Lincoln County High School.
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