Willie Owens

My name is Wille, but everyone that knows me calls me Man. In July 2024, this journey started for me. I went to the doctor thinking I was having pain from my sciatic nerve, but after having an MRI, that was not the case.  I was told I had a spinal cord fracture and needed surgery. During the surgery to repair my fracture, I was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer. The cancer has affected my ability to walk. Not only did the tumor impact my ability to walk, but unfortunately, I was not able to attend my grandmother’s funeral, which was also impactful. The time of this newfound journey was also during the time of my father’s first death anniversary.

I love hunting and fishing, and spending time with my family, especially my 3-year-old son, is important to me. I also love to ride a four-wheeler with my son and teach him about hunting and fishing.

I have had to deal with my family helping with my basic care, which has been challenging. I work on keeping my upper body strong by doing upper-body exercises. Because of my electric wheelchair, I can move around in my house.

I am raising funds to help me buy a handicapped van. I now must depend on private transportation to get to my appointment. I live in a small rural town, which makes transportation difficult. I must have transportation to get to my treatment. My family must cover the cost of transportation. I will also be able to use any additional funds to help with paying for treatments not covered by insurance.

If I can raise money to assist me with purchasing a handicapped van, it will help me get to my appointments and go to outpatient therapy. The therapy will allow me to develop the skills that will allow me to live independently. The van will enable me to have a whole life and not be restricted to home due to the cost of private transportation. The van will allow me to spend more time with my son. I can go out with him and spend quality time with him.

I am asking my family, friends, and community to donate to Help Hope Live in my honor. I welcome any other fundraising ideas. 

Get Willie (Man) to a place of independence and not be a prisoner in the house.

 Family and friends of Willie Owens are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Illness. Willie has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.

Thank you for your support!