At just 19 months old, Sawyer John Gowen has already proven to be an extraordinary little boy. Despite the immense challenges he has faced, his smile never fades, and his resilience continues to inspire everyone around him. Sawyer John’s journey started off like any other child’s—full of hope and potential. But over the past several months, his life has been anything but ordinary.
Born in Munford, Alabama, Sawyer John and his twin brother Charlie were both healthy babies when they arrived into the world. But in January of this year, their lives took a dramatic turn. Both twins contracted COVID-19. While Charlie recovered and went home, Sawyer John’s condition began to deteriorate rapidly. The tiny fighter’s health grew worse by the day, culminating in a heart attack and several life-threatening complications.
Doctors and nurses at Children’s of Alabama worked tirelessly to save Sawyer John’s life, but it wasn’t just a fight against COVID. He faced an unimaginable battle. In a matter of days, Sawyer John suffered heart failure and coded 70 times. That’s right—70 times. Each time, his doctors and the medical team rushed to his side, performing heroic efforts to bring him back. But Sawyer John’s will to live shone through, and he kept fighting.
Sawyer John’s parents, Darby and Sawyer Gowen, have been by their son’s side through it all, watching him battle for his life with courage and strength. His father, Darby, describes their journey as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. Despite the hardships, the family remained hopeful. “God has been with us the whole way,” Darby shares, “so even though we didn’t get to go home, Sawyer John is still here, and he is just blowing us all away.”
Since the last update I shared about Sawyer John, his condition worsened before his discharge could happen. His heart failure took a toll on his body, and instead of leaving the hospital as they had hoped, Sawyer John stayed in the ICU. Now, as he waits for a heart transplant, the family holds onto the hope that the right heart will come along soon.
Despite being hospitalized for over 100 days, Sawyer John’s positivity shines through. His parents, Darby and Sawyer, describe him as the “happiest boy” they know. Through all the pain, all the uncertainty, Sawyer John still smiles. His spirit has become a beacon of hope, not just for his family, but for everyone who hears his story.
Sawyer John’s situation isn’t unique. Every year, thousands of children are diagnosed with heart failure, and many need heart transplants to survive. But what sets Sawyer John apart is his unyielding attitude. He is a fighter, and his strength has captivated the hearts of all who are following his story.
The Gowen family is now focused on helping Sawyer John get the right medicine to stabilize his condition so that he can move out of the ICU and into the step-down unit. They continue to hold out hope that soon, a new heart will become available for their son. Their faith has carried them through the darkest days, and they are confident that they will see Sawyer John’s journey through to the end.
In the meantime, Sawyer John’s parents have reached out to the community for support, knowing that their son’s journey is far from over. They are grateful for the love and prayers they have received from friends, family, and strangers alike. Every message of encouragement, every prayer, and every word of support has lifted their spirits and reminded them that they are not alone in this fight.
As Sawyer John continues to wait for the new heart he desperately needs, his family remains hopeful, knowing that their little boy’s story is far from finished. The road ahead may be long, but with Sawyer John’s resilience and the love surrounding him, there is no doubt that he will continue to amaze us all.
To Darby and Sawyer Gowen, we stand with you. We are praying for your precious son, and we are sending all the positive energy your way. You are not alone, and we are all here rooting for Sawyer John’s recovery and for the day when he gets his new heart.
“One in a Million: Jada Love’s Extraordinary Journey from Miracle Baby to Cancer Survivor” 612
A Miracle from the Start: Jada’s Early Battle
Jada Love’s life began with challenges that would overwhelm many. Born with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, Jada faced obstacles right from the start. Her parents, Keith and Mary, were told that she would likely never walk and would depend on a feeding tube well into her adult years. However, Jada proved to be a fighter, defying the medical odds. By the time she was two years old, Jada was not only walking on her own but eating independently—a feat her doctors did not expect for many more years. Her mother, Mary, calls her a “miracle baby,” and anyone who knows Jada would agree.
A Unique Journey: Jada’s Strength Shines Through
Jada’s story is one of resilience. Despite her early health issues and challenges, she has continued to defy expectations at every turn. According to Dr. Cynthia Emory, an orthopaedic oncology surgeon at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Jada is “one in a million.” Her unique condition and remarkable recovery have made her stand out, not just as a patient but as an inspiring individual. Dr. Emory’s team at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital has supported Jada every step of the way, ensuring that she received the best care available. Jada’s journey is a living testament to the power of perseverance and the medical team’s commitment.
A New Battle: Jada’s Osteosarcoma Diagnosis
In early 2023, Jada’s life took another unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is a cancer that primarily affects children and teenagers, with only about 800 new cases in the U.S. each year. This new challenge was particularly difficult, considering the emotional and physical toll of her earlier medical battles. Despite the grim diagnosis, Jada approached her cancer diagnosis the same way she faced every challenge—head-on, with strength and determination.
Life-Saving Surgery: The Tumor and Beyond
To save Jada’s leg, doctors had to act quickly. The team at Brenner Children’s Hospital removed the tumor from her tibia, but to ensure the best possible outcome, they also had to remove two-thirds of her tibia. The extent of the surgery was intense, and her doctors knew that Jada’s small frame would make using a prosthetic leg difficult. But they didn’t give up. Dr. Emory, along with a team of engineers, designed a custom prosthetic for Jada, ensuring that it would fit her small leg and provide her with the mobility she needed. The surgery and the innovation of the prosthetic team gave Jada a second chance at living life without the constant reminder of cancer’s toll.
Back on Her Feet: Jada’s Recovery and Confidence
Jada’s recovery from cancer has been nothing short of extraordinary. After the surgery and months of recovery, Jada is now cancer-free. Her body has healed, and she has returned to her life as a teenager, continuing to chase her dreams. Jada has even taken on new milestones, like learning how to drive, something she once thought would be out of reach. Her positive attitude and unyielding spirit have shown her family, doctors, and community just how strong she truly is.
Aspiring to Be a Cosmetologist: Jada’s Dreams for the Future
While Jada has faced some of life’s hardest challenges, she is looking ahead to a bright future. One of her biggest dreams is to become a cosmetologist. Jada’s journey has not only been one of survival but also one of hope for the future. The strength she’s shown through her diagnosis and recovery fuels her ambitions, and she’s determined to make her dreams a reality. As she continues to heal, she’s focused on her studies and planning for the life she deserves, one full of beauty, health, and endless possibilities.
The Support of Her Family: A Foundation of Love and Encouragement
Jada’s success is not just due to her strength, but also the unwavering support of her family. Her father, Keith, shared how proud he is of his daughter. “Most of us will never get to meet our heroes – but I get to have dinner with my heroes every night.” This heartfelt sentiment highlights the love and admiration he has for Jada. Her mother, Mary, has been by her side every step of the way, supporting her through surgeries, treatments, and the emotional rollercoaster of cancer. Their love for Jada has been a constant source of strength for her as she fought for her life and continues to thrive.
A Community United: Support from Brenner Children’s Hospital
Jada’s story is also a testament to the power of community support. The doctors and staff at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital were there for Jada from the very beginning, providing her with world-class care. They weren’t just her medical team—they became her extended family. Jada’s journey has been shaped by the compassion and dedication of those who supported her through the toughest of times. From the moment she walked into the hospital, Jada was treated with the utmost care, and her healing journey was guided by the unwavering support of those around her.
Raising Awareness: The @roeroesheroes Foundation
The Tucker family, inspired by their own experiences with childhood cancer, created the @roeroesheroes Foundation. This foundation was born out of the desire to help others who are battling the same fight Jada has faced. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, provide support to families in need, and fund research that will continue to improve the lives of children facing similar challenges. Through the foundation, the Tucker family has given back to the community that has been there for them, helping others find hope and support.
Inspiring Others: Jada’s Story of Strength and Resilience
Jada’s story is one of hope, resilience, and love. She has shown the world that no matter how difficult life may get, the human spirit is capable of extraordinary strength. Through her battle with osteosarcoma, her determination to live, and her positive attitude, Jada has become an inspiration to everyone who knows her. Her journey serves as a reminder that, even in the face of the hardest challenges, anything is possible with love, hope, and perseverance.
A Future Full of Promise: Jada’s Journey Continues
As Jada continues to recover and pursue her dreams, her story will continue to inspire others. She is a beacon of hope for those who are going through similar struggles and a symbol of the power of resilience. Jada’s future is bright, and with the love and support of her family, the community, and her medical team, she will continue to thrive. Her journey is a reminder that, no matter what challenges we face, we can always find the strength to keep going, and that miracles do happen.
