Evelyn’s Story

Seven-year-old Evelyn lives in Central Point with her parents and little brother Henry – she loves to go camping, hang out with her friends, play with her animals, and so much more! Her parents, Claire and Austin, describe her as positive, outgoing, a friend to everyone, and open to new adventures. But when Evelyn was diagnosed with cancer at the age of six, her family didn’t know where this new journey would take them – and how they would stay strong in the face of this surprising diagnosis.

After receiving scans for what doctors thought was a normal cyst, Evelyn had an abnormality removed at OHSU Doernbecher. But further testing revealed that her cyst was actually cancerous, and Evelyn was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma soon after. Claire and Austin couldn’t believe it. Everything happened so quickly, but they weren’t getting the answers they needed. They didn’t know how to tell Evelyn what was going on since they were not quite sure themselves, and googling her diagnosis did not help much either. All they wanted was to tell Evelyn she was going to be OK.

After a month of going back and forth from Doernbecher, while doctors there assessed whether Evelyn could begin chemotherapy, the Owens family finally connected with Dr. Ellen Plummer at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (ARRMC) – the only pediatric oncologist between Sacramento and Portland. Dr. Plummer reviewed Evelyn’s treatment plan and assured the family that Evelyn could start treatment with Asante immediately. Now, Evelyn could receive weekly chemotherapy, five minutes from her home, instead of five hours away in Portland.

Claire and Austin worried about how they would make it all work – working full-time and supporting a kid at home who is fighting cancer. But because Evelyn was treated at Asante, they were both able to accompany her to every single appointment, and they experienced firsthand how transformative it can be to have one-on-one, compassionate care. Compared to larger hospitals, Asante is unique in its approach to pediatric cancer – every patient and family has their own infusion room, and the nurses are dedicated to making sure every child feels special and loved. Throughout her entire 26-week chemotherapy treatment, Evelyn adopted an infectiously optimistic outlook and has come out of this experience even stronger than before. Her parents couldn’t be prouder of their amazing daughter, and they both remain incredibly grateful to Asante.

Evelyn rang the bell on February 26, 2024, and continues to spread joy and laughter wherever she goes. Being one of the first patients to experience the new Pediatric Outpatient Infusion Unit in the Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at ARRMC, her family is in awe of how community support through fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helped them receive top-notch treatment, close to home, when it mattered most.