Nearly 200 donors rally behind Southampton boy fighting leukemia

Community support has poured in for a Southampton family after their 7-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia.

Owen Lenahan was diagnosed with the blood cancer in early September, abruptly ending what his parents said should have been an exciting return to school and sports. Instead of rejoining friends and teammates this fall, Owen has transitioned to hospital treatments and extended stays as he fights the disease.

His parents, Millie and Brenden Lenahan, established a GoFundMe campaign Tuesday to help offset the financial burden of Owen’s treatment. By Wednesday, the fundraiser had raised nearly $47,000 from nearly 200 donors toward an $80,000 goal.

“His whole world changed in days as he abruptly transitioned from school and sports, into a hospital for tests, the diagnosis, and now treatment,” the Lenahans wrote on the fundraising page.

The family said Owen’s type of cancer has become treatable with good success rates, but noted that their boy has a long road ahead filled with physical and emotional challenges.

“He has already started intensive treatment, and while we are hopeful, the months ahead will be long and challenging,” Brenden Lenahan wrote on Facebook.

Owen, who has a younger brother, Emmett, is expected to miss the entire school year while he undergoes treatment.

The fundraiser aims to help cover household bills while Owen’s dad reduces his work hours, medical expenses not covered by insurance, food during hospital stays, supplemental tutoring and educational opportunities during Owen’s year away from school, and support for the boy’s dietary requirements during treatment.

“Owen is a special boy that holds a dear place in the hearts of everyone that knows him,” his parents wrote.

_{Top photo: Owen Lenahan, 7 (GoFundMe)}