About Owen Macik
Owen's Story
Owen Macik was a 5th grader at Bluff Creek Elementary School who was diagnosed with T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in May 2023. To prepare for a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, Owen underwent months of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and immunosuppressants. The transplant itself was successful, and Owen spent an additional couple of weeks resting in the hospital.
In a gesture of support, Owen was honored as the Guest of Honor at the 2023 Tackle Cancer game between Chanhassen and Chaska, where the proceeds benefited both his family and the Child Cancer Research Fund. However, in January 2024, Owen’s cancer relapsed, with about 20-30 cancerous cells present per million. He resumed chemotherapy and eventually had no detectable leukemia cells in his bone marrow.
On April 21, 2024, Owen underwent a second bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital. He received a heartfelt farewell from neighbors, classmates, and teachers as he prepared for the procedure. Unfortunately, just twenty-two days after being admitted, Owen began showing symptoms of Veno-Occlusive Disease (VOD), a common complication following a bone marrow transplant.
On the night of May 18, 2024, Owen was transferred to the ICU due to worsening kidney and liver function. Despite a valiant fight lasting forty-two more days, Owen passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on June 28, 2024.
Owen's story continues to inspire courage, strength, and love within the Chanhassen community.