MB Strong- Raising Funds for Brain Tumor Research
Why Donate to Brain Tumor Awareness?
You may have never had a brain tumor. You may not even know anyone who’s had a brain tumor. So why should you donate money to brain tumor awareness? Why should you read any further?
These are fair questions to be asking. One year ago I’d be sitting here asking these same questions. Before you decide whether this is a cause you’d like to promote, I ask that you read my story first.
My Story
July 12, 2020. This was the day my life changed forever. I went to sleep that night as a healthy 23 year old man, or so I thought. I woke up later that night in confusion with paramedics standing over me. I was told that I had a grand mal seizure in my sleep. I quickly realized that maybe I wasn’t as healthy as I thought I was.
After visiting with the doctors about the incident, I was told I was healthy as could be. I was scheduled for a precautionary MRI, which would most likely reveal a healthy brain so I can move on with my life.
Not even 10 minutes after I left the MRI center I received a call from the neurologist. I was asked to come in that next morning to discuss results. My wife and I were terrified. Why would they want us to come in so quickly?
That next morning we waited in the doctor’s office for what felt like an eternity. The doctor walked in and explained that a large tumor had been growing on my frontal lobe. I looked to my wife as her eyes filled up with tears and I found myself wondering:
You may have never had a brain tumor. You may not even know anyone who’s had a brain tumor. So why should you donate money to brain tumor awareness? Why should you read any further?
These are fair questions to be asking. One year ago I’d be sitting here asking these same questions. Before you decide whether this is a cause you’d like to promote, I ask that you read my story first.
My Story
July 12, 2020. This was the day my life changed forever. I went to sleep that night as a healthy 23 year old man, or so I thought. I woke up later that night in confusion with paramedics standing over me. I was told that I had a grand mal seizure in my sleep. I quickly realized that maybe I wasn’t as healthy as I thought I was.
After visiting with the doctors about the incident, I was told I was healthy as could be. I was scheduled for a precautionary MRI, which would most likely reveal a healthy brain so I can move on with my life.
Not even 10 minutes after I left the MRI center I received a call from the neurologist. I was asked to come in that next morning to discuss results. My wife and I were terrified. Why would they want us to come in so quickly?
That next morning we waited in the doctor’s office for what felt like an eternity. The doctor walked in and explained that a large tumor had been growing on my frontal lobe. I looked to my wife as her eyes filled up with tears and I found myself wondering:
“How could this happen to me? I’ve always put my health first. I've always been the young, active one.”
The only acceptable answer I was given— this can happen to anyone at any time.
I was told that the tumor was rather large, but luckily it was in a “good” spot in my brain. Before I knew it, I was at Duke Brain Tumor Center undergoing brain surgery. They were able to perform a successful craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as they could see.
While recovering from my brain surgery, my wife and I prayed that was the end of this journey. We hoped that the doctor would call and tell us I’m okay and healthy again— that the tumor was benign and all gone.
Fast forward a few days and the doctors called us to discuss the results of the tumor analysis. We were told that the tumor is a grade 3 glioma. In other words, this tumor is cancerous and fast-growing. After recovering from brain surgery, I was scheduled to begin an intense phase of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation and chemo treatment was the hardest thing I’d ever gone through to this point in my life. My treatment was every day— even when I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed or walk into the radiation office. I found myself often thinking about my friends and family through this stage of the process. No matter how tough the process was, I had to push through. Not for me, but for them.
Following my radiation and chemotherapy treatment, I immediately began a second round of chemotherapy— this time higher dosages for a full year. I’m currently in this phase of treatment and will be until the end of 2021. While I don’t have to go in every day for the radiation treatment anymore, the chemo still wears on my body each and every day.
I’m proud to say at this point in my life I have fought through brain surgery. I have fought through months of intense radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I may have fought through these battles, but I’m not done yet. I still have many more battles in me before I win this war with cancer.
Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not going to stop until I beat this thing once and for all.
No matter how tough a challenge is, I always try to find the positives. Believe it or not, in this case there are many:
⁃ I am young and healthy enough to fight this.
⁃ The doctors were able to perform surgery to remove part of the tumor.
⁃ I am surrounded by a loving wife and family.
⁃ I have some of the best friends a man can ask for. True friends who are with me through the best times and the worst.
⁃ I am surrounded by some of the best doctors in the world with some of the best treatments.
MB Strong
This year, I will be pushing myself to overcome another challenge. I will be running a half marathon on May 2, 2021. Before I run this race, my goal is to raise as much money and awareness for brain tumor research.
While I will still be undergoing my chemotherapy treatment during this race, it’s something that’s very important to me and I will be finishing this race. Life does not stop when going through chemotherapy. Life does not stop just because you get cancer. Life goes on and you can still do anything you put your mind to.
Enough about me. Now that you know my story, you understand my battle with brain cancer. You understand why this fundraising campaign is so important to me.
This campaign is not about me. This campaign is about helping the future of the brain tumor community. Twenty years ago, I would not have the quality of life I’ve been given. Twenty years from now, I want those that follow in my footsteps to have it better than me.
Just like I can’t beat cancer on my own, I can’t make this future possible on my own either. I need your help to turn this dream into a reality.
I was told that the tumor was rather large, but luckily it was in a “good” spot in my brain. Before I knew it, I was at Duke Brain Tumor Center undergoing brain surgery. They were able to perform a successful craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as they could see.
While recovering from my brain surgery, my wife and I prayed that was the end of this journey. We hoped that the doctor would call and tell us I’m okay and healthy again— that the tumor was benign and all gone.
Fast forward a few days and the doctors called us to discuss the results of the tumor analysis. We were told that the tumor is a grade 3 glioma. In other words, this tumor is cancerous and fast-growing. After recovering from brain surgery, I was scheduled to begin an intense phase of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation and chemo treatment was the hardest thing I’d ever gone through to this point in my life. My treatment was every day— even when I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed or walk into the radiation office. I found myself often thinking about my friends and family through this stage of the process. No matter how tough the process was, I had to push through. Not for me, but for them.
Following my radiation and chemotherapy treatment, I immediately began a second round of chemotherapy— this time higher dosages for a full year. I’m currently in this phase of treatment and will be until the end of 2021. While I don’t have to go in every day for the radiation treatment anymore, the chemo still wears on my body each and every day.
I’m proud to say at this point in my life I have fought through brain surgery. I have fought through months of intense radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I may have fought through these battles, but I’m not done yet. I still have many more battles in me before I win this war with cancer.
Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not going to stop until I beat this thing once and for all.
No matter how tough a challenge is, I always try to find the positives. Believe it or not, in this case there are many:
⁃ I am young and healthy enough to fight this.
⁃ The doctors were able to perform surgery to remove part of the tumor.
⁃ I am surrounded by a loving wife and family.
⁃ I have some of the best friends a man can ask for. True friends who are with me through the best times and the worst.
⁃ I am surrounded by some of the best doctors in the world with some of the best treatments.
MB Strong
This year, I will be pushing myself to overcome another challenge. I will be running a half marathon on May 2, 2021. Before I run this race, my goal is to raise as much money and awareness for brain tumor research.
While I will still be undergoing my chemotherapy treatment during this race, it’s something that’s very important to me and I will be finishing this race. Life does not stop when going through chemotherapy. Life does not stop just because you get cancer. Life goes on and you can still do anything you put your mind to.
Enough about me. Now that you know my story, you understand my battle with brain cancer. You understand why this fundraising campaign is so important to me.
This campaign is not about me. This campaign is about helping the future of the brain tumor community. Twenty years ago, I would not have the quality of life I’ve been given. Twenty years from now, I want those that follow in my footsteps to have it better than me.
Just like I can’t beat cancer on my own, I can’t make this future possible on my own either. I need your help to turn this dream into a reality.
$43,655.00
100% Raised of $40,000 Goal
TIME REMAINING
DONOR
Claire Waller
$100.00
Way to kick ass in your 13.1 McKinnon!!!!
Michael Pilla Foundation To Fight Cancer Pilla
$500.00
Michael Pia
Mac Sproul
$--.--
McKinnon Bowen
Joseph Berrios
$100.00
Nick Bertocci
$50.00
In memory of my mom, Karen Bertocci, who battled leukemia for 3 years & passed this January.
Fuck cancer & never let life kick you any direction other than forward. You're an incredible inspiration man.
LHT
Fuck cancer & never let life kick you any direction other than forward. You're an incredible inspiration man.
LHT
Casey Dajani
$--.--
Congrats on finishing the race! Crazy fast time too, insane. You're an inspiration my man. Praying for perseverance. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Len Cerasoli
$100.00
Go McKinnon!
Julian A
$100.00
Anna and Rachel Bonner
$--.--
Keep Fighting McKinnon!!
Susan Clark
$100.00
Go mckinnon super proud of you
Francesca Vollaro
$--.--
David Paylor
$250.00
McKinnon Bowen
Carissa
$--.--
I remember you had one of the fastest mile time at Sanders! Proud to see how far you’ve come and excited to see what else you’ll accomplish!
Bailey & Jaiden
$200.00
Rodney Pruett
$1,000.00
You inspire me!
Andrea/andy
$--.--
Stay Strong!
Kyle & Ali Broadbent
$--.--
Frank and April Ryder
$50.00
You are Amazing McKinnon! You live up to your MB Strong logo!
Dad and Mom
$5,000.00
We are so very proud of your courage, dedication and desire to help others. We love you bunches! Keep fighting every day!
Paula Bowen
$100.00
I am so proud of you McKinnon! Not only have you stayed strong throughout this whole ordeal, but you are also helping and giving others hope through this great fundraiser. I wish I could see you cross the finish line!
Matt and Mary Musso
$600.00
Many are content to stop at survivor, few embrace the call to be conquerors and champions.. May the love and respect filled prayers that come your way lighten each footstep of your journey.
Marcia Overstreet
$100.00
In Memory of Brooke Overstreet for patient of the Brain Tumor Center.
Kristina Ford
$--.--
In memory of my brother Tom Ford who also fought this horrible cancer. We miss him so much! We are thankful for the care he received at Duke!
Jonathan Kampf
$50.00
Katie Maloney
$--.--
So proud of you! Keep kicking ass Kenny - sending all my love #MBstrong
Anonymous
$30.00
Christopher Hatley
$20.00
I miss hanging out with all in Raleigh! Bauer has been keeping me updated with what y’all are up to. I hope to see y’all soon!
Austen Bauer
$100.00
Anonymous
$10.00
The Cowden Family
$100.00
In Memory of Gayle Miler, loving Mother and Grandmother. Stay strong!!
Zach Tekamp
$25.00
Henry Kirkpatrick
$--.--
Thinking about you Kenny!
William S
$35.00
Tyler Cowden
$100.00
Thinking about you all! Keep going buddy.
Jack Kitto
$100.00
Collin Buckley
$200.00
Ashley
$--.--
Barbara & Juju McCuiston
$--.--
McKinnon you inspire us all. We are cheering for you and Jackie!
Christian and Erica Conklin
$100.00
Kelsey, Grayson & Elyse
$100.00
We are so proud of you McKinnon, and will never stop praying / fighting alongside you.
Katie McKenna
$100.00
Stephanie Tasky Adamson
$200.00
For MB. We don’t know each other but your mom and I were childhood friends. I saw a post on FB and had to let you know I’m praying for you to kick cancer’s ass.
Shannon Failor
$--.--
Dale Phillips
$300.00
McKinnon Bowen
The Borghoff’s
$--.--
Amazing work McKinnon. See you behind the boat this summer.
Boochy Dunne
$--.--
Dave & Robin Robinson
$--.--
In honor of McKinnon Bowen’s courage and fight! ️
Patrick, Denise & Katie Maloney
$--.--
You are so inspiring!
Anonymous
$200.00
Tony Godwin
$100.00
Praying for you McKinnon!
Anonymous
$250.00
Inspired by your strength and for the love of those who have waged a similar battle
Donald Cohn
$--.--
Brian Kelley
$75.00
Anita Weatherly
$100.00
Holly Vera
$50.00
Jebb Ricketts
$50.00
Ernest & Teresa Alphin
$--.--
Paula Bordogna
$--.--
Mary Kennedy
$--.--
Craig Steger
$--.--
Carmella Cinaglia
$100.00
Sending love and support from DE - forever and always!
John Miller
$250.00
Frances Godwin
$100.00
Aunt Frances is proud of McKinnon and Jackie's faith and positive attitude. Sending my love and prayers for you, your medical staff and the entire Bowen clan.
Austin Hughes
$150.00
Love you brother!
Justin Hooper
$20.00
Anonymous
$1,000.00
Clinton Alphin
$--.--
Anonymous
$20.00
We can do hard things
Kristen Cranham
$150.00
We love you!!!
Rachel Spencer
$50.00
Anonymous
$10.00
Praying for you
Karen Karasinski
$--.--
Praying for you, McKinnon!
Mary Kelley
$100.00
With much love and many prayers...Maggie & GP
Donna Martin
$100.00
Our dear Sashi
Hunter Artz
$--.--
Nathaniel Branower
$--.--
#MudPipersForLife
Valerie Maloney
$150.00
You are just amazing! Thank you for being so tough & so generous to think of others. Sending Prayers and love from the Maloney’s.
Tyler Corbo
$100.00
Keep fightin brother!
Kevin Connolly
$100.00
Patsy Dickerman
$--.--
McKinnon stay strong and fight!!! You are blessed with a strong family and together You Can BEAT Cancer.
Kyle Purcell
$--.--
Timothy Kay
$--.--
Alaina Bowen
$100.00
Only person I will run a half marathon for...love you wink! #MBstrong
Brittney Conklin
$50.00
Patrick Bernstein
$--.--
You've got this Kenny, I'll be right there with you May 2nd... until you leave me in the dust a half-mile in.
Kimberly Eckert
$--.--
Anonymous
$250.00
That positive attitude will serve you well.
Anonymous
$100.00
Amy Chani
$--.--
Julie Burke
$50.00
Beth Holcomb
$--.--
Kirin Prakash
$--.--
Anonymous
$50.00
an inspiration to us all!
David Kelley
$100.00
Keep up the great attitude and the great effort--we are all pulling for you--David, Sarah, Catharine, Emme, and Patrick!!
Courtney Strand
$--.--
Jake Gordon
$--.--
Anonymous
$100.00
Devan Rook
$100.00
Love you brother! #MBstrong
Steven Alness
$--.--
You are such an inspiration Kenny in so many ways. Lots of hugs, love, and prayers each day for you and Jackie.
MBSTRONG!
Love
Steve Alness and Patty Cuskelly
MBSTRONG!
Love
Steve Alness and Patty Cuskelly
Simran Singh
$100.00
Michael Tuffey
$--.--
Rebecca Skinner
$--.--
Ryan Musso
$150.00
Love you Kenny! Keep fighting and inspiring us!
Louis Simms
$50.00
Anonymous
$25.00
Megan Gorzkowski
$--.--
Derrick Dreier
$50.00
Love you Kenny
Winter Brooks
$--.--
Phil Kowalski
$500.00
You the man Kenny
Jenna Knox
$--.--
Anonymous
$500.00
#KBSTRONG
May Roy
$--.--
Eric Cuskelly
$100.00
Jacob Pratt
$50.00
Reza Khan
$100.00
Praying for you McKinnon!! You got this!!
Katherine Worthington
$100.00
You got this Kenny!!
Cassandra Tomkins
$25.00
Caroline Vandemark
Anonymous
$25.00
William Worthington
$100.00
In memory of Aunt Tess. Keep fighting Kenny!
Yong Kim
$300.00
Cameron Bowen
$100.00
Always proud of you. Keep going one more. We love you!
Ben Wixson
$100.00
Melinda Conklin
$100.00
Glory to God for His healing! Thank you for being a Light!
Brian Cuskelly
$--.--
McKinnon
Teague Hagerty
$--.--
Korey Devins
$100.00
Amy Gottschling
$200.00
Kathleen Marinzulich
$15.00
Morgan McDaniel
$100.00
Blake Duncan
$30.00
Amanda Dilley
$50.00
Alex Branower
$20.00
Owen Drugan
$500.00
MB Strong!! Love you brother!
Sydney Smith
$--.--
Keep fighting McKinnon!
Amanda Cominsky
$25.00
Teddy Gotfredson
$15.00
Davang Shah
$101.00
Brian Failor
$--.--
Julia Szydlowski
$--.--
Anonymous
$100.00
Ali Swanson
$--.--
Justus Weaver
$100.00
Anonymous
$100.00
McKinnon Bowden.
Keep fighting brother
You're an amazing person and a testament to the strength and willpower of humanity
Keep fighting brother
You're an amazing person and a testament to the strength and willpower of humanity
David Bergida
$50.00
Kara Cuskelly
$--.--
MB Strong! Go Kenny!
Josh Dajani
$--.--
Keep fighting! Praying for you!
Psalm 46
Psalm 46
Anonymous
$50.00
In honor of McKinnon Bowen
Josh Toal
$10.00
Stay hard McKinnon
Diane Sullivan
$100.00
On behalf of Maggie Sullivan and the Sullivan Family ( St Augustine friends of Jackie!) we wish you the best!!
Christian & Erica Conklin
$150.00
Daniel Sullivan
$20.00
Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
William Hobson
$500.00
MB STRONG! Daily prayers for you, McKinnon, your doctors, and your family.
Willie & Judy Hobson
Willie & Judy Hobson
Kenan Godwin
$250.00
MB STRONG. We love you, McKinnon!!
Julia and Kenan Godwin
Julia and Kenan Godwin
Dana Seigelstein
$10.00
Kelsey Price
$50.00
You’re amazing, we’re with you every step of the way! Tanner + Kelsey
Jill Cheretis
$100.00
MB Strong!!
Nik Sommer
$--.--
Maryanna Dirupo
$15.00
Kaitlin Luzik
$--.--
Kaitlyn Cranham
$150.00
MBStrong. You’re killing it dude, so proud of you.
Taylor Mras
$--.--
Katy Wilson
$100.00
MB Strong All Day Every Day
Andrew Musso
$--.--
Patricia Olsen
$306.00
In honor of our amazing Mckinnon Bowen. Love, John & Pat Olsen
Steven Weber
$--.--
Bradley Lewis
$250.00
Beth Delaney
$--.--
MB Strong
Jonathan Faul
$100.00
Wrestled with grit, determination and drive - I know you will beat this the same way! Wishing you and your wife the best throughout this coming year
Patricia Douglas
$50.00
Anonymous
$50.00
Stay strong MB
John Cheretis
$100.00
Psalm 62:5-8
Stacey Nicholson
$100.00
Anne Scroggs
$--.--
I don’t know you but I am proud of you for doing this in the midst of your fight.
Cindy Johnson
$--.--
Daniel Hornfeck
$50.00
Mary Taylor
$--.--
You can do this, McKennon!! We love you!
Carole Hebb
$100.00
McKinnon Bowen
Gordon and Gretchen Robertson
$--.--
Natalie Walker
$--.--
You got this, McKinnon!
Sophia Prince
$--.--
Praying for you!!
Melanie Rosen
$50.00
#NB STRONG
Alan Nabors
$--.--
Will be thinking of you and your family...
Andrew Blevin
$50.00
Anonymous
$25.00
Nicole Marion
$--.--
Matt Nabors
$--.--
Praying for you every day McKinnon!
Denise Dwyer
$50.00
You’ve got this McKinnon
Abby Tebbenhoff
$50.00
Praying for you McKinnon!
Anonymous
$40.00
Contemporary Electrical Services
$10,000.00
Stay strong McKinnon. We are all with you. You got this!
Mary Lynn Sully
$50.00
Varun Shah
$--.--
Stay Strong McKinnon
Candice Derendorf
$--.--
In honor of McKinnon Bowen
Margaret Musso
$250.00
You are our warrior, we are your tribe.
Adrienne Bauer
$100.00
Catherine Kennedy
$250.00
Mike Pratt
$100.00
Akash Nijhawan
$20.00
Anonymous
$100.00
Zachary Regester
$--.--
Love you brother. Go one more!
Kaleigh Chiodini
$--.--
Micaela McSorley
$10.00
Go off Kenny!! Cancer picked the wrong dude️
Joe Harkness
$100.00
Kris Shook
$20.00
Michael Musso
$250.00
#MBSTRONG! You Got This. You presence has made all of our lives fuller. Beau & Bella’s Grandpa ;)
Anonymous
$30.00
Thinking of you
Erin Pratt
$50.00
Thoughts and prayers are with you McKinnon as you fight this battle.
Jessica Joyce
$25.00
Juanita Uribe
$25.00
You’re amazing McKinnon!
Anonymous
$30.00
Kenny Bowen, you are the strongest dude I know. You got this.
Amy Delaney
$--.--
You are in our prayers, M.
Allea Roach
$50.00
Sam Pruett
$100.00
Sam Pruett
$50.00
We love you kenny ️
Dimitra Conits
$--.--
Diana McKay
$--.--
Andrew Buchmeier
$508.00
The 508 crew. We got your back brother!
Anonymous
$100.00
Amy Bordogna
$--.--
Christine Mulligan
$100.00
In honor of Kenny & Jackie
Katherine Deluke
$--.--
Honoring two strong, loving, amazing people... MB and JNP
Kimberly Cranham
$300.00
#MBStrong. We love you!! The Cranham’s
Kelly Minemier
$250.00
In honor of Jackie’s husband, McKinnon
Elizabeth Fuerst
$50.00
Eileen Plaehn
$--.--
Mary Hayes
$100.00
You’re a superstar McKinnon!
Brighid Minemier
$100.00
In honor of MB <3
Brandon Savoie
$30.00
Barbara Tangredi
$--.--
Laney Sullivan
$--.--
Matt Gaetz
$100.00
MB Strong!
Anonymous
$20.00
In Honor of McKinnon Bowen, and the incredible doctors that helped him.
Anonymous
$25.00
Hannah Bordogna
$100.00
In honor of McKinnon!
Sara Matthews
$100.00
In honor of Cameron Bowen, one of my grandson Logan’s best friends.
Muireann Woulfe
$100.00
MB Strong!!
Cecilia Bole
$100.00
Anonymous
$1,000.00
MB Strong FOREVER!️
Samuel Michael
$50.00
Anonymous
$10.00
Lisa Millar
$100.00
In Support of Duke's Research, MkKinnon and all our warriors and angels including Brad, Lisa and Bob.
Lisa Millar
$100.00
In loving memory of Brad and in Honor of Warrior McKinnon
$43,655.00
100% Raised of $40,000 Goal
TIME REMAINING
Why Donate to Brain Tumor Awareness?
You may have never had a brain tumor. You may not even know anyone who’s had a brain tumor. So why should you donate money to brain tumor awareness? Why should you read any further?
These are fair questions to be asking. One year ago I’d be sitting here asking these same questions. Before you decide whether this is a cause you’d like to promote, I ask that you read my story first.
My Story
July 12, 2020. This was the day my life changed forever. I went to sleep that night as a healthy 23 year old man, or so I thought. I woke up later that night in confusion with paramedics standing over me. I was told that I had a grand mal seizure in my sleep. I quickly realized that maybe I wasn’t as healthy as I thought I was.
After visiting with the doctors about the incident, I was told I was healthy as could be. I was scheduled for a precautionary MRI, which would most likely reveal a healthy brain so I can move on with my life.
Not even 10 minutes after I left the MRI center I received a call from the neurologist. I was asked to come in that next morning to discuss results. My wife and I were terrified. Why would they want us to come in so quickly?
That next morning we waited in the doctor’s office for what felt like an eternity. The doctor walked in and explained that a large tumor had been growing on my frontal lobe. I looked to my wife as her eyes filled up with tears and I found myself wondering:
You may have never had a brain tumor. You may not even know anyone who’s had a brain tumor. So why should you donate money to brain tumor awareness? Why should you read any further?
These are fair questions to be asking. One year ago I’d be sitting here asking these same questions. Before you decide whether this is a cause you’d like to promote, I ask that you read my story first.
My Story
July 12, 2020. This was the day my life changed forever. I went to sleep that night as a healthy 23 year old man, or so I thought. I woke up later that night in confusion with paramedics standing over me. I was told that I had a grand mal seizure in my sleep. I quickly realized that maybe I wasn’t as healthy as I thought I was.
After visiting with the doctors about the incident, I was told I was healthy as could be. I was scheduled for a precautionary MRI, which would most likely reveal a healthy brain so I can move on with my life.
Not even 10 minutes after I left the MRI center I received a call from the neurologist. I was asked to come in that next morning to discuss results. My wife and I were terrified. Why would they want us to come in so quickly?
That next morning we waited in the doctor’s office for what felt like an eternity. The doctor walked in and explained that a large tumor had been growing on my frontal lobe. I looked to my wife as her eyes filled up with tears and I found myself wondering:
“How could this happen to me? I’ve always put my health first. I've always been the young, active one.”
The only acceptable answer I was given— this can happen to anyone at any time.
I was told that the tumor was rather large, but luckily it was in a “good” spot in my brain. Before I knew it, I was at Duke Brain Tumor Center undergoing brain surgery. They were able to perform a successful craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as they could see.
While recovering from my brain surgery, my wife and I prayed that was the end of this journey. We hoped that the doctor would call and tell us I’m okay and healthy again— that the tumor was benign and all gone.
Fast forward a few days and the doctors called us to discuss the results of the tumor analysis. We were told that the tumor is a grade 3 glioma. In other words, this tumor is cancerous and fast-growing. After recovering from brain surgery, I was scheduled to begin an intense phase of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation and chemo treatment was the hardest thing I’d ever gone through to this point in my life. My treatment was every day— even when I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed or walk into the radiation office. I found myself often thinking about my friends and family through this stage of the process. No matter how tough the process was, I had to push through. Not for me, but for them.
Following my radiation and chemotherapy treatment, I immediately began a second round of chemotherapy— this time higher dosages for a full year. I’m currently in this phase of treatment and will be until the end of 2021. While I don’t have to go in every day for the radiation treatment anymore, the chemo still wears on my body each and every day.
I’m proud to say at this point in my life I have fought through brain surgery. I have fought through months of intense radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I may have fought through these battles, but I’m not done yet. I still have many more battles in me before I win this war with cancer.
Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not going to stop until I beat this thing once and for all.
No matter how tough a challenge is, I always try to find the positives. Believe it or not, in this case there are many:
⁃ I am young and healthy enough to fight this.
⁃ The doctors were able to perform surgery to remove part of the tumor.
⁃ I am surrounded by a loving wife and family.
⁃ I have some of the best friends a man can ask for. True friends who are with me through the best times and the worst.
⁃ I am surrounded by some of the best doctors in the world with some of the best treatments.
MB Strong
This year, I will be pushing myself to overcome another challenge. I will be running a half marathon on May 2, 2021. Before I run this race, my goal is to raise as much money and awareness for brain tumor research.
While I will still be undergoing my chemotherapy treatment during this race, it’s something that’s very important to me and I will be finishing this race. Life does not stop when going through chemotherapy. Life does not stop just because you get cancer. Life goes on and you can still do anything you put your mind to.
Enough about me. Now that you know my story, you understand my battle with brain cancer. You understand why this fundraising campaign is so important to me.
This campaign is not about me. This campaign is about helping the future of the brain tumor community. Twenty years ago, I would not have the quality of life I’ve been given. Twenty years from now, I want those that follow in my footsteps to have it better than me.
Just like I can’t beat cancer on my own, I can’t make this future possible on my own either. I need your help to turn this dream into a reality.
I was told that the tumor was rather large, but luckily it was in a “good” spot in my brain. Before I knew it, I was at Duke Brain Tumor Center undergoing brain surgery. They were able to perform a successful craniotomy to remove as much of the tumor as they could see.
While recovering from my brain surgery, my wife and I prayed that was the end of this journey. We hoped that the doctor would call and tell us I’m okay and healthy again— that the tumor was benign and all gone.
Fast forward a few days and the doctors called us to discuss the results of the tumor analysis. We were told that the tumor is a grade 3 glioma. In other words, this tumor is cancerous and fast-growing. After recovering from brain surgery, I was scheduled to begin an intense phase of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Radiation and chemo treatment was the hardest thing I’d ever gone through to this point in my life. My treatment was every day— even when I felt like I couldn’t get out of bed or walk into the radiation office. I found myself often thinking about my friends and family through this stage of the process. No matter how tough the process was, I had to push through. Not for me, but for them.
Following my radiation and chemotherapy treatment, I immediately began a second round of chemotherapy— this time higher dosages for a full year. I’m currently in this phase of treatment and will be until the end of 2021. While I don’t have to go in every day for the radiation treatment anymore, the chemo still wears on my body each and every day.
I’m proud to say at this point in my life I have fought through brain surgery. I have fought through months of intense radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I may have fought through these battles, but I’m not done yet. I still have many more battles in me before I win this war with cancer.
Any challenge either breaks you or makes you stronger. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not going to stop until I beat this thing once and for all.
No matter how tough a challenge is, I always try to find the positives. Believe it or not, in this case there are many:
⁃ I am young and healthy enough to fight this.
⁃ The doctors were able to perform surgery to remove part of the tumor.
⁃ I am surrounded by a loving wife and family.
⁃ I have some of the best friends a man can ask for. True friends who are with me through the best times and the worst.
⁃ I am surrounded by some of the best doctors in the world with some of the best treatments.
MB Strong
This year, I will be pushing myself to overcome another challenge. I will be running a half marathon on May 2, 2021. Before I run this race, my goal is to raise as much money and awareness for brain tumor research.
While I will still be undergoing my chemotherapy treatment during this race, it’s something that’s very important to me and I will be finishing this race. Life does not stop when going through chemotherapy. Life does not stop just because you get cancer. Life goes on and you can still do anything you put your mind to.
Enough about me. Now that you know my story, you understand my battle with brain cancer. You understand why this fundraising campaign is so important to me.
This campaign is not about me. This campaign is about helping the future of the brain tumor community. Twenty years ago, I would not have the quality of life I’ve been given. Twenty years from now, I want those that follow in my footsteps to have it better than me.
Just like I can’t beat cancer on my own, I can’t make this future possible on my own either. I need your help to turn this dream into a reality.
DONOR
Claire Waller
$100.00
Way to kick ass in your 13.1 McKinnon!!!!
Michael Pilla Foundation To Fight Cancer Pilla
$500.00
Michael Pia
Mac Sproul
$--.--
McKinnon Bowen
Joseph Berrios
$100.00
Nick Bertocci
$50.00
In memory of my mom, Karen Bertocci, who battled leukemia for 3 years & passed this January.
Fuck cancer & never let life kick you any direction other than forward. You're an incredible inspiration man.
LHT
Fuck cancer & never let life kick you any direction other than forward. You're an incredible inspiration man.
LHT
Casey Dajani
$--.--
Congrats on finishing the race! Crazy fast time too, insane. You're an inspiration my man. Praying for perseverance. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Len Cerasoli
$100.00
Go McKinnon!
Julian A
$100.00
Anna and Rachel Bonner
$--.--
Keep Fighting McKinnon!!
Susan Clark
$100.00
Go mckinnon super proud of you
Francesca Vollaro
$--.--
David Paylor
$250.00
McKinnon Bowen
Carissa
$--.--
I remember you had one of the fastest mile time at Sanders! Proud to see how far you’ve come and excited to see what else you’ll accomplish!
Bailey & Jaiden
$200.00
Rodney Pruett
$1,000.00
You inspire me!
Andrea/andy
$--.--
Stay Strong!
Kyle & Ali Broadbent
$--.--
Frank and April Ryder
$50.00
You are Amazing McKinnon! You live up to your MB Strong logo!
Dad and Mom
$5,000.00
We are so very proud of your courage, dedication and desire to help others. We love you bunches! Keep fighting every day!
Paula Bowen
$100.00
I am so proud of you McKinnon! Not only have you stayed strong throughout this whole ordeal, but you are also helping and giving others hope through this great fundraiser. I wish I could see you cross the finish line!
Matt and Mary Musso
$600.00
Many are content to stop at survivor, few embrace the call to be conquerors and champions.. May the love and respect filled prayers that come your way lighten each footstep of your journey.
Marcia Overstreet
$100.00
In Memory of Brooke Overstreet for patient of the Brain Tumor Center.
Kristina Ford
$--.--
In memory of my brother Tom Ford who also fought this horrible cancer. We miss him so much! We are thankful for the care he received at Duke!
Jonathan Kampf
$50.00
Katie Maloney
$--.--
So proud of you! Keep kicking ass Kenny - sending all my love #MBstrong
Anonymous
$30.00
Christopher Hatley
$20.00
I miss hanging out with all in Raleigh! Bauer has been keeping me updated with what y’all are up to. I hope to see y’all soon!
Austen Bauer
$100.00
Anonymous
$10.00
The Cowden Family
$100.00
In Memory of Gayle Miler, loving Mother and Grandmother. Stay strong!!
Zach Tekamp
$25.00
Henry Kirkpatrick
$--.--
Thinking about you Kenny!
William S
$35.00
Tyler Cowden
$100.00
Thinking about you all! Keep going buddy.
Jack Kitto
$100.00
Collin Buckley
$200.00
Ashley
$--.--
Barbara & Juju McCuiston
$--.--
McKinnon you inspire us all. We are cheering for you and Jackie!
Christian and Erica Conklin
$100.00
Kelsey, Grayson & Elyse
$100.00
We are so proud of you McKinnon, and will never stop praying / fighting alongside you.
Katie McKenna
$100.00
Stephanie Tasky Adamson
$200.00
For MB. We don’t know each other but your mom and I were childhood friends. I saw a post on FB and had to let you know I’m praying for you to kick cancer’s ass.
Shannon Failor
$--.--
Dale Phillips
$300.00
McKinnon Bowen
The Borghoff’s
$--.--
Amazing work McKinnon. See you behind the boat this summer.
Boochy Dunne
$--.--
Dave & Robin Robinson
$--.--
In honor of McKinnon Bowen’s courage and fight! ️
Patrick, Denise & Katie Maloney
$--.--
You are so inspiring!
Anonymous
$200.00
Tony Godwin
$100.00
Praying for you McKinnon!
Anonymous
$250.00
Inspired by your strength and for the love of those who have waged a similar battle
Donald Cohn
$--.--
Brian Kelley
$75.00
Anita Weatherly
$100.00
Holly Vera
$50.00
Jebb Ricketts
$50.00
Ernest & Teresa Alphin
$--.--
Paula Bordogna
$--.--
Mary Kennedy
$--.--
Craig Steger
$--.--
Carmella Cinaglia
$100.00
Sending love and support from DE - forever and always!
John Miller
$250.00
Frances Godwin
$100.00
Aunt Frances is proud of McKinnon and Jackie's faith and positive attitude. Sending my love and prayers for you, your medical staff and the entire Bowen clan.
Austin Hughes
$150.00
Love you brother!
Justin Hooper
$20.00
Anonymous
$1,000.00
Clinton Alphin
$--.--
Anonymous
$20.00
We can do hard things
Kristen Cranham
$150.00
We love you!!!
Rachel Spencer
$50.00
Anonymous
$10.00
Praying for you
Karen Karasinski
$--.--
Praying for you, McKinnon!
Mary Kelley
$100.00
With much love and many prayers...Maggie & GP
Donna Martin
$100.00
Our dear Sashi
Hunter Artz
$--.--
Nathaniel Branower
$--.--
#MudPipersForLife
Valerie Maloney
$150.00
You are just amazing! Thank you for being so tough & so generous to think of others. Sending Prayers and love from the Maloney’s.
Tyler Corbo
$100.00
Keep fightin brother!
Kevin Connolly
$100.00
Patsy Dickerman
$--.--
McKinnon stay strong and fight!!! You are blessed with a strong family and together You Can BEAT Cancer.
Kyle Purcell
$--.--
Timothy Kay
$--.--
Alaina Bowen
$100.00
Only person I will run a half marathon for...love you wink! #MBstrong
Brittney Conklin
$50.00
Patrick Bernstein
$--.--
You've got this Kenny, I'll be right there with you May 2nd... until you leave me in the dust a half-mile in.
Kimberly Eckert
$--.--
Anonymous
$250.00
That positive attitude will serve you well.
Anonymous
$100.00
Amy Chani
$--.--
Julie Burke
$50.00
Beth Holcomb
$--.--
Kirin Prakash
$--.--
Anonymous
$50.00
an inspiration to us all!
David Kelley
$100.00
Keep up the great attitude and the great effort--we are all pulling for you--David, Sarah, Catharine, Emme, and Patrick!!
Courtney Strand
$--.--
Jake Gordon
$--.--
Anonymous
$100.00
Devan Rook
$100.00
Love you brother! #MBstrong
Steven Alness
$--.--
You are such an inspiration Kenny in so many ways. Lots of hugs, love, and prayers each day for you and Jackie.
MBSTRONG!
Love
Steve Alness and Patty Cuskelly
MBSTRONG!
Love
Steve Alness and Patty Cuskelly
Simran Singh
$100.00
Michael Tuffey
$--.--
Rebecca Skinner
$--.--
Ryan Musso
$150.00
Love you Kenny! Keep fighting and inspiring us!
Louis Simms
$50.00
Anonymous
$25.00
Megan Gorzkowski
$--.--
Derrick Dreier
$50.00
Love you Kenny
Winter Brooks
$--.--
Phil Kowalski
$500.00
You the man Kenny
Jenna Knox
$--.--
Anonymous
$500.00
#KBSTRONG
May Roy
$--.--
Eric Cuskelly
$100.00
Jacob Pratt
$50.00
Reza Khan
$100.00
Praying for you McKinnon!! You got this!!
Katherine Worthington
$100.00
You got this Kenny!!
Cassandra Tomkins
$25.00
Caroline Vandemark
Anonymous
$25.00
William Worthington
$100.00
In memory of Aunt Tess. Keep fighting Kenny!
Yong Kim
$300.00
Cameron Bowen
$100.00
Always proud of you. Keep going one more. We love you!
Ben Wixson
$100.00
Melinda Conklin
$100.00
Glory to God for His healing! Thank you for being a Light!
Brian Cuskelly
$--.--
McKinnon
Teague Hagerty
$--.--
Korey Devins
$100.00
Amy Gottschling
$200.00
Kathleen Marinzulich
$15.00
Morgan McDaniel
$100.00
Blake Duncan
$30.00
Amanda Dilley
$50.00
Alex Branower
$20.00
Owen Drugan
$500.00
MB Strong!! Love you brother!
Sydney Smith
$--.--
Keep fighting McKinnon!
Amanda Cominsky
$25.00
Teddy Gotfredson
$15.00
Davang Shah
$101.00
Brian Failor
$--.--
Julia Szydlowski
$--.--
Anonymous
$100.00
Ali Swanson
$--.--
Justus Weaver
$100.00
Anonymous
$100.00
McKinnon Bowden.
Keep fighting brother
You're an amazing person and a testament to the strength and willpower of humanity
Keep fighting brother
You're an amazing person and a testament to the strength and willpower of humanity
David Bergida
$50.00
Kara Cuskelly
$--.--
MB Strong! Go Kenny!
Josh Dajani
$--.--
Keep fighting! Praying for you!
Psalm 46
Psalm 46
Anonymous
$50.00
In honor of McKinnon Bowen
Josh Toal
$10.00
Stay hard McKinnon
Diane Sullivan
$100.00
On behalf of Maggie Sullivan and the Sullivan Family ( St Augustine friends of Jackie!) we wish you the best!!
Christian & Erica Conklin
$150.00
Daniel Sullivan
$20.00
Tough times don’t last, tough people do.
William Hobson
$500.00
MB STRONG! Daily prayers for you, McKinnon, your doctors, and your family.
Willie & Judy Hobson
Willie & Judy Hobson
Kenan Godwin
$250.00
MB STRONG. We love you, McKinnon!!
Julia and Kenan Godwin
Julia and Kenan Godwin
Dana Seigelstein
$10.00
Kelsey Price
$50.00
You’re amazing, we’re with you every step of the way! Tanner + Kelsey
Jill Cheretis
$100.00
MB Strong!!
Nik Sommer
$--.--
Maryanna Dirupo
$15.00
Kaitlin Luzik
$--.--
Kaitlyn Cranham
$150.00
MBStrong. You’re killing it dude, so proud of you.
Taylor Mras
$--.--
Katy Wilson
$100.00
MB Strong All Day Every Day
Andrew Musso
$--.--
Patricia Olsen
$306.00
In honor of our amazing Mckinnon Bowen. Love, John & Pat Olsen
Steven Weber
$--.--
Bradley Lewis
$250.00
Beth Delaney
$--.--
MB Strong
Jonathan Faul
$100.00
Wrestled with grit, determination and drive - I know you will beat this the same way! Wishing you and your wife the best throughout this coming year
Patricia Douglas
$50.00
Anonymous
$50.00
Stay strong MB
John Cheretis
$100.00
Psalm 62:5-8
Stacey Nicholson
$100.00
Anne Scroggs
$--.--
I don’t know you but I am proud of you for doing this in the midst of your fight.
Cindy Johnson
$--.--
Daniel Hornfeck
$50.00
Mary Taylor
$--.--
You can do this, McKennon!! We love you!
Carole Hebb
$100.00
McKinnon Bowen
Gordon and Gretchen Robertson
$--.--
Natalie Walker
$--.--
You got this, McKinnon!
Sophia Prince
$--.--
Praying for you!!
Melanie Rosen
$50.00
#NB STRONG
Alan Nabors
$--.--
Will be thinking of you and your family...
Andrew Blevin
$50.00
Anonymous
$25.00
Nicole Marion
$--.--
Matt Nabors
$--.--
Praying for you every day McKinnon!
Denise Dwyer
$50.00
You’ve got this McKinnon
Abby Tebbenhoff
$50.00
Praying for you McKinnon!
Anonymous
$40.00
Contemporary Electrical Services
$10,000.00
Stay strong McKinnon. We are all with you. You got this!
Mary Lynn Sully
$50.00
Varun Shah
$--.--
Stay Strong McKinnon
Candice Derendorf
$--.--
In honor of McKinnon Bowen
Margaret Musso
$250.00
You are our warrior, we are your tribe.
Adrienne Bauer
$100.00
Catherine Kennedy
$250.00
Mike Pratt
$100.00
Akash Nijhawan
$20.00
Anonymous
$100.00
Zachary Regester
$--.--
Love you brother. Go one more!
Kaleigh Chiodini
$--.--
Micaela McSorley
$10.00
Go off Kenny!! Cancer picked the wrong dude️
Joe Harkness
$100.00
Kris Shook
$20.00
Michael Musso
$250.00
#MBSTRONG! You Got This. You presence has made all of our lives fuller. Beau & Bella’s Grandpa ;)
Anonymous
$30.00
Thinking of you
Erin Pratt
$50.00
Thoughts and prayers are with you McKinnon as you fight this battle.
Jessica Joyce
$25.00
Juanita Uribe
$25.00
You’re amazing McKinnon!
Anonymous
$30.00
Kenny Bowen, you are the strongest dude I know. You got this.
Amy Delaney
$--.--
You are in our prayers, M.
Allea Roach
$50.00
Sam Pruett
$100.00
Sam Pruett
$50.00
We love you kenny ️
Dimitra Conits
$--.--
Diana McKay
$--.--
Andrew Buchmeier
$508.00
The 508 crew. We got your back brother!
Anonymous
$100.00
Amy Bordogna
$--.--
Christine Mulligan
$100.00
In honor of Kenny & Jackie
Katherine Deluke
$--.--
Honoring two strong, loving, amazing people... MB and JNP
Kimberly Cranham
$300.00
#MBStrong. We love you!! The Cranham’s
Kelly Minemier
$250.00
In honor of Jackie’s husband, McKinnon
Elizabeth Fuerst
$50.00
Eileen Plaehn
$--.--
Mary Hayes
$100.00
You’re a superstar McKinnon!
Brighid Minemier
$100.00
In honor of MB <3
Brandon Savoie
$30.00
Barbara Tangredi
$--.--
Laney Sullivan
$--.--
Matt Gaetz
$100.00
MB Strong!
Anonymous
$20.00
In Honor of McKinnon Bowen, and the incredible doctors that helped him.
Anonymous
$25.00
Hannah Bordogna
$100.00
In honor of McKinnon!
Sara Matthews
$100.00
In honor of Cameron Bowen, one of my grandson Logan’s best friends.
Muireann Woulfe
$100.00
MB Strong!!
Cecilia Bole
$100.00
Anonymous
$1,000.00
MB Strong FOREVER!️
Samuel Michael
$50.00
Anonymous
$10.00
Lisa Millar
$100.00
In Support of Duke's Research, MkKinnon and all our warriors and angels including Brad, Lisa and Bob.
Lisa Millar
$100.00
In loving memory of Brad and in Honor of Warrior McKinnon