On the afternoon of December 20th, 2024, our sweet Carol Lynn was rushed to the hospital with some complications related to her cancer diagnosis. This was her third emergent hospitalization in the last three months. While in the hospital, Carol's body was unable to endure this setback and she passed away with her husband, Dave, and her children by her side. We lost our dear Carol Lynn to this present earthly existence that we enjoyed so beautifully with her. She fought hard to stay with us. She endured unspeakable pain. She, along with her family and many friends, longed for healing from this disease, for the Glory of God. We are deeply sorrowful in her departure from this earthly life. There would never have been a day where we felt prepared to say "goodbye for now" to our dear Carol. We wanted and believed for her miraculous healing until the very end. Now, in our grief, we find comfort in our faith that she is no longer suffering and is resting in the arms of the One she loved most. Carol was a woman of deep and unshakeable faith. She called on God til the very end and surrendered her life to Him. We miss her more than words, and honestly feel lost without her as she was the matriarch of our family and the axis around which our whole family revolved. 

We want to thank each person who has been a support to Carol Lynn and her family through this journey. We want to thank each person who loved Carol. She held each one of you close to her heart and longed for the day when she would feel well enough to see you and be with you. We cry together for her. We know we are not alone in our grief.

Over this year, many have given generously toward Carol's journey through cancer, and many are asking now how they can now support. Over the past year, Dave and Carol and their family have devoted all of their efforts and finances to the restoration of her health, rather than her passing. Therefore, one way to support is to utilize this GiveSendGo once again, this time toward final expenses. Another way to support, of course, is to pray for her family and other loved ones who must now carry on without her. 

For those who want details of her Memorial Service:

The location is:

Embassy Church: 3855 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington D.C. 20016

Date and Time: December 29th, 2024 (Carol and Dave's 40th wedding anniversary). Memorial Lunch at 1 pm. Memorial service at 2 pm

Thank you,

Carol's daughter, Melissa, and the entire Owens family. We love you. 

Time for another update!

Yesterday, when Carol arrived at the clinic, her interventional radiologist who administers the Dendritic treatments said, "I wish I had a video from when you first arrived. It's like you are a different person!" Each person from the medical team has made similar remarks in this last week in Cancun.

On April 1st, when Carol first arrived for treatment, things were not looking good. She was having a lot of pain and needed to sleep most of the day. Due to the burden of tumors in her body, her heart was under a great deal of stress, which resulted in severe blood pressure. Carol hardly had enough strength to go up and down the stairs. She struggled with eating and being able to digest food. By all outward appearances, it seemed she was living on prayers. However, as a family, we really believed that God was directing our steps and guiding us to this Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy treatment. So, in faith, Carol put one foot in front of the other, trusting that God had a plan, even though it looked like her health was quickly declining.

Fast forward to now, Carol just received her third Dendritic Cell injection yesterday, and she is already showing significant signs of healing. All of her bloodwork is improving. Her blood pressure has improved significantly and her doctor has been able to majorly decrease her blood pressure medication. She has gone from sleeping all day, to hardly even needing a nap! She is eating well and her digestion is improving. AND we received an email today from the main Immunologist, stating that her most recent bloodwork shows that the cancer in her body is significantly decreasing! Hallelujah! 

We are awaiting further test results that will give us a better idea of exactly how things are improving, but we know enough at this point to feel confident that things are moving in the right direction. Carol has reflected on this journey and said, "It truly feels like I walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and God was WITH me." While we are celebrating and dancing happy dances with these amazing signs of healing, one of the doctors also reminded us that this healing journey is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. The road ahead to healing is still long, but the doctors are telling us that things are finally moving in the right direction. We are thanking God, and thanking each person that has been praying and financially supporting Carol in this season.

Most of Carol's 6 weeks in Mexico have been spent resting, but as her energy has improved, we surprised her with an adventure for Mother's Day. We took her on a ferry ride to the island of Isla Mujeres, where we had arranged an experience for her to swim with a dolphin. Attached is a picture from that experience. She loved it! 

She will be returning home to Easton Maryland this Sunday, May 19th, where she will continue receiving treatment from a wonderful, local, integrative oncologist. 

Thanks again to all who have been a part of this journey. We honestly could not have done this without all the support! We will continue to post updates as this season unfolds. Much love to all! 

Hi friends and family,

We wanted to share an update on Carol's healing journey. The first two and a half weeks in Cancun were spent having tests and procedures to prepare for the Dendritic cell immunotherapy injection (the treatment). The team of healthcare professionals welcomed Carol with so much warmth and compassion. They have supported each and every step of this journey with kindness and thorough care. On April 18th, Carol received her first of three treatment injections. The procedure went very well. Her next treatment injection is May 2nd. 

Carol is handling the treatment well. Whether she is lying and watching Downton Abbey, reading, taking naps, or sitting on the porch in the sun, she is resting lots. 

A dear friend and cancer survivor wrote some healing affirmations for my mom, and I would like to share a few of them. If anyone feels called to include them in their prayers and meditations, we would be grateful. 

- "God is working to protect Carol and keep her safe on this healing journey. Carol is healing with His love and guidance."

"All parts of Carol, aware or not, know what to do to heal."

"Carol's body and Soul Self work in tandem and with the grace of God have the capacity to neutralize any illness."

"Carol's body, mind, and soul are profoundly self-healing."

"The dendritic cells are conquering and removing all that does not belong in Carol's body."

During this season, Carol's favorite Bible verses have been Psalm 23 and 91. She repeats them often, and they give her great peace and reassurance. 

Thank you ALL for your love and support. We could not do this without our family and friends. Please keep praying!

P.S. Attached is a picture of one of the doctors holding Carol's first dendritic cell injection right before she got it! It was a very happy moment! 

Carol has officially arrived in Mexico to start the treatment for her cancer! We have SO much to be grateful for! We are especially thankful for all who have been a part of supporting this journey so far! Our family has been supported with meals, encouraging messages, money, prayers, etc.. We have friends taking communion for us daily and praying around the clock for Carol’s healing, and we are so deeply touched by each caring gesture. 

Carol is settled in an AirBnb in Cancun, Mexico with her husband, Dave, and her oldest daughter, Melissa. She will be receiving treatment over the course of 6 weeks. 

While Carol is very weak and tired, she is full of faith and feeling so loved by her family and friends. She wants each and every one of you to know how much she loves you. 

Please keep your prayers coming. We wish we could share all of the miracles (big and small) that have been a part of this season. God is in ALL the details and we feel His nearness. 

More updates to come!