(Over the course of the next few weeks, the Lincoln Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).
by Bevin Hicks
There are few in this town who don’t know the courageous story of Brecken Shadow Owens.
If you’ve seen groups of guys proudly rocking shaved heads, “Breck Strong” shirts, or local businesses rallying in support, then you know, this town stands behind its warrior. I often tell his mom, Val, one of my dearest friends, that Breck is our Hollywood Baby. The sparkles in his eyes and those dimples are bound to break hearts one day. But beyond his megawatt smile is a spirit of pure strength.
By all accounts, Breck is a thriving, joyful second grader, obsessed with Roblox, his friends, and all the things a little boy should love. All accounts other than childhood leukemia, the beast that has come knocking again.
Breck’s battle first began at just two years old, when a simple fever turned into a nightmare. Within 48 hours, his parents, Val and Rob, found themselves at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, hearing the words no family ever wants to hear, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
They clung to their faith, leaned on their community, and watched in awe as their little boy fought with the heart of a lion. And he won. But now, years later, the Owens family is facing every parent’s worst fear: a relapse.
Val’s words on Facebook were a gut punch to us all:
“The last post I ever wanted to write was this one. Breck has relapsed. It makes me sick to even write it. As of right now, they think we caught it in time and found very small amounts in his bone marrow. This is God. I’m telling you, Moms and Dads, if you feel something isn’t right, listen to it. We leave today headed to St. Jude.”
And just like that, this community did what it does best. We showed up.
From the moment the news broke, an outpouring of love and support flooded in. His classmates at Cedar Creek started planning special days to lift his spirits. The Ruston community, which has always wrapped its arms around the Owens family, sprang into action. Local businesses, churches, and organizations stepped forward to ensure that Val, Rob, Breck, and his beloved little sister, Vale, never felt alone in this fight.
The brothers of Louisiana Tech’s TKE fraternity collected over 600 handwritten letters from students, encouraging Breck and reminding him that he has an entire army behind him. Even LA Tech President Jim Henderson took the time to personally write a letter to let Breck know he is loved, supported, and never alone.
Breck’s classmates and teachers made it their mission to keep his spirits high. His Pre-K buddies participated in a Trike-a-Thon in his honor, proving that even the smallest warriors stand behind him. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson sent well wishes to Breck, offering encouragement and admiration.
Then there were the fundraisers, each one a testament to how deeply Breck has touched the hearts of this town. Cool Beans Coffee Shop dedicated an entire day to Breck, donating proceeds to help support the Owens family. Train 318 hosted a fundraiser this past weekend, rallying more support in his honor. The Wild Bill’s Swinging for Breck Golf Tournament, set to be held on April 25th, will bring together golfers and supporters alike, turning their love for the game into a powerful force for good.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Breck Stock 2025, a benefit concert at Sundown Tavern, featured live music, raffles, and a silent auction, all with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Owens family to assist with any needs that arose during this journey.
For those who wanted to offer support in a tangible way, an Amazon Wishlist was created, hand-picked by Breck himself to bring him and his little sister, Vale, joy, and comfort during this journey. Just 24 hours in, every item on his wish list was being sent his way. Every effort, big or small, was a testament to the unshakable love and support that surrounded the Owens family.
Perhaps the most powerful moment came straight from Breck himself. His mother shared his words: while riding in the car, he suddenly said,
“I just heard a voice in my head.”
When his parents asked what it said, he answered,
“Don’t worry, all you need is Me.”
Tears filled their eyes.
“That was Jesus, Breck,” Val replied.
And that’s the thing about this little boy—he is strong beyond his years, wise in a way that only someone who has been tested by fire can be.
Val and Rob have chosen faith over fear. In her own words, Val shared:
“We’re choosing today to put on the garment of praise God offers us instead of the cloak of grief (Isaiah 61:3). Today, I ask you to be in prayer for our fearless lion. He is mighty. He is a warrior, and he’s going to get through this! Pray that God gives Breck supernatural strength through his mind, body, and spirit. Remove all anxiety, worry, exhaustion, and cancer cells, and replace them with peace, joy, and hope. There’s power in the mighty name of Jesus. We’re not backing down from any giant. We know how this story ends! Victory!”
And there is one thing we all know for sure, Ruston fights for its own, and Breck Owens is just that: one of our own, a piece of all our hearts, and a beacon of fortitude from whom we all gain wisdom.
In the most beautiful display of love, Breck’s second-grade class posed for a picture together. Although Breck couldn’t be there for the photo as he was being treated at St. Jude, he wasn’t absent. His class included a giant stuffed sloth and a photo of Breck, a reminder that no matter where he is, he carries their love with him.
This community loves this little boy beyond words, and the way they have shown up for him and his family is nothing short of extraordinary. Breck has strength like no other. At nine years old, he is teaching us all about what it means to love, to fight, and to live with purpose. The road ahead may seem long, but the Owens family will never walk it alone, and together we know…
Victory is coming.
