Meet Bowen

Meet Bowen, an athletic and talented 13-year-old who lights up every room with his smile. Bowen is an all-around athlete who loves football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. He’s a devoted fan of all Atlanta sports teams and was the proud 2024 Fantasy Football Champion in his league!

Bowen was living his normal, active life until halfway through 2024 when he got sick with what seemed like a routine case of strep throat. Unfortunately, the illness took a devastating turn when the infection entered his bloodstream, causing his body to go into septic shock. This led to the life-altering loss of his right arm and introduced a number of unexpected challenges.

Despite everything, Bowen is determined to return to his active lifestyle and continue playing the sports he loves. He is working hard to adapt to his new normal, relearning daily tasks and starting the process of getting a prosthetic. His positivity and resilience have been his greatest strengths, inspiring everyone around him as he takes on this journey with courage and determination.

Bowen’s ultimate dream is to attend the NFL Draft and proudly call out the Atlanta Falcons’ pick. His unwavering spirit and love for sports remind us all that even in the face of adversity, dreams have the power to bring hope, joy, and purpose.

Bowen's Dream

The trip kicked off with a surprise send-off at Bowen’s house featuring Freddie Falcon, Falcons cheerleaders, news crews, and supporters from Strack, Inc., one of Bowen’s Dream sponsors. Bowen was moved to tears when surprised with the news—via a special video from Bijan Robinson—that he’d be announcing a Falcons draft pick! He received Falcons swag, including signed jerseys, and then the family was whisked away in a limo to the airport. After arriving in Appleton, they were greeted with a fully stocked Airbnb, local treats, and a limo ride to the NFL Experience. The evening included meeting NFL players, rolling down Ariens Hill, and enjoying games, pizza, and coloring contests back at the Airbnb.

Bowen’s strength and joyful spirit—despite enduring over 30 surgeries in just 110 days—set the tone for a heartwarming start!

Day two began with a lively family breakfast, followed by a private visit to NEW Zoo & Adventure Park where the kids fed giraffes, barn animals, and penguins. After some much needed downtime, the crew headed to a special dinner at Chophouse Republic. The evening included their family tradition of sharing daily highlights and heartfelt toasts, and ended with laughter and storytelling.

Day three marked Bowen’s official Draft Day! Due to a last minute trade, Bowen shared his magic moment on stage with the Falcons’ International Fan of the Year, who happened to be from Germany—a happy coincidence since Bowen’s family is heading there soon and the made plans to meet up! Bowen nailed the pick with his brother Barrett hyping the crowd beside him. After the big moment, the crew wound down with Mexican food and family time at the Airbnb before prepping for their flight home with Bowen smiling ear to ear.

Dream Snapshots

Thank you to Strack Inc. the Rosenberg Charitable Foundation