St. Jude patient to announce round three selection at 2019 NFL Draft

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® patient Owen will be a special guest of the National Football League (NFL) when he announces the Seattle Seahawks’ round three draft pick onstage on Friday evening, April 26, in Nashville, Tennessee. Former NFL MVP running back Shaun Alexander will join Owen onstage to raise awareness of the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.®

“The NFL is a longtime partner of St. Jude, providing incredibly memorable experiences for our patients and families each year through opportunities like the NFL Draft and for kids to learn how to help other kids through the Play 60 program,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Owen has an inner strength and determination that should be admired, and we are honored that the NFL has invited him to represent St. Jude at the Draft to support all of the children fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

Owen was diagnosed at four years old with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Owen spent nine years battling ALL and his love for football and running began immediately after he completed treatment in 2012. Now at 13, Owen is proud to be cancer-free and can even complete a 5:36 mile. He is a proud Seattle Seahawks fan, which he attributes to the influence of his “favorite” uncle who resides in Seattle.

“I’m so excited to attend the NFL Draft and can’t wait to get to Nashville to make the round three pick for my favorite team, the Seattle Seahawks,” said Owen. “It will be an amazing experience to be part of the draft, so I’m thankful for both St. Jude and the NFL for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

The complete story of Owen’s St. Jude journey is featured in a new piece on St. Jude Inspire, titled “Fast forward: A two-sport athlete, Owen is on course for success.”

St. Jude and the NFL’s partnership spans more than seven years and includes the NFL PLAY 60 program and Run Rich Run. These fundraising programs help patients and families cope with serious illnesses through play therapy, peer interaction and more. The combined efforts are instrumental in creating support and awareness for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude while also providing patients with unique experiences at various NFL events.

The NFL Draft kicks off from Nashville at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 25, and will air live on the NFL Network, ESPN, ABC and online at NFL.com/Watch.

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