Madelyn G. Bowen passed away on October 6, 2018 at just twenty-one years old due to synovial sarcoma. She had battled this rare type of cancer that affects the arms and legs since she was diagnosed in April 2017.
She was an active member of the SUNY OW Panthers women’s softball team and continued to play up until this fall. As a junior and PEL (Politics, Economics and Law) major, Bowen signed up to work on Liuba Grechen Shirley’s campaign, a Democrat running against Rep. Peter King for New York’s 2nd Congressional District.
She will be missed by her coaches, teammates and classmates. Head coach of the women’s softball team Rich Borawski remembers Madelyn as, “a beacon of light, meaning she never let cancer stop her from what she loved to do.”
Bowen continued to play softball attending all games and practices until she could no longer do so. “I honestly do not know how she did it! And how well she hid it from all of us the pain and suffering she was going through!” said Borawski. “Tough as nails as a player! And a far better human being for touching us ALL in our lives!”
Information on services for Bowen can be found here.
Any students or faculty seeking support following the loss of Ms. Bowen can visit the Office of Counseling and Psychological Wellness Services located in the Student Union building.
