When a camera crew walked into Rick Owens’ eighth-grade classroom during a lesson on the Mongols, the Idaho middle school teacher had no idea his life was about to change. What happened next left him trembling and in tears as his students watched.
Owens has dedicated 22 years to educating young people, earning the admiration of both students and colleagues alike. His commitment extends far beyond standard teaching duties, as he regularly takes on additional responsibilities to ensure his students thrive academically. Beyond the school walls, he has spent countless hours teaching CPR and swimming lessons, equipping community members with crucial life-saving abilities.
A teacher facing a medical crisis
The beloved educator now faces his own life-threatening situation. Owens requires open-heart surgery scheduled for November 24th, but faces a significant financial obstacle. His insurance plan won’t fully cover the procedure because all four doctors qualified to perform this specific surgery operate outside his network.
Despite both he and his wife Tanda working as teachers and maintaining modest lifestyles, the couple has consistently prioritized giving to others over personal gain. This philosophy has now left them struggling with the financial burden of necessary medical care.
A surprise that changed everything
When a local Secret Santa learned of Owens’ predicament, they dispatched the East Idaho News team to deliver an unexpected gift. The crew arrived during class and presented Owens with a box containing gift cards totaling $2,000—$1,000 each for Fred Meyer and Maverick gas stations. These cards will help offset the costs of his repeated trips to Salt Lake City for medical appointments.
But the surprises didn’t end there. A second gift contained a $10,000 check to cover his insurance deductibles. As Owens opened it, his hands shook and tears streamed down his face while his students witnessed their teacher’s emotional moment.
A heart focused on others
Perhaps most revealing about Owens’ character was his initial reaction to learning about the surgery. “What are my students going to do? What do I do for my students?” he asked doctors. His first concern wasn’t the financial cost or the six-to-eight-week recovery period, but rather how his absence would affect the young people depending on him.
The anonymous Secret Santa included a heartfelt message: “sending his love from his heart to your heart,” expressing hope that Owens will return to teaching for another 25 years.
The generous contribution will allow Owens to undergo the life-saving procedure without the crushing weight of medical debt, enabling him to focus on recovery and eventually returning to the classroom where students eagerly await his return.
