Meet Owen. The miracle I run for.
Owen is my nephew, and the first son of my amazing cousins, Kristen and Landon. At his 20-week ultrasound appointment, Owen was diagnosed with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A devastating development that affects the growth of his lungs, Owen was deemed "incompatible with life". Heartbroken, Kristen and Landon did the only thing they could in that moment - get a second opinion. They went to Boston Children's Hospital.
Doctors told them that Owen had a chance and in March 2022, Owen was born. He received life saving surgery and was placed on life support. From the start, Owen showed strength, courage and determination to experience life. The amazing, around the clock care that Owen received from the doctors and nurses, in a city close to home was truly a blessing. It allowed family to visit - we held Owen, sang to him and talked to him. We were able to spend time with Kristen and Landon - dropping off meals, offering laughs and happiness on good days, and hugs and a shoulder on difficult ones. In addition to the love and support from his parents, there was so much comfort in knowing Owen was in the care of the best medical staff. After 116 days of ups and downs, Owen was strong enough to be discharged home.
Flash forward a year and a half. Owen has a smile like you've never seen. He giggles nonstop, loves to run, eats like the true Italian that he is and gives the best cuddles. He is the most charismatic toddler I have ever met. I run with Landon and my sister, Sarah, for Owen and for the hospital that gave him his chance. Please help me raise my goal of $11,600 - $100 for every day that Owen spent in the hospital - so that kids like Owen can continue to beat the odds.
Every dollar I raise funds the very best medical care, breakthrough research and vital support services for sick kids and their families. Your gift will:
- help children from your town and across the world get a second chance at life;
- give kids battling the most complex diseases care they can't find anywhere else;
- fuel 3,000+ researchers working to develop new treatments and cures;
- support patient programs, like music and art therapy, to let kids be kids, even during long hospital stays;
- help patient families in crisis with urgent needs, such as food, clothing and housing;
- deliver the most compassionate, leading-edge care to every child who needs it.
Please support my fundraising and help the incredible kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital.