2018 Get Goin For Owen

My nephew Owen was born on March 2, 2010 in Memorial Hospital in Easton, MD. He was then transferred to University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD where he remained in the NICU for 5 months. Owen then spent two months at Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, MD before finally coming home in September of 2010. Owen has a condition called Arthrogryposis, which limits the use of his joints. He also has Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS) which has made him ventilator dependent. In additon, he also requires a G-tube for feeding. Owen is the recipient of a VEPTR which requires surgery for adjustments a couple times a year as he grows. The goal of the VEPTR is to provide adequate room in his chest for his lungs to function properly. Owen sees a majority of his doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) as well as Johns Hopkins and often requires extended stays there. These prolonged hospital stays (sometimes several weeks) are difficult on the family, as the travel back and forth as well as time off from work puts an emotional and financial strain on Bob, Kristin, and April (Owen's 9 year old sister). In addition to the hospital visits Owen must endure a few times per year, he requires a vast amount of equipment and accomodations. A lot of these things are covered by insurance, but a some of it is not. For example, Bob and Kristin had their van retrofitted with a wheelchair ramp to make transporting Owen in and out of the cars much easier. This was an extremely costly "out of pocket" endeavor that never could have been possible without the help of "Get Goin' For Owen". Owen's family needs your help. Bob and Kristin have taken many extended leaves from work since Owen was born. There have been costly accomodations that needed to be made at home for Owen, in addition, there is no telling of what may be expected in the future due to Owen's chronic condition as he continues to grow. Please help out in any way you can. Every little bit counts and is much appreciated! Thank you!!!