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Team Owen

Owen Michael was born 1/27/14, 5 weeks early. He was born with a congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome and a congenital defect of the colon called imperforate anus. Owen had his first (of 3) colon surgeries at 2 days old to place a colostomy. This will require 2 more surgeries for reconstruction of his anus/rectum and then a surgery to reverse the colostomy. His first (of 3) open heart surgeries took place on February 19th. Owen was small and ideally his doctors wanted to wait a bit for the surgery, but his heart condition was critical. After a 6 hour surgery, Owen came back to his room on ECMO (a machine that was working for his lungs, allowing them to rest). He was on this for 2 days. He was on a ventilator for 3 weeks. His recovery was long and slow. He had several complications, but persevered. On April 15th, he was discharged to home. Unfortunately, it was short lived, as Owen was readmitted the next day with a GI infection known as c. Difficile. He was treated and sent home again. He was home for 6 days and readmitted again with similar symptoms, this time thought to be a milk allergy. Formula was changed and we were sent home again, this time for 72 hours. Owen spiked a fever and came back to the hospital and was found to have his if infection back, this time causing a high white blood cell count and severe inflammation. He was in the hospital for 10 days and discharged again, seemingly doing well. He was great for 3 days. Then he aspirated oral secretions into his lungs. His oxygen saturations dropped very low and we had to call the ambulance to take him to the hospital. After a repeat echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization and multiple blood tests, they have decided to keep Owen in the hospital until his next open heart surgery (approximately 4-6 weeks away) and we have been told that our recovery from the second surgery will most likely be prolonged (approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery). We know this is what is best for Owen, but it is very hard. We have both had prolonged periods of being off of work, we drive approx 90 miles round trip from our house to the hospital every day to be with Owen as well as pay for parking here at the hospital. At first we saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Now, we aren't sure when we will be able to go home. Owen's medical expenses are unbelievable. We are grateful for insurance, but this does not cover everything. Any bit will help is to be with Owen and to help take care of him until he will be able to come home!! For anyone that would like to follow Owen's journey, our caring bridge site is www.caringbridge.org and our site is owenlester. Thank you so very much!

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $25 
    • 10 yrs

Organizer

Christy Hotger Lester
Organizer

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