#OwenStrong
Expecting the arrival of a baby is one of life’s greatest blessings. Our dear friend Emily, and her family awaited the arrival of their newest bundle no different than with their first…excited & overjoyed.
On February 15, 2021, Owen James was born. Emily, and her husband Adam would find out just a couple hours after his uneventful entry into this world that Owen would require additional medical support. Soon after birth, Owen was diagnosed with esophageal atresia (EA)/tracheoesophageal fistula(TEF). Adapted from the National Organization for Rare Disorders website, EA is a rare birth defect where the esophagus does not develop normally, and often occurs with TEF, which is an abnormal connection between the esophagus, and trachea (search EA/TEF on rarediseases.org for more information).
Having an uneventful pregnancy, with no prior evidence of Owen’s condition, Emily & Adam were unprepared for what would eventually prove to be an unforgettable journey.
Make no mistake about it. While the Dagley family has dealt with the various challenges that has accompanied Owen’s diagnoses, Owen has proven himself to be so much more than EA/TEF. Despite the many trials experienced, with still more surgeries to come, Owen has been a strong, resilient, and happy baby who thrives in every other way.
Please, consider making a monetary contribution to help relieve the unexpected financial burden that this family has endured. From the evolving medical debt, to small expenses that have added up over the past several months with things like expensive parking, the lengthy commute to, and from the family’s home to the hospital (84 miles round trip), to everything in between. The expansive list of expenditures is only magnified by the loss of income that the family has experienced with Emily remaining on leave of absence from her beloved profession as a Labor & Delivery Registered Nurse, having already exhausted all of her paid time off.
While we are requesting monetary contributions to help support this extraordinary family, we are also soliciting your prayers for a full recovery for Owen, as well as prayers for the guidance of the entire team of medical professionals who continue to pour their expertise into healing our sweet Owen.
Your support is genuinely appreciated. Thank you in advance. #OwenStrong
