Owen Hawkins Medical Fund
Donation protected
OWEN’S STORY
My name is Tim Hawkins. On the morning of June 19, 2015, my twin sons, Cody James and Owen Michael, were born one minute apart to mom Bridget, big sister Charlee, and me. (Bridget did most of the work.) Within half an hour of his landing, it became obvious that Owen was not doing as well as his big brother, so he was taken to the NICU. That is the last time the twins were together.
Bridget and I were told that Owen’s irregular breathing and inability to swallow were not unusual for babies born at 37 weeks (even though Cody had no trouble). He was put on oxygen and into an incubator, since his body temperature was all over the map, and a feeding tube was installed during his first night. He seemed somewhat stabilized but still, compared to Cody, unresponsive.
On day three, Owen’s care team performed a brain ultrasound and an electroencephalogram (EEG). On day five, Bridget and I learned that, while the ultrasound revealed normal brain structure, the EEG showed limited brain activity—comparable to a 32-week-old fetus. It was likely, we were told by one doctor, that Owen would never live a normal life. His brain function would likely not support normal breathing and eating. If he were to live, he would breathe through a tracheotomy and eat via a gastrostomy tube inserted directly into his stomach.
As you can imagine, this was devastating news. We began the painful process of considering the best options for our tiny, beautiful boy.
BUT . . . by day 11 (that’s today, June 29), Owen is starting to swallow and his medical team has reduced the amount of oxygen he is receiving. Not only that, but he has been more awake and responsive the past two days during our NICU visits.
Owen isn’t done surprising us!
OUR NEED
Owen’s medical care is expensive. While we do have health insurance, the large deductible is only one small part of our out-of-pocket expenses. We’re part of an HMO, so any out-of-network care, including second opinions or specialist consults, is not covered at 100%.
However Owen’s story turns out (and it’s looking better and better every day!) we will feel the financial squeeze for a long time to come. With the help of our extraordinarily generous family and friends—you—we can provide the care he needs without mortgaging our family’s future.
Thank you in advance for your support and kindness! I will keep you updated on Owen’s progress.
My name is Tim Hawkins. On the morning of June 19, 2015, my twin sons, Cody James and Owen Michael, were born one minute apart to mom Bridget, big sister Charlee, and me. (Bridget did most of the work.) Within half an hour of his landing, it became obvious that Owen was not doing as well as his big brother, so he was taken to the NICU. That is the last time the twins were together.
Bridget and I were told that Owen’s irregular breathing and inability to swallow were not unusual for babies born at 37 weeks (even though Cody had no trouble). He was put on oxygen and into an incubator, since his body temperature was all over the map, and a feeding tube was installed during his first night. He seemed somewhat stabilized but still, compared to Cody, unresponsive.
On day three, Owen’s care team performed a brain ultrasound and an electroencephalogram (EEG). On day five, Bridget and I learned that, while the ultrasound revealed normal brain structure, the EEG showed limited brain activity—comparable to a 32-week-old fetus. It was likely, we were told by one doctor, that Owen would never live a normal life. His brain function would likely not support normal breathing and eating. If he were to live, he would breathe through a tracheotomy and eat via a gastrostomy tube inserted directly into his stomach.
As you can imagine, this was devastating news. We began the painful process of considering the best options for our tiny, beautiful boy.
BUT . . . by day 11 (that’s today, June 29), Owen is starting to swallow and his medical team has reduced the amount of oxygen he is receiving. Not only that, but he has been more awake and responsive the past two days during our NICU visits.
Owen isn’t done surprising us!
OUR NEED
Owen’s medical care is expensive. While we do have health insurance, the large deductible is only one small part of our out-of-pocket expenses. We’re part of an HMO, so any out-of-network care, including second opinions or specialist consults, is not covered at 100%.
However Owen’s story turns out (and it’s looking better and better every day!) we will feel the financial squeeze for a long time to come. With the help of our extraordinarily generous family and friends—you—we can provide the care he needs without mortgaging our family’s future.
Thank you in advance for your support and kindness! I will keep you updated on Owen’s progress.
Organizer
Tim Hawkins
Organizer
Ojai, CA
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