Owen never focuses on what he cannot do. He simply figures out a way to do it.
Owen has a zest for life that is impossible to miss. He is always smiling, telling jokes, dancing, and keeping everyone around him entertained. He loves superheroes, villains, Masters of the Universe, and is one of Michael Jackson’s biggest fans. Most of all, he has a huge heart and approaches life with confidence, joy, and courage.
Owen was diagnosed with Amniotic Band Syndrome during his mother’s 20-week ultrasound. What was expected to be a routine appointment quickly became an emotional and uncertain moment for his family when they learned their son would be born without his left arm. Faced with countless questions and fears, his parents could not have imagined the strength and resilience Owen would one day show them.
From the beginning, Owen has approached every challenge with a simple mindset: he will figure it out. With support from physicians, specialists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, he learned to adapt and thrive. His family credits the care team at Beacon Children’s Hospital with helping him build confidence, develop skills, and discover all that he can accomplish.
As he has grown, Owen has continually surprised those around him. He learned to crawl, ride a bike, play video games, get dressed, and complete everyday tasks by finding his own unique way of doing things. Every milestone has been a reminder that there is no single way to accomplish a goal. Owen’s creativity, determination, and positive attitude have allowed him to excel far beyond expectations.
Today, Owen is a happy, healthy seven-year-old preparing to enter first grade. He loves school, enjoys spending time with friends, and never lets having one arm define what he can do. His confidence inspires everyone who meets him, and he continues to prove that nothing can hold him back.
When Owen was selected as a Junior Irish Reporter, his family was thrilled. As lifelong Notre Dame fans, the opportunity was especially meaningful. It gave Owen a chance to share his bright personality with others and experience something truly memorable.
Owen’s family is deeply grateful for the care they have received through Beacon Children’s Hospital. From therapists who helped him build skills to team members who encouraged him every step of the way, they consistently focused on what Owen could accomplish rather than what he could not. Their compassion, support, and belief in his abilities have made a lasting impact on his family.
Owen’s story is one of the determination, resilience, and the incredible things that become possible when a child is empowered to find their own way.
Because of your support of Beacon Children’s Hospital, kids like Owen receive expert treatment close to home, along with opportunities to smile and shine beyond their medical challenges. Your generosity makes sure families never feel alone in their hardest moments.
Learn how you can support kids like Lola at Beacon Children’s Hospital: https://foundation.beaconhealthsystem.org/give-now/
