Owen First

Baby Owen Gary Dallaire was due to join our family in February. However, he was born prematurely on November 30th, weighing in at 2 lbs. 8 oz. This beautiful little fighter has been at Maine Med ever since. Elizabeth and John have been with him as much as possible. Only dangerous winter driving conditions have kept them away. Mom Elizabeth’s short-term leave ended and she has had to return to work part-time. Dad, John, is self-employed and hasn’t been able to take leave time, but makes the drive to Portland at the end of every work day to join Elizabeth and be with their son. There have been great strides and disappointing setbacks for Owen. He has graduated from Maine Med’s wonderful neonatal intensive care to the Continuing Care Nursery. After tests, procedures, therapy and lots of love & prayers, Owen is breathing well on his own and gaining weight thanks to a nasal feeding tube. He can’t consistently eat independently yet which is the roadblock to being discharged. Options are being explored, but it’s clear that when Owen is discharged , Mom or Dad needs to be home with him for several weeks, especially if a feeding tube is surgically inserted in his little belly. The financial burden of hospitalization for Elizabeth and Owen, loss of income, and travel expenses have been overwhelming. John & Elizabeth wouldn’t ask for help so their families are doing it for them! Any donation to the Baby Owen fund would be greatly appreciated. Please help Mom and Dad afford to be with their baby during this next important part of his journey. Thank you so much for your support! Feel free share and widen the circle of love for Owen.