Our Journey for Owen

*thank you Davis Video Productions (check them out on fb) for creating this video and to Dart Mcadoo for filming

Diagnosis: Owen was born with bilateral microtia and atresia of the ears.   This means that he has no ear canals/openings and only pieces of his outer ears.  Only one of every 7,000 babies are  born with this and only 10% of those babies have bilateral deformities (both sides).  He is literally one in a million.

He is one in a million in more ways.  He is a bright light.  A joy.  A happy, joyous child.  He is our little O, OO, Oboe, Butch, Honey badger, Boss Baby.  He is fierce and funny and the best snuggler you could ever ask for.

The Plan: Owen has reached the age to have his ear canals built (atresiaplasty) and his outer ears created using a newer technology/material called Medpor.  Through his 3 1/2 years of life he is not aware that his ears are different than most.  He is however aware that he can only hear with his BAHA (bone anchored hearing aide) worn on a headband.  

We will travel to CA three times this year for Owen's scheduled surgeries.  Each time we will have to stay 3-4 weeks.  

This surgery will allow him to hear naturally without the use of a bone anchored hearing aide.  He will also have his outer ears built!  
 
How much money and why: His first surgery is scheduled for March 28 and we will need $31,000 for the surgeon's fees.  This will be the first of 3 surgeries scheduled this year.  I have researched and developed a relationship with the  creator of the Medpor method and an ENT-otolaryngologist.  Both are the most experienced atresia and microtia surgeons in the world.  They are the best in their field and work as a team.

Financial Plan: I plan to take out a loan to fund Owen's year of surgery.   My insurance will cover just a small percentage and I estimate that I will owe well over $100k.  I have  formed many relationships through this journey with Owen.  I am a registered nurse and have met many people that have expressed the desire to help us financially.  There have been many friends, family members, coworkers, patients and friends of friends that want to help Owen.  I hope that this gofundme page will be the vehicle to help Owen and to help me pay down the loan.  Our fierce little fighter is ready to get his ears!

Thank you so much to everyone that contributes to our fund!  We love you all and hope to continue to form forever friendships in this journey.

Please share  Owen's story to your timeline and email any contacts that would consider donating. I will keep everyone posted on updates as they occur.  Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!

UPDATE: August 6
2nd Round:  We have a date set for Owen's next surgery! Surgery date is August 22! Owen and I will be flying out on Aug 20 to CA for our second trip. During this time Owen will have his 2nd ear canal (right side) and his first outer ear placed. This round is more intense than the first because of the dual surgeries performed under one anesthesia event and then even more restrictive activity restrictions. Owen doesn't do “NO JUMPING, CLIMBING, SWINGING, DANCING, RUNNING” well. Please pray for him to be a chill little California dude post surgery. (for atleast 4 weeks).

We are still raising funds to help with this and thankfully raised enough money to pay for the first surgery in March! Thank you ALL who helped us and helped to share our story. As of now we have about $20k but need $60k for the next round. Sooooo I am short. BUT thankfully I do have a loan in place so the surgery will happen for sure. If you have been considering a donation or know of someone you can share Owen's story with that may wish to donate; we will be and are forever grateful and thankful.

We have a scheduled appointment for Owen to have his official post surgical audiogram next week and are anxious to discover the results of how well his hearing is now that he is healed. HE CAN HEAR and I know his audiologist is going to be so excited to see him and test him again! I will post an update for sure after this!

We love you all and are so thankful for everyone's love, support and prayers!