A two-year-old boy, given a “0% chance of survival” after sustaining third-degree burns to 98% of his body, has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. Owen, who has endured nearly 50 surgeries, now shares his journey of resilience and recovery, uplifting others facing similar challenges.
A Critical Beginning
The dire circumstances began when Owen was just two years old. Following a tragic incident involving scalding hot water caused by his biological mother, Owen was left with life-threatening injuries. It took two hours before help was sought, and by then, Owen’s condition was critical. He was admitted to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, where his fight for life began.
Battling Against the Odds
At Shriners, a facility renowned for its pediatric burn care, the medical team faced the grim prognosis of Owen’s survival head-on. Susan Mahan, Owen’s adoptive mother, remembers the uncertainty of those early days. “When I got there, it was minute by minute and hour by hour,” she recounts, describing the severity of Owen’s condition upon her first visit to the hospital.
A Journey of Healing
Now 16, Owen has undergone 47 surgeries at Shriners, including multiple skin grafting procedures and the amputation of both legs below the knee. Despite these challenges, Owen’s spirit remains unbroken. He has grown into a resilient young man, often seen with a smile, despite the hardships he continues to endure.
More Than a Patient
Owen’s role as a patient ambassador for Shriners highlights his dedication to helping others. “He has every right to be mad at the world, but he has a smile on his face every single day,” Susan shared with PEOPLE magazine. Owen’s positive outlook and willingness to share his experiences provide immense encouragement to others starting their own recovery journeys.
A Family Beyond Blood
For Owen, Shriners is much more than a hospital—it is a family. “They gave me life. They helped me walk. They accept me for who I am,” he expresses with gratitude. Susan Mahan, who has become Owen’s primary caregiver, echoes his sentiments, acknowledging the crucial role Shriners has played: “He wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for them.”
An Ongoing Mission
Looking ahead, Owen’s journey with Shriners is far from over. Yet, his life story is a profound testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome and to the incredible support that can turn a bleak prognosis into a story of hope and inspiration.
We wish Owen and his family continued strength and joy as they look forward to the future together!
