Just after taking his first breath, Owen was transported from Burdett to Albany Med entering into the fight of his life.

Born with a serious congenital heart defect called "TAPVR", Owen's tiny heart was not processing and moving blood throughout his body the way it should. After a whirlwind of tests and sleepless nights, doctors confirmed he would need open-heart surgery. At roughly 7 pounds and 10 days old, Owen faced the unimaginable: a complex and high-risk surgery to repair his fragile heart.

Owen is a fighter and now this little guy is a happy, healthy 1 1/2 year old who loves playing in dirt, chasing chickens and riding around on ATVs!

Please consider supporting Owen's journey with a donation towards the American Heart Association.