Today, he’s a source of inspiration, having endured close to 50 surgeries.
Susan Mahan, who later became Owen’s adoptive mom, vividly remembers the overwhelming day she met him at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
“When I got there, it was a matter of taking it minute by minute and hour by hour,” she recalls of those intense early moments. According to PEOPLE, the heartbreaking event unfolded when Owen was just two years old. His biological mother had placed him in boiling water, causing second- and third-degree burns across 98% of his body. Shockingly, she delayed seeking medical help for two hours.
At that critical time, doctors saw little hope for his survival, initially stating he had a “0% chance to survive.” Yet, the committed staff at Shriners, known for their expertise in pediatric burn care, began a relentless effort to save his life. Susan can’t forget the severe condition Owen was in when she first saw him: “He was burnt, he had sores all over him. He was just a mess.”
The hospital staff reassured her they would do everything possible to assist Owen, a promise that would change Susan’s life forever.
Susan shares this sentiment, gratefully acknowledging the critical role Shriners has played: “He wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for them.”
We continue to cheer on this remarkable family and wish them the very best going forward!
“My life forever changed,” she recounted, now 62 years old. Now at 16, Owen has undergone 47 surgeries at Shriners, marking significant progress in his recovery journey. His treatment has included everything from regular wound cleaning to numerous skin grafts, making the hospital a pillar of hope for him and his family.
Susan, who is also a mother to eight other children and a grandmother to seven, has taken on the role of Owen’s main caregiver. She manages his care at home in between the hospital visits. Tragically, Owen’s injuries led to the amputation of both legs below the knee. Despite these hardships, Susan’s dedication to Owen’s recovery remains unyielding: “Our journey’s not over with Shriners.”
Owen’s unwavering spirit and positive attitude have touched many lives. Despite his personal battles, he actively works to encourage others who are just beginning to navigate their own recovery from severe burns. Jessica Wagner from Shriners highlights Owen’s significant impact: “He is willing to share his journey. It’s so inspiring for kids who are at the very beginning of their burn injury.”
Susan believes deeply in Owen’s purpose: “God left him here for a reason. And I truly think it’s to inspire others.”
For Owen, Shriners is not just a medical facility; it’s a second family. “They gave me life. They helped me walk. They accept me for who I am,” he expressed to PEOPLE. Owen’s perseverance and optimism are nothing short of remarkable. Even after facing such severe trials, he maintains a positive attitude.
“He has every right to be mad at the world, but he has a smile on his face every single day,” Susan told PEOPLE. “This is the only life he knows. But he has such a good outlook on life.”
