Danielle and Andrew West faced a challenging first month as parents when their son Owen was born six weeks early in November 2015. Their joy of welcoming a new life quickly turned into fear and uncertainty as Owen developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition that causes the death of bowel tissue and is particularly dangerous for premature babies. The sudden onset of the illness left the Wests reeling, with their doctor unable to provide a clear explanation for its occurrence.
As Owen fought for his life in the neonatal intensive care unit, Danielle found herself overwhelmed with emotions, crying like she had never cried before. Her sister tried to offer comfort, but Danielle was consumed by guilt. She couldn’t shake the feeling that somehow she was to blame for Owen’s condition.
The Wests spent long hours by Owen’s bedside, praying for his recovery and holding onto hope that he would pull through. They leaned on each other for support, finding strength in their love for their son and their determination to see him thrive.
Despite the uncertainty and fear that clouded those early days of Owen’s life, the Wests remained steadfast in their belief that he was a fighter. And their faith was rewarded when Owen slowly began to show signs of improvement. With each small victory, their hope grew, and they dared to imagine a future where Owen would grow up strong and healthy.
Today, Owen is a thriving young boy, full of energy and curiosity. The Wests look back on those challenging early days with gratitude for the medical team that saved their son’s life and for the strength they found within themselves. They know that Owen’s journey is just beginning, but they face the future with optimism and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of life.
