Owen is turning 11 and that number feels nothing short of extraordinary.

Owen lives with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that began when he was only 6 months old. Dravet isn’t just seizures. It affects development, movement, speech, and nearly every part of daily life. It brings unpredictability. It brings hospital stays. It brings moments no parent is ever prepared for.

Two years ago we were told to prepare for the possibility that Owen could enter a catatonic state and may not recover.

And yet here we are.

Eleven years later, still going strong and this year alone-

Owen learned to swim.
He traveled to other countries.
He hung out with monkeys, pigeons, and stray cats (his kind of crew).
He is learning to read.
He is adding and subtracting.

These are milestones we were once told might never happen.

Every birthday with Owen is sacred. Every skill gained is hard-earned. Every new experience is a victory.

Owen is our warrior,not just because of what he endures, but because of how he lives.

In honor of his 11th birthday, we are participating in the “Give Up Your Cup” fundraiser for the Dravet Syndrome Foundation. Research and advocacy give families like ours hope- hope for better treatments, better understanding, and one day, a cure.

Instead of birthday gifts this year, we are asking for donations in Owen’s honor. If you were planning to celebrate him, please consider supporting the fight against Dravet syndrome.

Thank you for loving Owen. Thank you for cheering him on. And thank you for standing with warriors like him.

Eleven years. Countless seizures. Infinite strength.

With gratitude,
Nicole ?