Enteroviral Myocarditis Nearly Claims the Life of a New Baby Boy
Baby Owen Went into Complete Heart Failure Days After Birth
As told by Owens mom, Kristan Cardwell
After having our first son, Cole, in 2007, Daron and I knew that we wanted more children. We were ecstatic to learn that we were expecting again in February of 2009. The joy of knowing we were going to be parents again was overwhelming, and when we discovered we were expecting another little boy, we were beyond thrilled. We decided to name him Owen, and as we prepared for his arrival, we couldn’t wait to meet him.
On October 21, Owen made a grand entrance at 37 weeks and five days. He weighed seven pounds, four ounces, and was 20 inches long—a healthy size for a newborn. When the doctors placed him in my arms, our hearts swelled with love and gratitude. We were overjoyed to be blessed with another son, and our family felt complete. We couldn’t have asked for a happier, healthier baby.
However, our joy was short-lived. Within a few hours of his birth, it became clear that something wasn’t right. Owen was having trouble breathing, and the medical team quickly began monitoring him closely. At first, they thought it might just be a temporary issue, but by the next day, it became evident that Owen needed more advanced care. Without hesitation, he was flown to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina, where specialists could provide the extra help he urgently needed.
As the hours and days passed, it became more and more clear that Owen wasn’t improving. His breathing became increasingly labored, and the doctors suspected that he was fighting a serious virus. But things took a terrifying turn when, five days after his birth, we arrived at the hospital to find his bed surrounded by a team of doctors and nurses. They told us that Owen had gone into complete heart failure and wasn’t expected to survive the night.
As we stood there, overwhelmed and helpless, we felt our world crash down around us. The doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize him, but we had no way of knowing whether our precious baby would make it through. Later, we would learn that Owen’s diagnosis was Enteroviral Myocarditis, a rare and severe condition that affects the heart and can cause irreversible damage.
Those first few weeks were an emotional rollercoaster, but Owen’s fight for life was nothing short of miraculous. As we watched him struggle and slowly begin to improve, we knew that he was a fighter. And so, with every setback, Owen pushed forward, determined to survive. We were by his side every step of the way, holding onto hope and trusting in God’s plan.
Over time, Owen’s health stabilized, but his journey was far from over. He would endure countless visits to the cardiologist, several rounds of medications, and participation in drug trials designed to help his heart heal. Even when the road ahead seemed uncertain, Owen showed an unwavering strength and resilience. We watched in awe as he faced each challenge with courage, never giving up, never giving in.
As the years went on, we saw Owen thrive in ways we hadn’t even imagined possible. He surpassed every expectation, and though he would always be a survivor, we were blessed to witness him grow into a strong, joyful young boy. He brought laughter, light, and love into our lives every day. His smile could brighten the darkest days, and his energy was contagious. He wasn’t just surviving; he was thriving.
At 15, Owen is thriving in so many ways. He’s looking forward to milestones that once seemed impossible, like learning to drive, graduating from high school, and beginning to carve out a path for his future. He is curious about the world around him and is full of hope and dreams. His passion for life is inspiring. His resilience, his ability to overcome every obstacle, and his unwavering faith in the future make him a remarkable young man.
Owen is energetic and full of life. He plays sports, hangs out with friends, and continues to bless our family with his vibrant presence. There are days when we simply pause and marvel at how far he has come—how this little boy, who once fought for every breath, is now looking forward to his future with so much enthusiasm and hope. His life is a testament to the power of faith, the strength of the human spirit, and the grace of God.
Throughout this journey, the Myocarditis Foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting our family. From the moment of Owen’s diagnosis, their resources, education, and community support have been invaluable. The foundation’s work has had an enormous impact on our lives, offering not only critical information about myocarditis but also connecting us with other families who have walked similar paths. The knowledge we’ve gained through the Myocarditis Foundation has helped us navigate Owen’s care with greater confidence and understanding, and the emotional support we’ve received from other families affected by this condition has been a comfort during the toughest times.
The Myocarditis Foundation’s commitment to education, awareness, and research is truly inspiring. Their efforts to spread knowledge about myocarditis and provide support to families dealing with this rare condition make a meaningful difference. Their work ensures that more families, like ours, are equipped with the tools they need to face the challenges of myocarditis and to advocate for better care. We are so grateful for all they do and for the community they’ve built that helps families like ours feel less alone.
We are so incredibly thankful to God for the gift of our little Owen. His life has taught us more than we ever could have imagined. It has taught us about having faith, trusting in God’s timing, and the true power of prayer. Owen has shown us that no matter what obstacles life throws our way, there is always hope, always a reason to keep going. His journey has not been easy, and he still faces challenges, but we remain hopeful, knowing that God has a plan for his life. We trust that God will continue to guide us as we walk this journey together.
Owen has come so far, and his story is far from over. We know that his road ahead may still be difficult, but we also know that he is capable of achieving great things. With the love and support of his family, the strength and courage he carries within him, and the incredible work of the Myocarditis Foundation, there’s no limit to what Owen can accomplish.
