Bowen was born on September 9th, 2010 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The left side of his heart was severely underdeveloped in utero, leaving only the right side to pump “oxygen poor” blood to his body after birth. Statistics have shown over 30% of children born with HLHS won’t make it until their fifth birthday. Children who survive require lifelong medical care. This care can include unexpected hospital stays, surgeries, medication and heart transplant.
On September 13th, 2010, at only five days-old, Bowen endured his first open heart surgery at Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In the months following his first surgery, Bowen suffered a stroke, cardiac arrest, thirty-six hours of life-support (ECMO) and transient hyperinsulinism. During those first four months in the hospital, Bowen fought for his life, but made it home just in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.
In February of 2011, Bowen returned to Ann Arbor for his second open heart surgery. This time the operation went smoothly and he returned home within ten days. On July 31st, 2019, we returned to Mott for Bowen’s third palliative repair, the Fontan. This surgery also went better than anticipated and his basic recovery was, again, less than ten days.
In addition to his open-heart surgeries, Bowen has had multiple heart catheterizations, emergency visits to the hospital and a sternotomy repair. Ten years after his birth, his family considers themselves very fortunate to have a son who loves life, his family and the arts. Despite the uncertainty of his condition, there is great hope for Bowen’s future.
