Owen is a very special 8 year old boy who has Cystic Fibrosis. His daily struggles result from both physical limitations and a weakened immune system. He suffers from shortness of breath caused by mucus buildup in his lungs. He tires very quickly which limits his physical and social activities. His daily routine involves wearing an electronic vest that shakes, causing the mucus to loosen from his lungs along with several breathing treatments.

Owen has a great spirit and is truly an amazing child. He has devoted parents and three sisters. Natalie, his 15 year old sister, also suffers from a more progressed case of Cystic Fibrosis. The family refers to themselves as Team JKLMNO (Joe, Kate, Lauren, Megan, Natalie, and Owen).

Owen was a perfect SDP candidate due to his parents' limited income and the financial burden that the disease has placed on them. They spend much of their time caring for Natalie and at the U of M Hospital. Updating bedrooms and making home improvements became difficult for the family with all their other priorities. Upon meeting Owen, each of the volunteers wanted to do as much as we could to help. Owen's interests include Star Wars, the Pistons, and electronic games.

The project began with pulling all the carpet from the upstairs hallway of the home along with Owen's room and replacing it with hardwood floors. We put in a new HVAC unit to improve air circulation throughout the house for cleanliness and allergies. In Owen's room, the SDP volunteers painted, added a closet system, ceiling fan, new light fixtures, and window treatments. We removed his old furniture and added a loft bed with a desk underneath. We added a chair that turns into a twin bed for him to sit upright when he has difficulties breathing or for his parents to sleep in his room when he is unwell. We also added a wall unit with a new flat screen television, Game Cube system, with games, board games, Star Wars action figures, and books. We provided Owen with new clothes and shoes to his closet. We decorated the room with Star Wars accents including a large Star Wars vintage framed poster on his wall. We also updated Megan and Lauren's rooms by cleaning, painting, adding new furniture, bedding, and decorations.

The family was so grateful to the Suite Dreams Team! They showed so much gratitude. The look on Owen's face when he walked into his room was worth all of our hard work! As a group of mothers, our team was so fortunate that the SDP gave us an opportunity to make such a difference in a child's life.