Community comes together for LionHeart Owen Blood Drive

Friends and family gathered at Sacred Heart School for the fifth annual LionHeart Owen Blood Drive.

Owen Thomas Vatter died in 2013 from a rare congenital heart defect and childhood cancer. One out of every 100 babies is born with a congential heart defect and many of those will not live to see their first birthday.

“Every year we are just beyond blessed and excited to see the outpour of support from the community,” said Owen’s mom, Alissa Vatter.

The theme for the day, “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” has special meaning for the family.

“We were told read to your child and the first book we got was ‘Oh the Places You’ll Go’ and it became a yearbook and we wanted to show Owen that his first days of life were surrounded by so much more than a hospital. And each nurse and doctor wrote a special note to Owen and it’s become one of our most treasured possessions,” Vatter said.

Vatter wanted to start this annual event as a way to give back.

“One pint, a little over a pint, that one bag will save eight babies or three adult lives,” said PhlebotomistLa Trina Wilson.

The LionHeart Own foundation hopes others will come together to donate in order to give the gift of life in honor of Owen.