Beyond ME MEASURE THE HEART OF IT ALL A STORY OF STRENGTH, HOPE, AND HEALING
Before baby Owen even entered the world, his parents Drew Holland and Camden Boyd knew he had a small hole in his heart. Doctors reassured them it was common— a ventricular septal defect( VSD)— and likely to close on its own by the time he turned two. But the night he was born, everything changed.
Within hours doctors suspected a more serious heart defect called coarctation of the aorta. The possibility of immediate surgery and a life flight loomed over what should have been a joyful night. A second opinion brought relief— no coarctation— but the Boyd’ s quickly realized their heart journey was just beginning.
After 10 days in the NICU, the family was sent home with a follow-up appointment scheduled months away. But it was Owen’ s first pediatrician visit that shifted the course. They were asked a question no parent is prepared for:“ Do you know the signs of heart failure?”
An urgent call led to an earlier cardiology appointment— and just days later, Owen was back in the ER. His original VSD had grown significantly, and two more defects were discovered: an atrial septal defect( ASD) and a patent ductus arteriosus( PDA). Open-heart surgery was now inevitable.
What followed was a two-month period of hospital stays, bouncing between medical appointments and home life with their 15-monthold son. The emotional strain was heavy, but with the support of both sets of grandparents, extended family, and close friends, Owen’ s parents were able to face each hurdle with unwavering strength.
Owen was transferred to Children’ s of Alabama for surgery, where another two months of recovery awaited. After a successful repair of all three heart defects, Owen went into heart block— a complication that nearly required another surgery to implant a pacemaker. But in a turn that can only be described as miraculous, Owen’ s heart began working properly on its own.
Today, Owen is thriving. He has no more planned surgeries and brings joy and energy to every room he enters. His story is a reminder of the power of perseverance, the importance of listening to parental instincts, and the life-saving difference that early intervention can make.
Drew Holland and Owen Boyd
For parents walking a similar path, Owen’ s mother offers this heartfelt advice:“ Don’ t be afraid to ask for help. We wouldn’ t have made it through without the people who stepped in. And always trust your motherly intuition— it’ s one of the greatest gifts God gives us.”
With Owen’ s grandparents now serving on the Executive Leadership Team for the 2025 Art for Heart Gala, their advocacy is deeply personal. Their family ' s journey fuels their commitment to heart health awareness and fundraising for lifesaving care and research. This year, the Boyd’ s will celebrate Owen’ s resilience surrounded by love, laughter, and gratitude. His heart is strong— and so is the family who held him through it all.
42 S plash!