A two-year-old boy Owen Mahan who was once given a “0% chance of survival” after sustaining third-degree burns over 98% of his body is now an inspiring figure, having undergone nearly 50 surgeries.
“When I got there, it was minute by minute and hour by hour,” recalls Susan Mahan, Owen’s adoptive mother, about the harrowing moment she first saw Owen at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.
The tragic incident occurred when Owen was just two years old, according to PEOPLE.

Owen’s biological mother had placed him in scalding hot water, resulting in second- and third-degree burns over 98% of his body. She waited two hours before seeking medical help.
In Owen’s critical condition, doctors initially gave him a “0% chance to survive.” However, the dedicated team at Shriners, a renowned pediatric facility specializing in burn care, worked tirelessly to save him.
Susan vividly remembers the transformative moment: “He was burnt, he had sores all over him. He was just a mess.”
After being assured by hospital staff that they would provide the care Owen needed, Susan, 62, recalled, “My life forever changed.”
Now 16 years old, Owen has undergone an astonishing 47 surgeries at Shriners, each one a step forward in his remarkable recovery. From cleaning his wounds to multiple skin grafts, the hospital has been a beacon of hope for Owen and his family.

Susan, a mother of nine and grandmother of seven, has become Owen’s primary caregiver, tending to his wounds at home between hospital visits.
Owen also had to have both legs amputated below the knee.
Despite numerous challenges, Susan remains committed to Owen’s continued recovery: “Our journey’s not over with Shriners.”
Amidst the trials, Owen’s resilience shines through. Despite enduring unimaginable pain, he greets each day with a smile.
“He has every right to be mad at the world, but he has a smile on his face every single day,” Susan told PEOPLE. “This is the only life he knows. But he has such a good outlook on life.”
Owen’s positive attitude and indomitable spirit have made him an inspiration to many. Despite his own ongoing struggles, he dedicates himself to uplifting others facing similar challenges.
Jessica Wagner from Shriners highlights Owen’s role as a patient ambassador: “He is willing to share his journey. It’s so inspiring for kids who are at the very beginning of their burn injury.”

Reflecting on Owen’s journey from a “0% chance to survive” to a beacon of hope, Susan believes in his greater purpose: “God left him here for a reason. And I truly think it’s to inspire others.”
For Owen, Shriners is more than just a hospital — it’s family. “They gave me life. They helped me walk. They accept me for who I am,” Owen told PEOPLE.
Susan echoes Owen’s sentiments, recognizing Shriners’ pivotal role in his miraculous journey: “He wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for them.”
We wish this incredible family all the best for their future! Source of the post