December 16, 2013

 

Dear Crusher Family,

 

It is with a joyful and prayerful heart that we are sending you this message.

 

We are being called on again as the McCort Family to support one of our own who is facing a challenging situation.  Kevin Sheridan, (social studies teacher, head football coach, and member of the McCort Class of 2000) and his wife Jen, gave birth to their second child, Owen Andrew, on December 6th at 1:38 p.m. at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, weighing just over 12lbs.

  

Owen was born with encephalocele (which was diagnosed before birth).  This is a rare disorder in which an infant is born with a gap in the skull because one or more of the plates that form the skull did not seal.  As a result, the membranes that cover the brain (meninges) and brain tissue protrude through this gap.

 

Owen was not expected to survive long after birth--but to the surprise of many, this "little warrior" (which is what the name Owen means) has defied the odds and attacked life since the minute he was born!  The family is thrilled to have their little boy at home.  Given the initial prognosis, we have certainly witnessed a miracle.

 

What lies ahead in the future for Owen, Kevin, Jen, or one year old big sister Aubrey, is still very much unknown.  After travelling to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh to consult with experts there, Owen is now doing well at home and exceeding all expectations. 

 

This condition is so rare, and each case is so unique, that there are more questions than answers at this time.  Kevin and Jen are in the process of determining who best to consult with.  Simply put, Kevin and Jen have been amazing.  They have handled all of this so bravely with their chins held high and hearts overflowing that God has given them this time with their beautiful son.  

 

Please join us at a special prayer service this evening at 6 p.m. in the Guzzi Performing Arts Center so that together we can celebrate the miracle of Owen's birth and life, and to also offer our prayers for his future and to all of those who will be called on to help provide him care.  If you are not able to attend in person, we are asking that you attend in spirit by adding Owen and his family to your prayers.

  

In addition, on Wednesday, December 18th, we will have a special $5 dress down day to benefit the Sheridan family.  Money raised from this will be used in part to ease some of the financial burden Kevin and Jen are likely to incur due to travel and medical costs, and also to help in their efforts to raise awareness about Owen's condition in the hopes of helping others in the future.    

 

If you would like to assist the family you many send a contribution to BMCHS, please mark "Sheridan Fund" in the memo portion of your check.

 

One can never underestimate the power of both family and prayer. Thank you so much in advance for your support during this season of giving.

Bishop McCort Catholic High School
25 Osborne Street
Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905

814-536-8991

www.mccort.org