Children’s Miracle Network: Meet Owen Tripp

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - When a baby is born nearly three months early, every moment becomes a fight for survival. This became the reality for two moms in Greenville.

At 26 weeks and 6 days, Owen Tripp entered the world far earlier than expected. Born weighing just 2 pounds, 1.4 ounces, he faced a fight that would define the first months of his life and change the lives of his two mothers, Molly and Lindsey Tripp, forever.

“He came out crying, which is not something you expect for a baby that young. But we knew his lungs were so underdeveloped… they put him on a ventilator right away and rushed him to the NICU," Molly Tripp said.

Owen’s first 86 days were spent in the NICU at Maynard Children’s Hospital in Greenville. Each day was filled with questions, hope, and the smallest of milestones.

“At first, it was hour by hour. Then, one day, we were able to hold him. Later, we bathed him. And that was a big milestone,” Molly Tripp said.

In those fragile early weeks, support came not just from doctors and nurses, but from unexpected places like the NIC-view cameras, which were made possible by CMN dollars.

“The camera allowed us to see him even in the middle of the night.. We even went to Molly’s best friend’s wedding, and we were able to virtually have him there,” Lindsey Tripp said.

And then there was Sam, the hospital’s beloved facility dog.

“Sam might be our favorite part of the hospital. Owen was the first NICU baby to meet Sam. She snuggled right up next to him. It was so cute,” Molly Tripp said.

After nearly three months, the day finally came, and Owen was healthy enough to come home.

“That was the best day of my life because going home was really hard to picture, and the nurses, doctors, and staff all lined up and cheered us out of the hallway, including Sam,” Lindsey Tripp said.

Today, ten months later, Owen is thriving. He is crawling, laughing, and climbing.

“While he was in the NICU, I didn’t picture where we are now. I was too scared to see past the day-to-day. What he is doing now is way beyond my imagination,” Lindsey Tripp said.

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From tears of fear to tears of joy, Owen’s story is a reminder that even the tiniest fighters can change everything.

“I just want to thank the entire staff at the children’s hospital because they changed our lives, changed Owen’s life, and they will always be family to us now,” Lindsey Tripp said.

Owen’s journey is a story of survival, support, and the strength of a community. And his mom’s hope it brings comfort to other families facing similar paths.

Owen’s family hopes his story reminds other NICU families that they are not alone and that with the Maynard Children’s Hospital, they are in good hands.