March 7, 2008 to August 16, 2008

Owen Vincent Shuler was born on March 7, 2008 in Suffern, NY first child to Dorothy and Jon Shuler. On May 5, 2008 at just 8 weeks old Owen was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I (also known as Werdnig-Hoffman Disease). There are 4 types of SMA, with Type 1 being the most severe form. SMA is a rare genetically inherited neuromuscular disease characterized by gradual muscle weakness due to loss of motor neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. Babies with SMA Type 1 have difficulty breathing and swallowing. The lifespan of those affected by SMA Type 1 is only 1-2 years.

On August 16, 2008, at just 5 months old, Owen passed away peacefully after battling for 35 long days in the Pediatric ICU at the Columbia Presbyterian Children's Hospital of New York.

Owen will always be the beloved son of Jon and Dorothy Shuler. Owen is also survived by an extremely loving family; great-grandparents, Jerome and Fran Shuler; Grandparents, Vincent (Papa) & Dot (Nana) Gill and Jeff (Grandpa) & Lucille (Nany) Shuler; Aunts and Uncles, Brian & Katie Gill, Kerri & John Alessi, Maureen Gill, Allyson & Michael Dwyer; Big Cousins Gillian & Patrice Alessi, Teagan Dwyer and Little Cousin Aubrey Dwyer.

Owen was a sweet, happy adorable baby. His eyes were so expressive, when he smiled his whole face lit up. He loved Franklin, and Maggie & the Ferocious Beast. He was scared of Monsters Inc., but loved Finding Nemo, Toy Story and Cars. Owens's favorite puppet was Grover who was always by his side, and he loved his musical puppy as well.

Owen was only here for a short time, but his smile was infectious and he touched so many people. He will forever be with us in our hearts and will be our little angel watching over us. Please continue to think of Owen and spread awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy, hopefully within a few years no other family will have to endure the devastation of losing a baby to this horrible disease.

If you haven't done so already please visit and sign www.PetitionToCureSMA.com to continue to FIGHT FOR OWEN, and all the other families affected by this heartbreaking disease.

With Love,
Dorothy and Jon Shuler

Source: www.fightforowen.com