Ninth Grade Athlete and Heart Transplant Recipient Organizes Golf Fundraiser

After spending over 100 hours in the operating room for various procedures related to his congenital heart defect, Owen Taylor received a heart transplant in 2016 at 9 years old.

Now a 9th grader and 3-sport athlete at Bedford High School in Bedford, Pa., Owen is excelling in the classroom as well as on the field of competition. He plans to attend college and pursue a career in sports medicine after high school.

Inspired by the incredible care and support he received, and in celebration of his 5th “Heart Anniversary,” the Taylors and their community organized a fundraising golf event this past fall at the Bedford Elks Country Club, which he called “Golf FORE Heart.”

Owen and his family chose to split the $4,500 raised from the event evenly between the UPMC Children’s Cardiac Unit and the Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh. In addition to the direct care he received from the Cardiac Unit, the Ronald McDonald House helped ease the stress of the 2-hour travel time from Pittsburgh to Bedford, providing a restful place of comfort for Owen’s family.

The Taylors give back in honor of Owen’s heart journey, and the support system that’s in place at UPMC Children’s to help families navigate the difficult times that come with having a sick child, which they know firsthand. Owen is already planning another golf event for October!

Starting a fundraising event of your own can be as rewarding for you as it is for the patients and families at UPMC Children’s! Whether you plan on starting your own Dance Marathon or are looking to start a Penny Wars at your local school, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation can help you create a successful fundraiser.

Give Now