Sloane and Owen Cross the Finish Line Together

Sloane's and Owen's names both mean "warrior." As neighbors and friends, their families soon discovered their strength and resilience — side by side.

In an elevator at Children's National Hospital, Sloane's parents, Lauren and Patrick Duffy, ran into Owen's mom, Lauren Leake. Sloane and Owen were both prenatally diagnosed with congenital heart defects and needed open-heart surgeries in their first days of life.

"My neighbor, Lauren, was living her own nightmare, yet when I saw her, I completely broke down," Lauren Duffy says. "She met me with nothing but comfort and understanding. From that moment on, she's been an unwavering source of support."

Owen led the way with a successful surgery at two days old. With a second family in her corner, Sloane then underwent her operation to grow stronger alongside her twin sister, Paige. The kids have continued to rely on expert care across departments at Children's National.

In 2023, the families created a team for the Race for Every Child 5K Run/Walk, called "No SlOwen Us Down," to show their gratitude for their incredible care teams, especially in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. "During the scariest time of our lives, they went the extra mile to take care of all of us," Lauren Leake says.

At the Race, Sloane and Paige zoom around, dance and search for bubbles. And Owen keeps the energy high.

"We joke that Owen has been making up for his first few weeks of life when he was sedated because he hasn't stopped moving ever since," Lauren Leake says. "Owen loves to run and be with his family, so it makes for the perfect day."

The families cross the finish line in lockstep, knowing they'll face more hurdles, but it will be easier to tackle them together.

Register for free to join us on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Freedom Plaza, or virtually.