In the summer of 2015, Pensacola artist Ashton Howard painted two sea-life murals inside the lobby of Studer Family Children’s Hospital. The lobby had recently been renovated, and when Ashton’s murals debuted, he was excited to share his work, knowing that children and families would enjoy the paintings for years to come. He had no idea that one of those children would be his own.

Ashton and his wife Emilie – who were both born at Sacred Heart – welcomed their son, Hagan in February 2017. Soon after delivery, doctors and nurses detected fluid in Hagan’s lungs. He was rushed into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Studer Family Children’s Hospital, where he spent the first week of his life.

Today, Hagan is an energetic and smart 7 year-old who loves to make others laugh. He plays flag football, soccer, and loves anything to do with the natural beauty of our community - fishing, surfing, hiking, and loving the beach life.

Emilie and Ashton Howard are grateful to the nurses and physicians in the NICU of Studer Family Children’s Hospital for the love and care they extended to Hagan, their greatest masterpiece.