Owen Ashworth,
twice a patient
In 2013, just before his final year of high school, Owen Ashworth was seriously injured in a motorbike accident on his family farm. The crash left him with a brain injury, and STARS responded, providing him with the critical care needed to stabilize him and get him to hospital, where he stayed for three months.
Owen’s recovery was remarkable. He graduated high school and earned his 1A licence, which allowed him to drive semi-trucks. For several years, he worked on his family’s farm, doing grain and cattle work, as well as oil-patch jobs and driving a truck on a road crew.
In 2021, Owen faced another life-threatening incident and was again placed in the care of STARS. While operating a fertilizer machine, his vehicle collided with a semi-truck. STARS was called to provide immediate care at the scene and en route to hospital, where he needed surgery. This second accident resulted in another severe brain injury, but he has since recovered very well physically.
He’s been given a second and third chance at life.”
Janice Ashworth, Owen’s mom.
As a first responder herself, Janice emphasizes the importance of STARS in rural communities, where distance and time are critical factors in emergencies.
The Ashworth family has shown immense gratitude towards STARS. Since Owen’s first accident, they have been dedicated supporters, fundraising for the organization through their livestock business. Through their ongoing support, the Ashworths help ensure that others in similar situations receive the same second chances that Owen did.
“He’s living his life, and he thinks it’s awesome, so, we do too,”
Janice Ashworth.
Owen first appeared in the 2015 STARS calendar.
Owen's feature image for the 2025 STARS calendar.
Owen holds a vintage copy of the 2015 STARS calendar he first appeared in.
Owen is given a tour of a STARS helicopter on a base tour in 2013.
SUPPORT STARS TODAY TO HELP PATIENTS LIKE OWEN.
Your purchase of the 2025 STARS Calendar contributes to our ability to provide critical care, anywhere, to patients like Owen. Every dollar is returned to our critical care operations, whether in the air, on the ground, or virtually. On behalf of our Very Important Patients, our Air Medical Crew, our Pilots, and all of us at STARS, thank you for being an ally.