Help Baby Atlas Fight, Heal & Come Home Yesterday, our family welcomed the tiniest little fighter into the world much earlier than anyone expected. Baby Atlas was born at just 32 weeks and 2 days, weighing only 3 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 14 and 3/4 inches long. Atlas was born with gastroschisis, a condition where a baby's intestines develop outside of the abdomen. With how early he came into the world he is facing complications outside of just this diagnosis. Shortly after he was born, Atlas and I took a flight to Denver so he could receive the specialized care he needed, while Mom and Dad made the drive behind us. At only hours old, Atlas underwent surgery to place his intestines back inside his abdomen. Thankfully, his surgery went well. 🩵 Right now, though, our little guy still has a long road ahead of him. Atlas is having some difficulty breathing completely on his own, so machines are helping his tiny body while he gets stronger. He also has a tube draining his stomach while his intestines rest and begin to heal. For now, he cannot eat normally and is receiving the nutrition and fluids his body needs through his IV. Once his stomach and intestines are ready, his medical team will begin the slow process of introducing feeds and making sure his little body can tolerate them. For a baby who weighs barely over three pounds, Atlas has already shown us just how strong he is. His parents are now facing something they never could have prepared for: an extended stay in Denver, hours away from home, while their newborn son receives the intensive care he needs. And life outside of the hospital doesn't stop. There are still bills to pay, meals to buy, gas and transportation expenses, time away from work, and all of the unexpected costs that come with suddenly having your entire life moved to another city. At the same time, Beau is working to finish the necessary projects at their house so that when the incredible day finally comes that Atlas is strong enough to leave the hospital, he has a safe and finished home waiting for him. That's why we're asking for help. Every donation will go toward supporting Atlas's parents during his hospitalization and helping them prepare for the day they finally get to bring their baby home. Donations may help with: * Temporary living expenses while they are in Denver * Gas and transportation * Meals and groceries * Parking and other hospital-related expenses * Household bills and expenses while work is interrupted * Baby necessities * Necessary projects to make their home ready for Atlas * Other unexpected expenses related to his extended hospitalization and recovery If donating financially isn't possible, sharing Atlas's story means just as much to us. Most importantly, please keep this tiny little boy and his parents in your thoughts as they navigate the weeks and months ahead. Atlas has already accomplished so much in his first day of life. He arrived early. He made the flight to Denver. He made it through surgery. And now he gets to focus on the most important thing: Growing, healing, and getting strong enough to come home. 🩵 Thank you for loving Atlas and helping his parents stay by his side while he fights his way home.
At this time please only use this page for updates. Beau and Jaz are asking for questions to go through me (Tori) as they need to focus on the Atlas and prepping their home for the return of Atlas.