Atlas’ Final Moments in Paradise
Donation protected
Hi, we’re the Mendez Family! On September 19, 2024 we found out our 2 year old son, Atlas, has an estimated 3-6 months left to live. He has been battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer called Undifferentiated Spindle Cell Sarcoma CIC::NUTM1 fusion since August 2022. He was just 8 months at the time of its discovery. Throughout his journey he has undergone an arm amputation, open chest surgery, back surgery, he has taken the harshest chemotherapies & immunotherapies, received 17 proton radiation treatments next to his spine and 36 next to his heart, and recently tried a phase 2 clinical trial in the hopes to extend his life.
We have tried everything we can to save and prolong his life. Unfortunately, there is nothing left for us to do but love on him and keep him comfortable.
Due to his prognosis, our family was gifted the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico for his Make A Wish Trip. To understand why we chose this location, you’ll need to know a bit more about Atlas & our family:
Our trip was the most magical and memorable experience. We had never seen Atlas more relaxed or at peace before. It truly felt like a dream that we never wanted to wake up from.
We have opened this gofundme with the goal of taking Atlas and our family back to Puerto Rico so he can spend the last few months he has in paradise. Somewhere he loves, surrounded by so many people who love him. The funds raised from this will cover travel expenses, housing, transportation, food, necessities, and best of all experiences with Atlas to make his last moments truly enchanted. It will also help us cover bills we will accumulate at home while away.
We have discussed with his Hospice Team the possibility of this relocation and they have agreed that Atlas and our family should be where we feel most comfortable during this time. Somewhere we can all be together, stress free, and enjoy these final moments. Quality of life is of the highest importance!
Time is of the essence for Atlas. He is in good health to travel currently and we would love to get Atlas over to Puerto Rico while he still has enough energy to go out and enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Please consider helping our family make this dream come true. Our baby boy deserves it so much after all he has suffered through. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for our entire family and we would be grateful for everyone’s help in making this dream come true!
We have tried everything we can to save and prolong his life. Unfortunately, there is nothing left for us to do but love on him and keep him comfortable.
Due to his prognosis, our family was gifted the opportunity to go to Puerto Rico for his Make A Wish Trip. To understand why we chose this location, you’ll need to know a bit more about Atlas & our family:
- Atlas is non-verbal and suspected to be on the Autism spectrum. He has very specific interests - Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Moana, Lilo & Stitch, Coco, and Encanto. He adores the ocean and all of its creatures, especially turtles and beluga whales.
- His father’s family lives in Puerto Rico! It has always been a dream of ours to take our boys and allow them to experience their culture firsthand. We also wanted them to connect with family members they have never had the opportunity to meet due to distance.
Our trip was the most magical and memorable experience. We had never seen Atlas more relaxed or at peace before. It truly felt like a dream that we never wanted to wake up from.
We have opened this gofundme with the goal of taking Atlas and our family back to Puerto Rico so he can spend the last few months he has in paradise. Somewhere he loves, surrounded by so many people who love him. The funds raised from this will cover travel expenses, housing, transportation, food, necessities, and best of all experiences with Atlas to make his last moments truly enchanted. It will also help us cover bills we will accumulate at home while away.
We have discussed with his Hospice Team the possibility of this relocation and they have agreed that Atlas and our family should be where we feel most comfortable during this time. Somewhere we can all be together, stress free, and enjoy these final moments. Quality of life is of the highest importance!
Time is of the essence for Atlas. He is in good health to travel currently and we would love to get Atlas over to Puerto Rico while he still has enough energy to go out and enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Please consider helping our family make this dream come true. Our baby boy deserves it so much after all he has suffered through. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for our entire family and we would be grateful for everyone’s help in making this dream come true!
Organizer
Alison Miller
Organizer
Sparta, GA