Ezra Richard was born at 7:55 AM on September 8th, weighing 3# 9 oz, and 17” tall. On Sunday September 13th he was transferred to St. Mary's in Rochester after  discovering blood in his stool, there he was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Part of his intestine was compromised with a bacterial infection. The severity of NEC decreases with gestational age and birth weight and Ezra's care team has shared a very favorable prognosis based on his age, weight, overall health, and feistiness. With that said Ezra is stable and responding very well to treatments. He is on an antibiotic and receiving nutrients intravenously. He will need to be on the antibiotic and IV for a minimum of 7 days, while the infection clears and his intestine heals, before they reintroduce feedings with a potential of up to 10-14 days of treatment. Martin shared with me that people had reached out to him offering help, they feel they currently have all their needs met, but will have travel and food costs as they go between Mankato and Rochester to care for their children at home and an extended stay in Rochester. They are thankful for the prayers and support they have already received.