**Update and message from Nicole***

Words cannot describe how grateful we are for all of your support. We are blown away and humbled by your love. Thank you.

Atlas is doing better day by day, they are starting to talk about the plan to head home! We will be going home with an ng tube and coming back weekly and bi-weekly for appointments for everyone.

****

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As a fellow EMT and friend of the family, I'm reaching out to you on behalf of Roberto and Nicole Rodriguez, cherished members of our small community here in Forks, WA. Nicole is not only a dedicated volunteer for the Ray Ellis Memorial Volunteer Ambulance Corps but also serves as an EMT with Forks Ambulance.

Recently, Roberto and Nicole welcomed their newest addition, sweet little Atlas, into the world on Easter Sunday. However, his arrival wasn't without its challenges, and they found themselves facing unexpected complications. Atlas had to be flown to Seattle for urgent medical care, where they've been stationed for several weeks now.

During this trying time, Nicole and Roberto are juggling not only the needs of their newborn son but also the demands of their two older children, who themselves require medical appointments in Seattle for long-awaited diagnoses.

Nicole has selflessly served our community for years, often showing up in moments of crisis to lend a helping hand. Now, it's our turn to support her and her family during this difficult period.

Your contributions will go directly towards alleviating the financial burden of medical travel expenses, accommodation, and other associated costs. Additionally, prayers and positive thoughts for Nicole, Roberto, and their children are always appreciated.

Furthermore, it's important to note that Nicole and Roberto had started to save for a new (to them) family car, intending to purchase a used minivan before Atlas's delivery. Unfortunately, due to this unforeseen situation, they've had to utilize those savings for the frequent trips to Seattle at this time.

Any amount you can spare, whether big or small, will make a world of difference to this deserving family.

Thank you for considering supporting Roberto, and Nicole and their children during this challenging time. Together, we can help ease their burden and show them the strength of our community's support.

Donations can be made here or at First Fed bank in Forks. Thank you everyone!

below is a word from Nicole :)

Hello,

My name is Nicole, I am the Mom to Mia, Ezra, and baby Atlas. On March 31st, Atlas Daniel Rainn Rodriguez was born with shoulder dystosia and a low APGAR score; He wasn't breathing properly. We went to Forks Community Hospital via ambulance, and then he was flown to Seattle Childrens. He was diagnosed with HIE.

We now have been here for 2 weeks and are predicted to be here a while longer as he gains strength and the ability to eat on his own.

Within those two weeks, I have been to the ER twice for two different things. Because of that, I need to be off of my feet as much as possible. I've had to rely on caregivers for help.

Moving forward, Atlas will need many appointments done in Seattle, some lasting over three hours. He will be closely watched until he is three years old with even more appointments.

Our eldest children, Mia and Ezra, have been patients at Childrens for a while. They are in the middle of being diagnosed with a rare disease that takes a long time to be diagnosed. We knew we would be here for procedures and appointments, and now we will be going to Seattle for all three children.

A few days ago, while caring for Atlas in the NICU at Seattle Childrens, my friend messaged me asking if they could create a go fund me for our family. I immediately declined out loud. "How can I, when there are so many family's so much worse off here? Shouldn't I have been more ready?" My sibling, Theo snapped back." Uh, Nicole, how many rare things have happened in the last two weeks? Or year?!"

I sat there chewing over how much and how rare everything that's come about with my small family. They were right. We had worked so hard to prepare for this beautiful babe but could have never predicted any of this.

Every time something has happened, I choose to laugh and stay positive. Now, it's time to ask for help. Thank you for listening to our story. We are so grateful for all of the messages, prayers, and help we've received. Thank you, all.

Any and all money donated will be going to our medical and travel expenses. Thank you again for reading our story