On May 15th we got a message saying, "Caleb's little 'Brother' was born last night." Wyatt Isaiah Nicolls. Born May 14th, 2021 at 11:19pm. We were overjoyed! From the pictures, we could see Wyatt looks just like his Mama. On day 5, we got a message saying Wyatt stopped breathing in the middle of the night and was being taken to Mercy Medical Center. Tears were shed instantly and praying began immediately.

Wyatt was transferred to the UC Davis NICU shortly after his arrival to Mercy, needing a much higher level of care. Blaine and Carrie were informed that he would be monitored for at least 48 hours before they would have more answers. However, they did do some tests, and determined that Wyatt was born with a rare congenital heart defect called ALCAPA, where the coronary artery that supplies the heart with oxygenated blood, develops incorrectly off the pulmonary artery instead of the aorta. This means his heart wasn’t getting enough oxygen to squeeze and likely contributed to him stopping breathing. ALCAPA is extremely rare, occurring at an incidence 1 in 300,000 live births. It nearly always goes undetected in ultrasounds and initial screening tests after birth, usually not presenting until 6-8weeks of life. Once he is strong enough, he will require heart surgery to correct the defect. When Wyatt arrived to the UC Davis NICU, he was placed under “hypothermia protocol” and into an induced coma to reduce swelling in his brain. Metabolic activity increases oxygen demand, so dropping his temperature reduces this demand, allowing his brain to rest while the swelling goes down. They are also helping him breathe. They have been continuously monitoring his heart, lungs, and brain activity, and as they warm him, they will continue to watch for brain activity, which is necessary to continue to the next steps in Wyatt’s healing. Carrie shares that this is the hardest news she and Blaine have received as parents, nonetheless, they have faith, "But that it is not over, and God is our great physician, and he is not limited by doctors or medicine. He supersedes what seems physically impossible.” Standing with them, we are praying and asking for a miracle and we will continue to pray. During this process, Wyatt has started showing signs of hope: his pupils are more reactive to light, he gets hiccups, and his movements are improving. They have also been able to feed him some of Mommy’s milk recently. His ever so strong parents, bless them, Blaine and Carrie, are continuously talking to baby Wyatt, holding his hand and letting him know they are there by reading him books and singing to him. Wyatt means "Brave Strong Warrior," and that, he is. Blaine, Carrie and Caleb could not have picked a better name for him.

For all those that know The Nicolls, they know that to them family is everything. They trust in God to guide them through life's path. They raise their family to believe and worship their father in heaven. They believe strongly in the power of prayer and are asking for everyone to join us in prayer for Wyatt’s healing.

At this time, we are asking for help and support for the Nicolls family. We don’t want them to have to think about funds during this time and instead, only focus on Wyatt, being as present as can be to adhere to his needs. As most of you probably know, they live in Weaverville, which is a 3.5 hours drive from Davis. In addition to medical costs, they will need to cover gas, hotels, food, and other unforeseen challenges during this time. Please do what you can, and they will forever be grateful.

Wyatt Isaiah Nicolls, we pray for you and give you strength. From his Mommy, "Raise your battle cry. Call out to our Wyatt Warrior. We need you Wyatt! Restore, revive, rise up boy. Because we need you. Stand your ground, we’re holding it for you. Jesus fill his body from his head to his feet with your healing light. With life. Roar Wyatt!” Amen

Isaiah 40:31 But they that await upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Amen