Update: Takoda had been doing so well for almost one whole month, but then his doctors discovered he had NEC (Necrotizing entercolitis) It's a serious condition where parts of the intestines become inflamed and die. After two surgeries he the surgeons were able to save almost 30 percent of his small intestines. Although it's been a challenging week, he's been healing well and vitals have been stable. Although we are glad to see him doing well, he's still very sick. We see the fight every day, and though it breaks our heart, we are encouraged to still see him smile in the moments that's he's awake.

Takoda Salamun (means friend to all in Lakota) was born at 1 pound 12 ounces on August 20th in Rapid City to two loving parents, Josh and Tahnee.

After a short stay in Rapid City, it was discovered on a chest x-ray that he had a hole in his intestines, and he was flown to Sioux Falls for emergency surgery.

Two surgeries down and one more to go, his parents keep a close watch on him as he continues to grow. Although uncertain how long our stay will be, we are hoping to be home by November.

Being so far from home, his parents were blessed to stay at the Ronald McDonald house while Takoda recovers. Yet, the expense of travel and the bills back home without having a way to make income in Souix Falls has been a great challenge.

We are asking for help with bills and rent as we continue to go through this difficult time with our baby in the hospital. Of course we have rent and gas and car payments waiting for us, but right now even 5 dollars for meals or even 1 dollar for a protein shake matters right now. Truly, anything helps.