1 in 100 babies is born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Approximately 25% of children born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) will need heart surgery or other interventions in their first year of life to survive.

My grandson Atlas is one of those born with CHD. Atlas was born with a congenital heart defect called Pulmonary Atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). Atlas and his parents have been in the hospital since April 02, 2025, the day of his birth. The journey has been long, tenuous, and emotionally, financially, and spiritually taxing. Atlas has undergone four cardiac catheterization procedures and one open-heart surgery.

Due to the condition of Atlas' heart, he is currently being supported by a Berlin heart while he is awaiting a heart transplant. The current wait times for an infant on the heart transplant list are very long and can range from 6 to 12 months on average. Incidentally, waiting for a transplant is the most life-threatening part of this process. Although his heart is being supported by the Berlin in the meantime, he must remain in the hospital. He cannot get sick as this might worsen his condition and make him ineligible for a transplant.

As we wait, we are trying to spend as much time with him as possible. Us being there with him can help to combat some of the associated developmental delays that can occur while spending these formative months in the hospital. Atlas has yet to feel the sun on his skin or hear the birds chirp.

Atlas' mom has made the extremely difficult decision to choose between being there for Atlas and making sure that there is enough money to survive while awaiting the transplant. She has decided to go from a full-time teacher to a part-time substitute so she can spend as much time with Atlas as possible. Atlas's dad is working full-time and working as much overtime as allowed. They are receiving help from family and friends, but the expenses are piling up.

Your donation would directly support out-of-pocket medical costs and daily living expenses.