Amanda Knoke, my cousin Meriah, needs help with travel expenses for her new baby boy, Riley Joseph.

Riley Joseph was born on March 8, 2026, at 6:23 PM at Trinity Hospital in Minot. He weighed 6 lbs 9 oz and was 20 inches long.

During delivery, Riley swallowed meconium, which caused serious breathing complications. On Thursday, March 12, he was transferred to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis to receive specialized care that wasn’t available locally.

On March 14, Riley was placed on an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machine. ECMO is a life-support system that pumps blood outside the body to a heart-lung machine. The machine removes carbon dioxide and sends oxygen-rich blood back into the body, allowing Riley’s heart and lungs time to rest and heal.

Riley’s mom, Meriah, and grandmother, Sheryl, will be staying in Minneapolis while Riley receives treatment. Meriah will be out of work for an unknown amount of time as she focuses on being there for her baby boy. Riley’s dad, Richard, will remain home and continue working as much as he can while supporting his family.

Meriah also has an account at State Bank in Bottineau donations can be brought there!