On November 13th, 2023 Oliver had aspirated on milk, and was taken to the hospital as his breathing became shallow. Upon arrival to the hospital, we were in complete desperation as Oliver had stopped breathing & he was rushed to an emergency room. Once I arrived into the room, I could hear his cries, I felt so much relief in that moment, he was breathing , he was alive. Though, that relief would soon turn into heartbreak. Oliver could not maintain his breathing on his own, and would be placed on a ventilator while the doctors ran tests to find the cause. In the blink of an eye, everything would change.
Oliver was diagnosed with a rare genetic brain tumor, ATRT (atypical teratoid rhabdoid). The diagnosis, a shock as we had woken up that morning with what we knew to be a healthy baby. Still, I held on to hope. We had a diagnosis, now we pray!
As the doctors evaluated Oliver, they informed us that the cancer had calcified in his abdomen. Though, they could not tell where exactly. The next step was to have an MRI done, but in order to do so, Oliver would need to maintain his breathing on his own. The doctors were clear that a successful MRI was unlikely but we persisted! An MRI was scheduled for the morning of November 15th.
While laying in a hospital bed, with my baby, praying that I would see his beautiful blue eyes and his charming smile again - the world began to slow down. I observed the faces of the nurses and the eyes of the doctors who tried their best to explain to us what was happening. They tried their best to hide it, but the sadness was written all over their faces. I was coming to terms with the reality that Oliver, may not wake up again.
On November 15th, 2023 Oliver passed away in my arms. Surrounded by his loving family 🩵
Our lives will never be the same without Oliver; though his time on earth was short, I will honor his life for the rest of mine.
