Atlas’ Story

In early June 2025 Atlas went in for his routine one year old visit. His pediatrician along with his parents noticed he hadn’t grown very much over the last few months. This prompted bloodwork, then a hematologist appointment, and more bloodwork. Next came the ultrasound, and then the findings after the MRI, CT, and EKG, which led to a biopsy two weeks after the first appointment.

At this point, Atlas’ parents heard the words no one is ever ready to hear: “Your baby has cancer.” Atlas was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a rare but treatable liver cancer primarily affecting children under 3. It represents about 1% of childhood cancer cases. For Atlas specifically the cancer had not metastasized and was labeled PRETEXT III, meaning it affects three out of four liver lobes.

Over the last several months Atlas has completed four rounds of chemotherapy. He is undergoing his liver resection surgery on October 29th which will be followed with two more rounds of chemotherapy.

Atlas’ name means “to endure”. He and his family have certainly endured a lot and they will continue to endure! His shirt is a perfect reminder that you can and will endure, no matter what you are facing!