Ruby May tops 2 pounds

A child born at 25 weeks has nearly doubled in size and is breathing with the help of a CPAP machine, her mother said on Friday.

Born July 30, Ruby May Olivares only weighed 1 pound, 4 ounces when she was born to Coffee on Main’s Lauren and Ruben Olivares.

“She is now 2 pounds, 2 ounces, and doing really well,” Lauren said. “They moved her to a CPAP machine two days ago, so she’s no longer intubated. She still has a feeding tube for breast milk and medication, but she’s one step closer to breathing normal room air.”

Lauren said she got to hold Ruby May for the first time on Sept. 2, just over a month after she was born.

“It was beyond amazing,” she said. “One of the best moments of my life. “Having to wait so long to hold Ruby was harder than I ever thought possible.”

The family is currently staying at Ronald McDonald housing so they can be closer to Renown. Lauren said she is out of work and Ruben has taken time off too.

A fundraiser is underway at gofundme.com that has raised $8,325 of the family’s $10,000 goal. To donate, visit the site and search for “Ruby May” among fundraisers near you.

Lauren is the daughter of John and Adele Hoppe.

She was a standout Douglas High School softball player. Ruby May has a big sister named Madeline, who attends school in Douglas.