<div>Amanda and Erik went in for her 20week anatomy scan ultrasound in January 2025 and recieved devastating (at the time) news-their sons left ventricle wasn't properly formed. Maverick had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
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<div>This was the start of many weekly specialty appointments for Amanda. Lots of traveling. With the help of the cardiologist, Erik and Amanda had a much better understanding of the future for Maverick. He would have to undergo multiple open heart surgeries throughout his life, something they don't do locally. The cardiologist would have Maverick flown to Motts Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan so he could have the best team.
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<div>They scheduled Amanda for an induction at 39 weeks to secure a spot with the surgeon at
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<div>Motts. But Maverick had other plans! He knew his mommy was scared to get induced so she went into labor naturally a day before. He joined this world on 5/25/25 (same date if written backwards!) at 2:52pm in triage! Before his mom even had an IV! Mom and Dad got to hold him before he was flown off at 3hrs old.
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<div>Erik drove up a couple hours later to make sure Maverick wasn't alone. The next day when Amanda was discharged he went to pick her up to bring her to Maverick too. At just 5 days old Maverick received his first open heart surgery called a hybrid procedure.
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<div>A couple weeks later he had the Norwood procedure, his 2nd open heart surgery, it was very long and his mom and dad were very anxious and worried. Normal recovery is 3-4 weeks but due to complications it took him 6-7 weeks. We discovered that he had suffered some strokes. Two from being on bypass during surgery and 2 more due to having a blood clot travel to his brain. He also suffered from seizures that ended up being results from his strokes.
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<div>They were in the hospital for 2 whole months. Amanda and Erik were very privileged to have gotten a room at the Ronald Mcdonald house on day 3. Normally its a couple weeks wait. This allowed Amanda to never have to leave the area. Erik unfortunately still worked and would travel back (2hrs each way) when plausible.
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<div>Maverick was home for a little over a month and back to school sickness quickly spread through the household. Poor baby Maverick got congested and sadly theres nothing to help with congestion for a baby. After almost a week they called to get into the pediatrician for that and a horrible diaper rash. They got in the same day, pediatrician wasn't too concerned but ran a respiratory panel. They called the next day and said he has rhino virus (typical common cold) and the doctor wanted to see him again. They went in and his color and breathing was off. With consultation with his cardiologist, it was advised to go to the ER. When they arrived at the ER Maverick was a completely different baby, his coloring was way off and he was more lethargic than the average sick kid. They wanted to intubate him. Multiple people tried and he went into cardiac arrest. They had to perform CPR for 10-15 minutes. Eventually his heart started beating on his own but there was damage to his heart in the process. He was then successfully intubated and the team got him ready to transport. He was life flighted to U of M Motts Childrens Hospital. His heart took a negative impact from CPR.
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<div>Luckily they did recieve a Ronald McDonald room in the hospital on day 2. Erik quit his job so Amanda could go back to work just that week. They will not make it without someone working and both of them being beside Maverick.
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<div>As of October 20, 2025 Maverick is officially on the heart transplant list.
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<div>On Nov 6th Maverick had his 3rd open heart surgery to get Berlin Heart (VAD- Ventricular Assist Device). This pumps his blood throughout his body for him, essentially pumping his heart for him. He will be attached to this machine until his hero heart.
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<div>Unfortunately being away for his first 2 months, out of work (for Amanda) for over 3 (because she wanted time with her baby at home-dont blame her there!), they ran out of all saved funds. They were financially stable enough that they had enough to get them 3 whole months of bills paid. That was quickly diminished.
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<div>They simply cannot manage these added costs while prioritizing Maverick's health. They live in Ohio and traveling to Ann Arbor multiple times will take a financial toll too.
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<div>After the transplant it is recommended to stay home for 4 months to avoid exposure to extra germs. They gave enough for Amanda to be home for 2 months with all bills covered, including groceries for the house. Ideally, would love to be home for the critical 4 months.
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<div>On February 4th, 2026, Maverick recieved his hero heart❤️
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<div>Thank you just isnt enough-but from the bottom of their hearts (and little Maverick's too!), thank you for lending your compassion, prayers and tangible support during this fight. Every dollar and every share brings them closer to relief.
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<div>#HeartWarriorMaverick
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<div>**we understand that some people are leary of donating on gfm because they do take a percentage of the earnings. If you would like to donate another way, both have venmo that can be directly given with no fees.
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<div>Amanda - arickle92
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<div>Erik - squirrel1star
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<div>***please understand that this was set up to help with costs of food, gas, and bills (including rent) back home during Maverick's long journey at Motts.
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Carl J Mazzurco

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TinyHeart,BigFight:HelpSupport Maverick's Journey with HLHS

Just $645$ to go! Make an impact.

TinyHeart,BigFight:HelpSupport Maverick's Journey with HLHS

Just $645 to go!
Make an impact.