Maverick Heads to Boston Children’s Hospital

Maverick, the first of the triplets, was born April 27th at 27 weeks and 3 days gestation after a long 3 weeks on bedrest for Katie. Maverick came into this world weighing 1lb 13oz. Oakleigh and Remington, his sisters, came home just a few weeks ago but had the leave Maverick behind at the hospital. Maverick has spent his first 6 months of life in the NICU. He has faced many obstacles during his NICU journey (NEC, adrenal insufficiency, Chronic Lung disease, sepsis, feeding intolerance, multiple blood transfusions, spinal tap, surgery) but will soon be facing the biggest yet! Maverick was eating via NG tube until one day the nurse was unable to get the tube back in after Maverick pulled it out. After multiple xrays and studies were done it was determined he had possibly an esophageal stricture or narrowing in the esophagus. Maverick was no longer able to be fed so had to get a gastrostomy tube placed and has been strictly fed by his g tube. The surgery team needed Maverick to be 2kg in size to get his g tube so he was fed by iv nutrition for weeks prior to his surgery. The next goal was to be 4kg and the surgery team would scope Mavericks esophagus and try to stretch it if possible. He was transferred to our local university hospital “Incase” anything bad were to happen during surgery. September 15th, after 141 days at HDH NICU, he was transferred to VCU NICU for surgery. He was scheduled September 17th for his scope procedure. Upon completion the surgeon came in and explained how the stricture had now turned into more of a “chunk” of scar tissue and there was quite the gap between the upper and lower part of his esophagus. The family and care team had to get another plan, which had to get postponed as Maverick likes to throw them lots of curve balls. He finally was scheduled to go to the OR on October 6th for repair of his esophagus- they were going to removed the scar tissue and bring the ends together. After a grueling 4 hours out of his room they called in his family and said he was on his way back to his room. The surgeon came up and called Katie into the hallway and they walked down to a sitting area. The words he spoke “it was not successful” made as Katie describes - “her stomach drop”. The surgeon explained upon opening Maverick up the lower part of the esophagus had disappeared. He explained that everything looked to be stuck together and there was no longer any lower esophagus to attach the upper esophagus to. After days of waiting for the surgeon to discuss Maverick case with his colleagues, the only option at VCU would be to bring Maverick’s stomach up to the esophagus (with his stomach being in his chest). The surgeon was very honest and explained that it is not ideal and would cause many long term problems. Upon discussion with a few nurses, they recommended Boston Children’s Hospital. The surgeon when asked what he would do if Maverick was his child, he immediately said he would go. Dustin and Katie, with support of Mav’s VCU care team, started the process of seeking a referral and having him transferring to Boston. By God’s grace, Maverick’s case was accepted.

Why Boston? Boston Children’s Hospital has the Esophageal and Airway Treatment center and are known to treat some of the most complex cases. They are known to do esophageal transplants and are known for the Foker process. These are options Maverick will have upon evaluation by the team of doctors in Boston. They have reviewed his records and he is tentatively scheduled for the OR on November 23rd.

Due to his complications from the esophagus Maverick has stopped breathing multiple times and has even had to receive CPR. Maverick’s family is thankful for the opportunity for Maverick to be accepted by Boston Children’s Hospital but it will come with many obstacles. He will be transferred via air ambulance Monday. Katie and her mom will be traveling up with the girls on Tuesday so they can be there in Boston with Maverick. Dustin will be staying behind to continue to work and take care of their financial obligations in Richmond. It is uncertain how long Mavericks will stay in Boston since the Foker procedure could take weeks to months. The family plans on traveling back and forth so the girls can continue their multiple appointments in Richmond and continue to be there for Maverick.

While traveling to/ from Boston, they will need money for food, gas, parking fees and lodging. Any amount that you are able to bless them with will help with their living expenses while they are away from home. Maverick’s surgery is scheduled for Monday, the 23rd. Please pray for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Katie and Dustin want their whole family at home together as soon as possible. ❤️