September 1st, 2025, changed our life. Our son, Maverick, stopped eating. We thought it was reflux or colic. It was neither of them. We decided to bring him to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital to see what was going on. Within hours, we were in a way different situation. After MRIs, scopes through his nose, chest & brain x-rays, one surgery to trim down extra tissue in his throat, adding a nasogastric tube for his food, a scan of his brain to make sure that he was not having mini seizures, countless amounts of bloodwork, and two stool samples that have been sent to California to confirm if it is Botulism, oxygen to make sure his lungs don't collapse, and a PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) has been placed.

As day 15 approaches, we're still in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) without answers. We know that the doctors are working tirelessly to figure out what is going on with Maverick. He is stable but not in the clear by any means. The next 6 months is going to be a journey. If it is Botulism, his recovery will be a slow and long one. He will be feeding from the NG every 3 hours. We are using mom's breastmilk and fortifying it with formula to bring his weight up.

We are asking for help with since there is not end date in sight. We know that even once we are out of here, home care is our next step. We are fortunate that our insurance is assisting with the homecare medical devices. We have reached out for any state funding/assistance due to the fact that Megan unable to go back to work because she is Mavericks full time caretaker. We appreciate all of you and can't thank you enough.

Love,

Maverick, Megan, Zack