When Amelia and Casey Green welcomed their son Maverick to the world in January 2022, they were ready to bring home a healthy baby boy. But his arrival marked the beginning of a complex health journey they never anticipated.
During Amelia’s pregnancy, doctors had noticed an issue with Maverick’s kidney draining slowly, but it wasn’t expected to lead to the severe complications Maverick faced just days after his birth in North Louisiana.
At two days old, Maverick struggled to maintain his oxygen levels and developed severe stridor — an abnormal, high-pitched, musical breathing sound that signaled something was wrong. He was transferred to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and admitted to the Newton & Betsy Thomas Family Center for Newborn & Infant Intensive Care.
For the next 53 days in our NICU, Maverick’s journey to diagnosis and healing began under the expert care of a team of doctors, nurses and specialists.
Discovering Maverick’s Diagnosis
Initially, Maverick was diagnosed with tracheomalacia, a condition that affects the cartilage of the windpipe and can obstruct breathing.
Determined to explore every treatment option before considering a tracheostomy, the NICU team, led by Elizabeth Lindsay, MD, opted for CPAP and high-flow oxygen to support Maverick’s breathing — a decision that ultimately helped him avoid the more invasive intervention.
Maverick’s condition proved to be more complex. Genetic testing confirmed the underlying cause: campomelic dysplasia, a rare condition that affects bone and cartilage development.
“We were relieved to finally understand what was happening with Maverick’s health,” Amelia says. “The team took the time to dig deeper, piecing together all the symptoms to give us the answers we needed.”
A Team Effort: Ongoing Care
Today, Maverick continues to make the four-hour trip from his family’s home in North Louisiana to Baton Rouge. At least once a month, the family makes the journey to ensure Maverick receives the highest standard of care.
“The NICU team saved Maverick’s life, and even though it’s a long drive, we wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else,” Amelia says. “Every trip, every appointment is worth it to know he’s getting the care he deserves.”
His care team with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health includes otolaryngologists Lauren Buck, MD, and Lisa Morris, MD; pulmonologist Andres Carrion, MD; and Maverick’s “brain team,” neurologists Yash Shah, MD, and Lori McBride, MD.
Along the way, Maverick has undergone multiple procedures to treat severe reflux, G-tube placement, airway scopes and ear tube placement. Future procedures include kidney surgery to improve drainage, an orthopedic operation and a sleep study to assess his obstructive and central sleep apnea, which requires supplemental oxygen to help him sleep comfortably.
Finding Comfort at Hogs House
During their stays in Baton Rouge, the Green family has found a home away from home at the Hogs for the Cause Family Support Home, which opened in February 2024.
“Before Hogs House, we had slept on couches and recliners in the NICU. Now, we have a clean, comfortable place to stay nearby,” Amelia says.
Maverick even took a special liking to Rosie, our cheerful pig mascot, adding a little fun and comfort to each hospital stay.
Life in Maverick’s World
At just 2 years old, Maverick is already known for his big personality and love of the outdoors. Through Amelia’s TikTok account, he has quite an online following as well. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his older brother Caleb, who is 12.
Maverick’s favorite activities include fishing trips with his mom, where he’s happiest just sitting by the water. His favorite treats? Fruit snacks and muffins — small, soft bites that work with his G-tube and dietary needs.
Despite his health challenges, Maverick thrives with a structured routine of therapies four days a week, supported by a dedicated home health nurse. Amelia and Casey both balance their careers with Maverick’s care.
“We’ve built our lives around making sure Maverick has everything he needs, and we’re incredibly grateful for our family and community’s support,” Amelia says.
Spreading a Message of Inclusion
For Amelia and Casey, Maverick’s story is more than just a personal journey — it’s a message about inclusion. Amelia hopes that by sharing his experiences, others will see that a child with unique needs can still live a full, happy life.
“Inclusion matters,” she says. “Just because Maverick looks or does things differently doesn’t make him any less deserving of a normal life. We are thankful to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital for giving him that opportunity.”
Maverick is being honored as one of Our Lady of the Lake’s Geaux Heroes, celebrated for his incredible story of strength and resilience. He is being recognized on Nov. 9 at the LSU Football game against Alabama.
