Maverick is just that: a maverick. He was born premature at 24 weeks and two days, and is a surviving twin. He spent his first 164 days in the NICU, he is a happy, spunky toddler with bold blue eyes and a contagious smile. He loves his daddy, dogs, Spiderman, and Blippi, and possesses a curious personality. He is a social little guy who cries when anyone leaves his presence, and doesn't hold grudges despite the many painful medical experiences he has endured.

Before he was diagnosed, Maverick was brought to the local pediatrician's office for a distended stomach and reduced appetite. His pediatrician initially thought it was something GI related, but then they discovered a tumor during a CT scan. After an AFP blood test and a liver biopsy at the ER, Maverick received his official diagnosis: stage 3 hepatoblastoma, intermediate risk.

Since, Maverick has had several rounds of chemotherapy. The first round was very difficult, and he ended up in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit twice. The second round was milder, but he wasn’t able to leave the hospital for over a month. In August 2023, Maverick had a liver resection surgery, but they did not get clean margins. After two more rounds of chemotherapy, he rang the bell on September 29, 2023 and is officially in remission!

Due to the cisplatin chemo he received, Maverick has been diagnosed with high frequency hearing loss in both ears. He's a little wary of medical staff but still very forgiving. Soon, he will be turning 3 years old!

His parents hope that Maverick will receive the cure for his cancer and that he will go on to live a full and happy life in good health.

“Watching my son literally struggle for survival his entire life has taught me more about life than my entire thirty-five years of life experience,” said Ashley, Maverick’s mom. “We thought once we made it out of the NICU, we were free and clear. Cancer was never on our radar.”

She also says the experience is like a rollercoaster. There is a lot of hurry up and wait. “Lean into your medical team,” she encourages to those who may also be facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. “They'll become like family.”

To Ashley, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) means hope that one day there will be a cure for all childhood cancers, especially hepatoblastoma. In the meantime, she has photos through ALSF’s Flashes of Hope program that capture memories of Maverick with his family.

Information provided by Ashley L., Maverick’s mom
Updated April 2025