Maverick is a busy, three-year-old kid from Cheyenne who’s never met a stranger. He’s friendly, outgoing, and does everything he can to keep up with his older cousins and brother. Known for being incredibly resilient, Maverick doesn’t let anything slow him down, especially when he was diagnosed with a rare lung disease that led to a wish granted by Make-A-Wish Wyoming. Though he was physically delayed in his gross motor movement, once he found his footing, there would be no stopping him.

At six weeks old, Maverick stopped gaining weight, and doctors noticed his oxygen levels were low, causing him to breathe rapidly. He was transferred to Denver Children’s Hospital, where he experienced several weeks of testing, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. Maverick requires oxygen and a feeding tube due to his condition. Yet, after spending Christmas and New Year’s in the hospital, he’s returned home, and his family is navigating these new changes in life together.

“The transition from hospital to home was challenging. Any time he caught a sniffle, he ended up back in the hospital, which has led to many hospital visits. Eventually, he began using a ventilator while he sleeps. He’s on oxygen full-time and still uses feeding tubes because of reflux and digestion issues. With proper nutrition, oxygen, and nighttime ventilator support, he’s grown into this energetic, fun kid we didn’t know we’d have three years ago. He’s resilient, happy, and just keeps going,” says Maverick’s mom, Jenna.

Maverick’s disease is non-progressive, and as his lungs grow and healthy tissue develops, that should outweigh the damaged tissue, and his needs may lessen over time. Though there is no timeline set for how long he will need a ventilator, he no longer has to go to the hospital for every cold anymore – a major win for him and his family!

“Through all his hospital visits and treatments, he’s handled everything well. He also just didn’t know any different. He was always happy when nurses, therapists, or doctors came by. Even though we spent so much time in Denver, we stayed close as a family, and he’s made it through so many tough times. It’s not something any child should have to go through, but it’s his normal, and he’s a trooper,” Jenna shares.

When it came time to talk about a wish, a playroom felt perfect for Maverick, something he could enjoy solo or with his brother and family. Make-A-Wish Wyoming quickly got to work, taking the former playroom, which had not been used to its full potential, and transforming it into an engaging, fun, and adventurous corner of the house fit for the vibrant kid Maverick is.

The room was equipped with several gross motor skill toys and features that helped build Maverick’s strength and growth, including a climbing wall, monkey bars, and a rope swing that hangs from the ceiling. Other toys, such as puzzles, LEGOs, Nerf guns, books, and blocks, meet Maverick’s special interests and allow him to get up and play freely or settle in for some quality playtime.

“We wanted a dedicated space where Maverick could always access his toys and move freely, especially during winter weather or days when being outside isn’t enjoyable,” says Jenna. “We wanted something just for him that he could grow into and use throughout his journey. He really enjoys building LEGOs and puzzles with his dad and has really loved having those choices in his playroom.”

Since his wish was granted in January 2026, Maverick has loved his climbing wall, which has supported his own confidence and independence. One of his other favorite parts of the playroom is the Amazon Echo Show, which allows for kid-friendly books, games, and music upon request. Maverick loves music and singing, so he currently hosts a dance party in his playroom every night for his family, requesting the Echo to play music ranging from Taylor Swift to Alex Warren.

“This wish has helped us stay home without feeling cabin-feverish. It’s also brought together so many of our friends and family, which reminds us that we truly have a village. We feel seen, and Maverick feels seen and loved. People in our lives, and even strangers, care about him and what he’s going through, and that means so much,” says Jenna.

Across Wyoming, kids like Maverick are waiting for their dream wish to come true. Help Make-A-Wish Wyoming grant wishes and inspire hope by donating your dollars or your time at wish.org/Wyoming.