SAN ANGELO, TX — 4-Year-Old Maverick Davis is a San Angelo native who was recently diagnosed with Burkett Lymphoma Leukemia three weeks ago at Cooks Children Hospital in Fort Worth.
The Davis Family and an Unexpected Challenge
Maverick's parents, Tyler and Katie Davis are both San Angelo natives in their early thirties. Tyler works installing GPS for oil field companies and Katie is an esthetician, specializing in eyelashes. The Davis family also includes Maverick’s 6-year-old sister Harper.
Mavericks is a normal 4-year-old kid who enjoys riding his bike, playing outside, and hanging out with his family. Maverick had never had any major medical issues until he started experiencing back pain one evening. Tyler recounts the evening, “It was strange because he kept telling us that his back was hurting him badly and that his ribs felt cold.”
The Davis took Maverick to see the doctor about his pain but were told that Maverick was completely healthy and there was no indication of anything concerning. In fact, Tyler and Katie were told that Maverick might be seeking attention by constantly complaining since it was occurring so often. Tyler and Katie left Shannon confused and remained concerned about their son’s health.
The Davis Family and Maverick
(Credit: Sent in by Tyler Davis)
The Davis family tried to resume life as they normally would until one evening Maverick woke up screaming, according to his father. Shannon's doctors recommended several tests but the Davis family learned that referrals were required to move forward. Luckily, Maverick was transported to Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth Texas.
After arriving at Cooks, doctors ran tests including a PAT scan which allows doctors to see inside the bones. Unfortunately, the scan showed a black substance, which indicated spreading cancer, throughout his entire bone structure. Subsequently, doctors continued to run tests on Maverick including a bone marrow test, spinal tap, and more.
Burkett Lymphoma Leukemia
Conclusively, multiple tests confirmed the diagnosis of diagnosed with Burkett Lymphoma Leukemia. This particular form of cancer attacks blood cells, initially mutating white blood cells and duplicating all of your other blood cells creating a rapid surplus. According to Lymphoma.org, Burkett lymphoma is a rare and highly aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This disease may affect the jaw, central nervous system, bowel, kidneys, ovaries, or other organs. Burkett lymphoma may spread to the central nervous system (CNS).
Maverick's Current State
According to his father Tyler, the latest tests done by his oncologist revealed that Maverick's cancer is in remission. The scans showed extraordinary improvement to the surprise of both the Davis family and Mav's medical team at Cooks Hospital. Tyler said, "Yeah we were all excited and a little shocked to hear the doctor say his condition had improved drastically and exceeded their preconceived expectations." However, he is not out of the woods yet. Maverick is starting to get back to his normal self, according to his father who also said, "He has good days and bad days. His hair is falling out pretty badly. He is still very active. He loves being extremely active, doing things like riding his bike, having dirt wars with the nurses, and riding his scooter around." Tyler also mentioned, "He's been saying “I don't want to lose all my hair, Mom," and "I just want to go home now."
4-year-old Maverick Davis
(Credit: Sent in by Tyler Davis)
Ronald McDonald House
Mav's father Tyler explained that the ongoing medical expenses for cancer treatment along with additional costs associated with food, gas, and travel have put an inordinate amount of stress on the Davis family. Tyler expressed gratitude for all of the support they have received so far and for the insurance his employer provides. Without insurance, the Davis Family would be in big trouble.
Another major blessing during this challenging time has been the Ronald McDonald House Charities Fort Worth, according to Tyler and Katie. RMHC's mission is
Ronald McDonald House Charities plays a unique global role in enabling, supporting, and facilitating family-centered care. The Charity expresses on their website, "We are "proud to be part of a global organization that believes a home is more than four walls and a roof over your head. It is the intangible magic that transpires in shared moments."
Support Maverick Via GoFundMe or Mail a Gift
The Davis family did not directly reach out to San Angelo LIVE. A family friend sent a Facebook message and one of our team members received the message and reached out to Tyler Davis to learn about Maverick's story. Tyler and Katie are very humble and would never ask outright for monetary support.
The Davis family could use all the help, support, and encouragement our community can muster. We encourage San Angeloans to support young Maverick Davis and his family by selecting one of the following options:
Option One: GoFundMe Page- Donate to Mavercisk's GoFundMe Page to help with medical expenses, gas, food, and supplies.
To support Maverick by donating to his GoFundMe Page Click the Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/mavericks-fight-against-leukemia?member=32191405&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na%20share-sheet&utm_content=ai_control2&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR1AbtjXdLsZvAVWep_ztyYkMJpmmQNXxPtmY5lAipoyzzenRngiaj11_sI
Option Two: Send Mail to Ronald McDonald House- Another way to support your Mav is by sending him personal letters, words of encouragement, toys, and other thoughtful gifts, as approved by Tyler Davis.
If you would like to send Maverick something special please through the mail, call Angie Gallaway at (817) 820-8988l from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Fort Worth location for postage details.
Maverick Davis
(Credit: GoFundMe Page)
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