Fans of Swamp People were met with devastating news as Troy Landry took to Facebook to share an emotional update about his grandson, Crue, who is battling end-stage liver disease. The beloved gator hunter and reality TV star revealed that the young boy has been on the transplant list for two months, desperately awaiting a life-saving liver donor.
Landry posted on March 6, writing, “Poor baby been on the transplant list for two months now. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏” alongside a touching video of Crue sitting on a couch, smiling despite his struggle. While the video had no sound, it showcased the strength and spirit of the little fighter. In the comments, Troy expressed his deep connection to his grandson, saying, “He has his paw paw’s heart.”
The post quickly garnered thousands of responses, with fans offering prayers, words of encouragement, and stories of hope from those who have undergone liver transplants themselves.
Crue’s Diagnosis and the Fight for a Transplant
Crue is the son of Brandon Hotard, Troy’s stepson, and his wife, Sheli Hotard. Troy also shares two sons, Chase and Jacob, with his wife, Bernita Landry.
The family first revealed Crue’s diagnosis publicly on February 6, after initially keeping it private to respect Brandon and Sheli’s wishes.
“With respect to my son Brandon and his family, we haven’t made it very public with what’s going on with his little baby boy Crue’s health,” Landry wrote at the time. “But they have decided it’s time to share his story to help raise awareness that ORGAN DONORS ARE TRUE HEROES!! They save many lives every single day, and sometimes it’s even little babies such as Crue.”
The family further explained that Crue was born with a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia.
This condition, which affects infants within the first few weeks of life, occurs when the bile ducts are absent, blocked, or severely narrowed. Without functioning bile ducts, bile cannot flow from the liver to the intestines, leading to liver damage, scarring, and eventual liver failure if untreated.
Doctors attempted a corrective procedure, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. As a result, Crue’s condition progressed to end-stage liver disease, making a liver transplant his only option for survival.
The Struggles of Finding a Liver Donor
While a liver transplant offers Crue a chance at a longer life, it is not a cure but a lifelong treatment that will require continuous medical care.
The Landry family has been working tirelessly to find a donor, and on February 6, they received what they thought was a miracle call. Crue was summoned to the hospital for a potential transplant.
However, devastatingly, once they arrived, doctors determined that the liver was not the right size match, and the procedure could not proceed.
This heartbreaking news left the family and their supporters in agony as they continue to wait for a suitable donor. Meanwhile, the Landrys have encouraged people to consider becoming organ donors and have shared a fundraising link to assist with medical expenses beyond what insurance covers.
A Community Rallying Behind Crue
Troy Landry’s fans, fellow Swamp People cast members, and the wider community have rallied behind the family in this challenging time. Thousands have shared Crue’s story, hoping to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to help find a liver match for the young child.
Landry and his family continue to provide updates on Crue’s condition through their fundraising page, and they remain hopeful that the right donor will come forward soon.
This tragic situation highlights the critical need for organ donors, especially for infants facing rare and life-threatening diseases like Biliary Atresia. Troy Landry’s call for awareness serves as a reminder that every donor has the power to save lives, and sometimes, it is the youngest among us who need it the most.
For those who want to help, the Landry family has shared a donation link to assist with Crue’s medical expenses and continue spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Crue and the Landry family during this difficult time.
Fans of Swamp People were met with devastating news as Troy Landry took to Facebook to share an emotional update about his grandson, Crue, who is battling end-stage liver disease. The beloved gator hunter and reality TV star revealed that the young boy has been on the transplant list for two months, desperately awaiting a life-saving liver donor.
Landry posted on March 6, writing, “Poor baby been on the transplant list for two months now. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏” alongside a touching video of Crue sitting on a couch, smiling despite his struggle. While the video had no sound, it showcased the strength and spirit of the little fighter. In the comments, Troy expressed his deep connection to his grandson, saying, “He has his paw paw’s heart.”
The post quickly garnered thousands of responses, with fans offering prayers, words of encouragement, and stories of hope from those who have undergone liver transplants themselves.
Crue’s Diagnosis and the Fight for a Transplant
Crue is the son of Brandon Hotard, Troy’s stepson, and his wife, Sheli Hotard. Troy also shares two sons, Chase and Jacob, with his wife, Bernita Landry.
The family first revealed Crue’s diagnosis publicly on February 6, after initially keeping it private to respect Brandon and Sheli’s wishes.
“With respect to my son Brandon and his family, we haven’t made it very public with what’s going on with his little baby boy Crue’s health,” Landry wrote at the time. “But they have decided it’s time to share his story to help raise awareness that ORGAN DONORS ARE TRUE HEROES!! They save many lives every single day, and sometimes it’s even little babies such as Crue.”
The family further explained that Crue was born with a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia.
This condition, which affects infants within the first few weeks of life, occurs when the bile ducts are absent, blocked, or severely narrowed. Without functioning bile ducts, bile cannot flow from the liver to the intestines, leading to liver damage, scarring, and eventual liver failure if untreated.
Doctors attempted a corrective procedure, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful. As a result, Crue’s condition progressed to end-stage liver disease, making a liver transplant his only option for survival.
The Struggles of Finding a Liver Donor
While a liver transplant offers Crue a chance at a longer life, it is not a cure but a lifelong treatment that will require continuous medical care.
The Landry family has been working tirelessly to find a donor, and on February 6, they received what they thought was a miracle call. Crue was summoned to the hospital for a potential transplant.
However, devastatingly, once they arrived, doctors determined that the liver was not the right size match, and the procedure could not proceed.
This heartbreaking news left the family and their supporters in agony as they continue to wait for a suitable donor. Meanwhile, the Landrys have encouraged people to consider becoming organ donors and have shared a fundraising link to assist with medical expenses beyond what insurance covers.
A Community Rallying Behind Crue
Troy Landry’s fans, fellow Swamp People cast members, and the wider community have rallied behind the family in this challenging time. Thousands have shared Crue’s story, hoping to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to help find a liver match for the young child.
Landry and his family continue to provide updates on Crue’s condition through their fundraising page, and they remain hopeful that the right donor will come forward soon.
This tragic situation highlights the critical need for organ donors, especially for infants facing rare and life-threatening diseases like Biliary Atresia. Troy Landry’s call for awareness serves as a reminder that every donor has the power to save lives, and sometimes, it is the youngest among us who need it the most.
For those who want to help, the Landry family has shared a donation link to assist with Crue’s medical expenses and continue spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Crue and the Landry family during this difficult time.
