2 minute read • Mater Prize Home, Prize Home Lottery, Mater Lotteries, Patient Stories
Kai and Maverick's Story
Mater Prize Home has been changing lives since 1954! That’s more than seven decades of sensational properties, big winners and incredible support from YOU! Thank you for helping to fund the vital medical research, equipment and patient care, that’s offered hope and healing to thousands of patients… just like Kai and Maverick
When Laura went into labour at just 24 weeks and three days, she and her partner Troy were pushed into an unimaginable whirlwind, marking the beginning of a long and testing journey of survival.
Laura’s twins, Kai and Maverick, were born dangerously early and were only just clinging to life. Kai weighed just 664 grams, and Maverick, an astonishing 390 grams. Maverick became the smallest baby born at Mater Mothers’ Hospital Brisbane in 2023.
Kai had to be resuscitated as soon as he was born, and Maverick was immediately intubated to help him breathe. A team of specialist doctors and nurses at Mater Mothers’ Hospital provided intensive, round-the clock care to keep the boys alive.
“The boys faced challenges of their extreme prematurity and there were days where we didn’t know if we’d take either of them home,” Laura shares.
The twins spent a combined 253 days in Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) under the care of Mater’s specialist teams.
Now home, the twins are making incredible progress. Both boys are busy crawling, exploring and sitting independently, defying the odds stacked against them.
Laura reflects, “We owe everything to the doctors, nurses, and the support we received. Without Mater, our boys wouldn’t be here.”
Associate Professor Luke Jardine, neonatologist at Mater Mothers’ Hospital, highlights the rarity and severity of their situation: “Babies born at 24 weeks are at the very limits of viability. For Maverick, at under 400 grams, survival was extraordinary.”
Associate Professor Jardine emphasizes that, “With continued research and care, we hope that every baby, even those born as early as 22 weeks, will not only survive but thrive.”
By purchasing Mater Prize Home tickets, you are helping to support vital medical research, equipment and patient care, giving more families like Kai and Maverick’s a chance to bring their miracles home.
Thank you. You are changing lives with every ticket!
