Troy Landry’s Grandson Crue Hotard’s Heartbreaking Liver Transplant Battle: A Louisiana Family’s Fight for Hope and Healing

In the quiet town of Berwick, Louisiana, Brandon Hotard, stepson of Swamp People star Troy Landry, and his wife, Sheli L. Hotard, have been navigating an unimaginable journey—one shaped by the urgent medical needs of their infant son, Crue Hotard.The couple married in December 2020, blending Brandon’s two daughters from a previous marriage, Rayne (born July 2002) and Miley (born April 1, 2007), into a new family unit. While the identity of Brandon’s ex-wife has not been publicly disclosed, his dedication to his daughters and his growing family is well-known in their close-knit community.

A Joyful Start with an Unexpected Turn

Crue Hotard entered the world on July 13, 2024, following what doctors described as a healthy and uneventful pregnancy. For Brandon and Sheli, the birth of their first child together was a deeply anticipated moment. After eight hours of labor, complications led to an emergency C-section, and Crue spent his first 24 hours in the ICU receiving oxygen support.

Despite the rocky start, he was released in stable condition. At home, he was met with excitement and affection by his older sisters, Rayne and Miley, ready to embrace their new roles with joy.

The Diagnosis and a Long Road Ahead

In the weeks following his birth, Crue’s care team at Thibodaux Regional noticed elevated bilirubin levels and referred him to Children’s Hospital New Orleans (CHNO). Multiple tests eventually confirmed biliary atresia, a rare condition that causes bile to build up in the liver. Surgery was attempted but did not yield the results the family had hoped for.

By January 2025, Crue was listed for a liver transplant at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. As Brandon publicly shared, “We now wait on pins and needles for a donor liver to become available. ORGAN DONORS ARE TRUE HEROES!!”

Moments of Hope, and Heartbreak

In February, Crue celebrated his seven-month birthday. While his strength and resilience lifted the spirits of those around him, his family faced a new wave of challenges: infections, hospital stays, and an increased need for nutritional support. Despite being called in for a potential donor match on February 19, the surgery was called off—a heartbreaking dry run, as the liver was not a suitable size.

“We can only pray and cross our fingers that another offer will come his way very soon,” Sheli wrote in a February 21 update, sharing a photo of Crue looking out from his hospital room. Just days later, a TPN procedure (to provide long-term nutritional support) was scheduled.

Community and Continued Support

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) has played a key role in supporting Crue’s journey. Through COTA, the family has launched a fundraiser to help offset the costs of transplant-related care. As Brandon noted,

“COTA funds are strictly dedicated to only help pay for his organ transplant-related expenses that insurance does not cover. COTA can also help Crue to support transplant-related expenses once he’s out on his own as an adult.”

The response has been deeply encouraging. Organizations like The Buckstrong Foundation and supporters across Louisiana have rallied behind the family, helping to spread awareness and raise funds.

A Family Waiting, Hoping, Praying

As of April 2025, Crue remains on the liver transplant waiting list. The financial, emotional, and physical toll is high—but so is the resolve of Brandon, Sheli, Rayne, and Miley. They continue to share updates through social media, maintaining hope and seeking prayers from all corners.

This is a story still unfolding—of resilience, community, and the hope that a donor will soon change Crue’s future.

To support Crue’s transplant journey, please consider donating through COTA’s official website.