When the Bayou Outdoors Foundation introduces a child or teen from South Louisiana to the great outdoors, it’s usually not on a golf course, but Saturday, February 8 was no ordinary day either. Bayou Outdoors Foundation, whose president and founder, Robbie “Betty” Bowers is a member of the KQKI Sports Krewe, held its first ever golf tournament on Saturday at St. Mary Golf & Country Club in Berwick, with plans to make it an annual event.
Bayou Outdoors Foundation was formed by several St. Mary Parish residents and is dedicated to promoting the dignity and self-worth of all children by introducing them to the great outdoors. With one simple goal in mind, the foundation’s leadership say they want to help improve the lives of every child and family they encounter by bringing children and teens with special needs and illnesses on hunting and fishing excursions, not just in Louisiana, but also in other states. The trips are provided at no cost to the families. However, the foundation’s leadership wasn’t hunting or fishing when took their mission a step further at the conclusion of Saturday’s golf tournament by making a $500 donation to Crue Hotard and his family.
Crue, who turned 7 months old today, February 13, is the son of Brandon and Shelli Hotard of Berwick. He was born with a liver disease known as Biliary Atresia and underwent a corrective procedure, but it was not successful and unfortunately the disease has progressed into end-stage liver disease which requires a liver transplant before Crue’s liver completely fails.
Monday, February 10 marked one month that Crue has been officially listed for a liver transplant at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX and his family says that ORGAN DONORS ARE TRUE HEROES!! They added that donors save many lives every single day. The medical field states that a liver transplant is not a cure; it’s a lifelong treatment.
With help from Children’s Organ Transplant Association, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to raising funds for children’s organ transplants, a fundraiser is now underway for Crue. Donated funds are strictly dedicated to only helping to pay for his organ transplant-related expenses that insurance does not cover. You can donate to Cure’s cause by clicking here where you will also find the story of Crue’s journey.
Crue’s family thanks everyone in advance for their generosity in supporting their little man, Crue, as they fight the battle together. The family is also asking the public to feel free in sharing Crue’s story.
