Children’s of Mississippi Kid Coaches of the Week: Trinitee' and De'Shawn Smith
February 20, 2020 | Baseball
Kid Coach is a partnership between Children's of Mississippi and the Mississippi State Bulldogs to salute pediatric patients. Their inspirational stories remind us of just how truly courageous these young people are.
This week's Children's of Mississippi Kid Coaches are siblings Trinitee' and De'Shawn Smith of Jackson.
Trinitee', nearly 13 years old, and her brother, De'Shawn, who turns 11 in June, both live with sickle cell disease. An inherited blood disorder, sickle cell disease can cause a variety of complications. So when the Smith family came home to Mississippi after retiring from the military, it was critical to connect with the right health care team.
Before leaving Florida, where they were living at the time, they asked their children's medical team who they should see in Mississippi. De'Shawn and Trinitee's doctor referred them to pediatric specialists at Children's of Mississippi, home to the state's only sickle cell clinic.
Although the siblings share the same disease, their experience has been different. Fortunately, Trinitee' has not had severe complications. A case of pneumonia a few days before she graduated from elementary school in 2018 did land her in Batson Children's Hospital. But her care team made sure she still had a special time. They filled her day with goodies and activities and joined the party when Trinitee's classmates came to celebrate in her room.
Trinitee' completely recovered and continues learning about her condition. The kids' mom, Keishawna, says their doctor takes time to answer all Trinitee's questions.
De'Shawn's path through sickle cell disease has been rockier. Two-and-a-half years ago, De'Shawn came down with the flu and was admitted to the hospital. He developed acute chest syndrome, a potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease that makes breathing extremely difficult.
At 2 a.m., De'Shawn moved to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he stayed for weeks. At one point, he had to be put on life support. "When our son finally opened his eyes, I almost did somersaults down the hallway!" his mom said. With expert care, De'Shawn started breathing on his own a few days later.
Following such an extreme complication, a few months later the Smiths and De'Shawn's care team started discussing a bone marrow transplant for a possible cure. Last August, De'Shawn had the transplant, which, sadly, was unsuccessful.
"I was devastated," said Keishawna, "but my ten-year-old warrior was not. He looked at me and said, 'Mom, It's okay. We had to try.'" He continues to manage the disease as before, and looks forward to returning to school.
And as their big smiles and bright attitudes show, nothing keeps these Kid Coaches down for long!
Have fun at Saturday's game, Trinitee' and De'Shawn. Your friends at Children's of Mississippi are cheering for you!
The right team for kids
With Mississippi's only children's hospital and pediatric clinics across the state, Children's of Mississippi doctors work together to care for kids at every step, in every location. Supported by the full resources of UMMC, our specialists coordinate optimal care for children like Trinitee' and De'Shawn.
This week's Children's of Mississippi Kid Coaches are siblings Trinitee' and De'Shawn Smith of Jackson.
Trinitee', nearly 13 years old, and her brother, De'Shawn, who turns 11 in June, both live with sickle cell disease. An inherited blood disorder, sickle cell disease can cause a variety of complications. So when the Smith family came home to Mississippi after retiring from the military, it was critical to connect with the right health care team.
Before leaving Florida, where they were living at the time, they asked their children's medical team who they should see in Mississippi. De'Shawn and Trinitee's doctor referred them to pediatric specialists at Children's of Mississippi, home to the state's only sickle cell clinic.
Although the siblings share the same disease, their experience has been different. Fortunately, Trinitee' has not had severe complications. A case of pneumonia a few days before she graduated from elementary school in 2018 did land her in Batson Children's Hospital. But her care team made sure she still had a special time. They filled her day with goodies and activities and joined the party when Trinitee's classmates came to celebrate in her room.
Trinitee' completely recovered and continues learning about her condition. The kids' mom, Keishawna, says their doctor takes time to answer all Trinitee's questions.
De'Shawn's path through sickle cell disease has been rockier. Two-and-a-half years ago, De'Shawn came down with the flu and was admitted to the hospital. He developed acute chest syndrome, a potentially fatal complication of sickle cell disease that makes breathing extremely difficult.
At 2 a.m., De'Shawn moved to the pediatric intensive care unit, where he stayed for weeks. At one point, he had to be put on life support. "When our son finally opened his eyes, I almost did somersaults down the hallway!" his mom said. With expert care, De'Shawn started breathing on his own a few days later.
Following such an extreme complication, a few months later the Smiths and De'Shawn's care team started discussing a bone marrow transplant for a possible cure. Last August, De'Shawn had the transplant, which, sadly, was unsuccessful.
"I was devastated," said Keishawna, "but my ten-year-old warrior was not. He looked at me and said, 'Mom, It's okay. We had to try.'" He continues to manage the disease as before, and looks forward to returning to school.
And as their big smiles and bright attitudes show, nothing keeps these Kid Coaches down for long!
Have fun at Saturday's game, Trinitee' and De'Shawn. Your friends at Children's of Mississippi are cheering for you!
The right team for kids
With Mississippi's only children's hospital and pediatric clinics across the state, Children's of Mississippi doctors work together to care for kids at every step, in every location. Supported by the full resources of UMMC, our specialists coordinate optimal care for children like Trinitee' and De'Shawn.
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