Children’s of Mississippi Kid Coach of the Week: Rhett Cooper
March 04, 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 just how truly courageous these young people are.
This week's Children's of Mississippi Kid Coach is Rhett Cooper of Starkville.
Rhett developed an extremely rare, aggressive staph infection in his eye. His local pediatrician prescribed oral antibiotics, but they couldn't stop such a severe case. Rhett came to Children's of Mississippi for IV antibiotics and 24-hour care.
Making his infection even more complicated, Rhett turned out to be allergic to almost every antibiotic his care team tried. He stayed in the hospital for a week while pediatric specialists fought the infection and the clock, too.
Eye infections that travel to the soft tissue of the eye socket can lead to loss of vision, and in extreme cases, loss of life. Every four to six hours, Rhett had a head CT to make sure the infection had not affected his brain. He needed answers—fast.
Rhett's mom, Lauren Ann, said many doctors, nurses, and students worked together to find an antibiotic they could use. They persisted, keeping Rhett's family supported and informed at every turn. "We are beyond thankful for their care and love," Lauren Ann said.
That week, the benefits of being in a children's hospital shone through. Rhett made a lot of friends up and down the halls. He got to know the playroom very well and even made a slide out of some couch cushions. While his team diligently tracked down the treatment he needed, Rhett just got to be a kid.
Thankfully, with the right medication, he came through the ordeal with flying colors. A lively six-year-old, Rhett enjoys Karate and loves to make up songs and jokes.
Have fun at Saturday's game, Rhett. 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 Rhett.
This week's Children's of Mississippi Kid Coach is Rhett Cooper of Starkville.
Rhett developed an extremely rare, aggressive staph infection in his eye. His local pediatrician prescribed oral antibiotics, but they couldn't stop such a severe case. Rhett came to Children's of Mississippi for IV antibiotics and 24-hour care.
Making his infection even more complicated, Rhett turned out to be allergic to almost every antibiotic his care team tried. He stayed in the hospital for a week while pediatric specialists fought the infection and the clock, too.
Eye infections that travel to the soft tissue of the eye socket can lead to loss of vision, and in extreme cases, loss of life. Every four to six hours, Rhett had a head CT to make sure the infection had not affected his brain. He needed answers—fast.
Rhett's mom, Lauren Ann, said many doctors, nurses, and students worked together to find an antibiotic they could use. They persisted, keeping Rhett's family supported and informed at every turn. "We are beyond thankful for their care and love," Lauren Ann said.
That week, the benefits of being in a children's hospital shone through. Rhett made a lot of friends up and down the halls. He got to know the playroom very well and even made a slide out of some couch cushions. While his team diligently tracked down the treatment he needed, Rhett just got to be a kid.
Thankfully, with the right medication, he came through the ordeal with flying colors. A lively six-year-old, Rhett enjoys Karate and loves to make up songs and jokes.
Have fun at Saturday's game, Rhett. 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 Rhett.
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