Kids Coach- Sawyer Dykman

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 Sawyer Dykman of Florence.

Sawyer was born with Prune Belly Syndrome, a genetic condition that causes certain abnormalities, such as missing abdominal muscles. And as in Sawyer's case, it can result in kidney failure at birth.

Sawyer had a kidney transplant when he was 18 months old, but two years ago the kidney failed. Currently, he is on dialysis at Children's of Mississippi while waiting for a new kidney.

Now 15, Sawyer has had more than 25 surgeries and procedures so far. He's had lots of ER visits and admissions to Children's of Mississippi, the state's only children's hospital. Over the years, his care team has included pediatric nephrologists, urologists, pulmonologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and dialysis clinicians.

Sawyer undergoes dialysis three times a week, with each session lasting more than four hours. His mom says he loves his nurses and dialysis team and everyone at Children's always provides outstanding care – not just for Sawyer but for them as parents, too.

Despite his challenges, Sawyer is doing great! His mom describes him as "Mr. Social." He loves to hunt deer, but his favorite things are watching Atlanta Braves baseball, Pittsburg Steelers football and being the manager of the Florence baseball team. He loves sports, and although he can't play, he is excited to watch and cheer on the players.

Sawyer is a big MSU baseball and football fan. In fact, last year he got to hang out with the Bulldogs baseball team and play catch!

Have fun at Saturday's game, Sawyer. Your friends at Children's of Mississippi are cheering for you!

Children's of Mississippi. Forever and Ever for Kids.

Mississippi State University Athletics

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