Kenna Lawson may only be six years old, but she’s become a regular at INTEGRIS Health Children’s. At just four months old, Kenna was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological condition. She is missing a gene on her 15th chromosome, which causes developmental delays and seizures.
Kenna Lawson may only be six years old, but she’s become a regular at INTEGRIS Health Children’s. At just four months old, Kenna was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological condition. She is missing a gene on her 15th chromosome, which causes developmental delays and seizures.
Kenna has also endured numerous other medical conditions already in her young life, receiving treatment and care at several INTEGRIS Health locations throughout the Oklahoma City area.
She and her family will be honored Friday, July 26 as the INTEGRIS Health “Home Run For Life” series continues during the 2024 OKC Baseball Club season at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during a pregame ceremony.
In addition to Angelman syndrome, Kenna was also born with laryngomalacia, which softens the tissues of her larynx. This made it hard for her to breathe and she has had multiple surgeries to improve her breathing.
In addition to these conditions, Kenna also has a rare condition called gastroparesis which hampers her ability to digest and absorb nutrition sufficiently.
In 2021, Kenna developed toxic megacolon from clostridium difficile colitis, or C. diff, and was fighting for her life. “She almost didn’t make it through it,” her mother Chelsea recalled. “She was really, really sick.”
The Lawsons spent two weeks at INTEGRIS Health, as the staff was able to help Kenna’s health improve. Her family was blown away by the love and care they received from INTEGRIS Health Children’s and the many INTEGRIS Health specialists involved in her care. “The care that we got there was some of the best care we’ve ever gotten,” Chelsea said.
Today, Kenna lives her life with as much energy and enthusiasm as any kid. “It’s constant chaos,” Chelsea said. “She’s a tiny tornado.”
Dealing with a child’s health conditions is never easy, but Chelsea is able to find the silver lining in it all.
“Her joy lets us keep going,” she said. “We take it as a blessing every day.”
With the help of INTEGRIS Health, Kenna and her family can focus on their time together while receiving top-notch care. “They’re right there with us every step of the way,” Chelsea said.
