On November 4, 2022, 17-year-old Rock underwent sinus surgery for sleep apnea.
Post-surgery complications from the sulfur medication, Bactrim, transformed rapidly into severe symptoms, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of idiopathic lung disease and eventual lung failure.
Rock was then diagnosed with idiopathic lung disease. As the doctors explained, his condition culminated into “the perfect storm” leading to idiopathic lung disease, fibrosis and lung failure requiring a double lung transplant.
On January 10, 2023, he received a double lung transplant, the first ever surgery of this kind performed at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, and the first pediatric lung transplant performed in the Southeast region of the U.S. in the last decade.
“We are so thankful to the teams at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital that provided excellent care at every stage of Rock’s recovery. And we are so grateful for the support our family received from RMHC Charleston where we had a place to cry, pray and commiserate with other families,” said Kena, Rock’s mom.
“It was like a piece of Home with a comfortable bedroom to shower and rest. And Gardy was always at the door to greet us along with the friendly and encouraging staff.”