Dawayne’s Story

From joyously clapping his hands in excitement to blowing all of his visitors’ kisses, and smiling ear-to-ear during his therapy sessions, Dawayne White always brightened his entire care team’s day. His willing and engaging personality mixed with the dedicated medical staff at Franciscan Children’s helped Dawayne reach new milestones that his family never could have imagined.

Born prematurely at 36 weeks, Dawayne faced immediate medical challenges. His premature birth left his kidneys undeveloped, which led to a gradual loss of kidney function causing end-stage renal disease. During his 22-month stay at Boston Children’s Hospital, he was placed on dialysis until receiving a kidney transplant on May 17, 2017. He also had a tracheotomy placed and was put on a ventilator to support his breathing due to a respiratory decompensation.

In March 2018, a month after his surgery, Dawayne was welcomed to Franciscan Children’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Franciscan Children’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program provides therapeutic and medical services to children, such as Dawayne, requiring respiratory support. He spent the next eight months working with our expert rehabilitation team, receiving pulmonary and physical therapy.

Dawayne’s mother, Tyeshya Austin, is a Dorchester native and followed his progress every day.

“Dawayne has made unbelievable strides during his time at Franciscan Children’s. Every time I came in, I saw how close he was with the therapists. I could tell that he was comfortable and it made me feel good,” said Tyeshya on the impact of Dawayne’s care team.

Dawayne’s family spent several months visiting Franciscan Children’s and closely following all of his medical accomplishments. But it’s been a trying time as Tyeshya is a proud mother of four boys: DeAndre (18), Tyshawn (16), Kahamari (9), and Dawayne (3).

During his rehabilitation, Dawayne made vast improvements with his range of motion and communication skills.

Physical therapist Kaleigh Duggan recalls Dawayne being able to sit and roll, but having difficulties transitioning from positions on his bed.

“Now he can crawl, walk with help, and fully move around. He’s made a ton of progress since coming here and he even knows the sign to ask to stand up,” said Kaleigh on Dawayne gaining independence.

Although Dawayne’s spunky personality now shines through, he was initially very resistant to interacting with nurses, staff members, and receiving care. However, during his stay, Dawayne’s nurses and support team, which included occupational therapists, physical therapists, and musical therapists helped him open up to the required interaction for care.

Speech therapist Jenna DelSordo worked with Dawayne on a week-to-week basis improving his communication skills and teaching him sign language, which allowed his personality to sparkle.

Jenna describes Dawayne as a smart, loving, and able patient, as he developed as a great therapy participant.

“I never thought I would be able to see him crawl, get up on his own, and communicate through sign language”

“I never thought I would be able to see him crawl, get up on his own, and communicate through sign language,” said Tyeshya.

When Dawayne arrived at Franciscan Children’s he was vent dependent, but now is able to spend up to 12 hours off his vent. Child Life specialist Kristen Hildreth worked with Dawayne since his first day in the medical unit and has seen all of his tremendous accomplishments.

“Dawayne has been a rock star with his trach mist and weaning off of ventilator support,” said Kristen.

Dawayne’s care team became so drawn to him due to his charming smile, pleasant manner, and playful attitude.

“He absolutely loves anything silly and especially when you clap for him! You can always find him watching Mickey Mouse or dancing to his favorite tunes on the iPod,” said Kristen when describing Dawayne’s affable nature.

Although he’s leaving his Franciscan Children’s family, Dawayne’s mother and brothers can’t wait to have him home. Dawayne’s oldest brother, DeAndre, is a senior at nearby Brighton High School, and prepared for his discharge for several months. DeAndre visited his brother multiple times a week after school to learn more about Dawayne’s care and treatment.

“I am so proud to be able to help out my mother with Dawayne coming home. I don’t see this as a job but as my responsibility,” said DeAndre.

Tyeshya plans on making DeAndre a secondary caretaker for Dawayne, and big brother is more than prepared for the task.

“It’s not about Dawayne fitting with us, but us fitting in with Dawayne, and making him feel comfortable in his new home,” said DeAndre on his brother’s discharge.

And, just in time for the holidays, Tyeshya is beyond excited to have all of her boys under one roof for the first time.

“We are happy to get him home so he can be together with his family. All of his brothers want to help him get better.”