2024 Miracle Child – Benicio "Beni" Taylor
Written by his mom, Brandy
 

Benicio was born on April 18, 2019, the youngest of four kids. He weighed 9 pounds, 11 ounces, and was the biggest newborn in the family. Everyone was excited to meet Beni. After a week of snuggles and rest, I was contacted by Beni’s pediatrician with the news that he had tested positive for Sickle Cell Disease. We didn’t know at that time that Beni’s father was positive for the Sickle Cell trait, though I knew from a very young age that I had the trait.

Our other children were not diagnosed with Sickle Cell, so it was a huge surprise that Beni did.  I felt all sorts of emotions, mostly sadness about his future and quality of life. The Sparrow and Michigan State University teams in the Hematology/ Oncology unit were very helpful in giving me resources and information about Beni’s diagnosis. I had to learn to take it one day at a time and not think so far into the future. Whenever a problem arises with Beni’s disease we face it head-on and get through it. Most of my family is still in the dark about Sickle Cell Disease and the challenges these Sickle Cell warriors face. 

Beni’s journey so far has consisted of an operation for a partial splenectomy from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, a port for monthly blood transfusions, and numerous blood draws at Sparrow. I know these procedures are very necessary for Beni’s life, but I dread the stigma associated with this disease affecting him in the future.

Beni’s name means Blessing, and he definitely means that to our family. We love him dearly.  He is a happy, smart, fun-loving four-year-old and I can’t wait to see him grow into the amazing adult he will be.

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Benicio is a perfect example of the collaboration of our three local facilities. His hematologists at MSU Pediatric Hematology and Oncology routinely monitor and evaluate his condition. They help with day-to-day issues and monitor the effectiveness of medications to help control the effects of Sickle Cell Disease. If there is a need for further intervention Sparrow Pediatrics jumps in to help take care of acute needs, such as transfusions and admissions for fevers. Benicio needed further intervention for a surgical procedure to remove part of his spleen. This is where the amazing team of surgeons from U-M answered the call! Benicio is truly a miracle child who has greatly benefited from the availability of all three of these services here locally working together for the “BENIfit” of all patients.

Jonathon Underhill RN
Clinical Nurse Manager
MSU Pediatric Hematology/Oncology