Gavyn has always been an active, curious kid. “He likes to try everything new. He’s super outgoing, super friendly, super kind … just an all-around amazing kid,” says his mother, Shayla.
At first, it wasn’t too concerning when Gavyn had a rash on his arms after football practice during the summer. His parents figured he might just be having a simple allergic reaction to the grass. But before long, his rash had spread to his whole body. He tested negative for allergies, and the rash seemed to go away.
His journey wasn’t over, however. Gavyn’s joints began to swell, especially his fingers, and he wasn’t able to walk one morning. Gavyn’s parents took him to the hospital, where the care team at first suspected juvenile arthritis. But a few days later, the results of additional testing showed the true culprit: Lyme disease.
Fortunately, treatment with antibiotics for four weeks cleared his symptoms. This fifth-grader is now back to his healthy, adventurous self. He was in top form to meet and interview the Notre Dame football players.
“Oh, he was on cloud nine!” said Shayla. “He says he’s going to be just like the football players.” He quickly got over his nervousness when talking with them and has definitely decided he’ll be going to Notre Dame … in a few years, that is.
Looking back on his illness, his mom Shayla says, “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through.” But through it all, and with the help of his faith, her son kept his chin up. “He’s just a kid that doesn’t let things bother him too much. He’s a tough cookie for sure,” she said.
