Jaelyn Kirby, a 16-year-old with Marfan syndrome, found unexpected joy during her recent hospital stay at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Jaelyn, who was admitted via ambulance from East Texas, discovered that her hospital room overlooked Reckling Park, the home stadium of the Rice baseball team. Watching a game outside her window provided a much-needed distraction for Jaelyn and her family, lifting their spirits during a challenging time.
Photos of Jaelyn observing the Rice baseball game garnered attention on social media, amassing over 75,000 views. The Rice baseball players, J.D. McCracken, Kyte McDonald, and Parker Smith, personally visited Jaelyn at the hospital, delivering jerseys, hats, and autographed baseballs. Their gesture meant a lot to Jaelyn, who became a fan of the Rice baseball team after experiencing their game from her hospital room.
Despite her chronic condition, Marfan syndrome, Jaelyn remains optimistic and appreciative of the support she receives. Dr. Shaine A. Morris, the medical director of cardiovascular genetics at Texas Children’s, emphasized the comprehensive care available to patients like Jaelyn.
Looking ahead, Jaelyn eagerly anticipates attending the Rice baseball game against Stanford on March 2, following her participation in The Marfan Foundation’s Walk for Victory at Houston’s Discovery Green. Her hospital stay, though challenging, has left her with cherished memories and newfound admiration for the Rice baseball team.
