Tulsa Central High Student Fighting For His Life Against COVID-19

A 17-year-old Tulsa Central High School student is battling for his life after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 about a week ago. The virus has caused his kidneys to nearly shutdown.

Lawanna Penny said her son, Deshon, went from being a healthy young kid who played sports to someone who could barely walk or talk in a matter of a week.

“I’m trying to keep it together,” Penny said. “It’s hard.”

Penny said her son is currently at the Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City as COVID-19 caused his kidneys to nearly shutdown.

About a week ago, Deshon began vomiting and had difficulty breathing.

After several trips to the emergency room at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Penny finally received the call that explained what was wrong with her son.

“She said, ‘Ms. Penny, I don’t know where you are, but you need to get your son to the emergency room because his kidneys shutdown.’” Penny recalled.

Deshon’s blood work determined that his kidneys were failing. Doctors blame the malfunction on COVID-19.

Penny said doctors are surprised about the 17-year-old’s reaction to the virus.

“They came and said that this is the first case they have seen in their lifetime due to the COVID (virus),” Penny said.

Deshon is a senior at Central High School in Tulsa where he played bass drum in the school band.

Penny said her son enjoys working on cars and likes to play basketball. Deshon is known to have a competitive spirit, which Lawanna said continues now in his current battle.

Penny is in wait-and-see mode now as doctors monitor Deshon’s blood and kidneys.

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