Children’s of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels recognized Evan Renfroe as this week’s Children’s of Mississippi Kid Coach, according to a March 26 announcement.
The Kid Coach program is a partnership between Children’s of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels that highlights pediatric patients with inspiring stories. The program aims to remind the community about the courage shown by these young people.
Evan Renfroe, a 17-year-old from Lena, was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, which is described as the most common and severe form of spina bifida. This condition causes the spinal cord to protrude through an opening in the back and can lead to symptoms such as paralysis of the legs. Although he was born in another state, Renfroe began receiving care at Children’s of Mississippi when he was three months old. Over his 17 years as a patient, he has built special relationships with staff members, nurses, doctors, and other families involved in his care.
Renfroe has received multidisciplinary treatment involving pediatric specialists across neurosurgery, urology, ophthalmology, orthotics, intensive care units (PICU), physical therapy and more. He is scheduled for hip surgery later this summer at Children’s of Mississippi before eventually transitioning to adult care for spina bifida in several years.
Despite facing challenges during 2025 related to his health condition, Renfroe continues to do well. He enjoys music and outdoor activities such as hunting and plays wheelchair basketball for the Mississippi Wheelcats.
Children’s of Mississippi extended their support for Evan ahead of Saturday’s game: “Have fun at Saturday’s game, Evan. Your friends at Children’s of Mississippi are cheering for you!”
