Toddler hospitalized with RSV after ‘mild cough’ started on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - The parents of a child who is battling RSV is sharing their story to spread awareness about the highly contagious illness.

Colton and Sophia Adkins say their 16-month-old son’s mild cough on Christmas Eve has turned into an unimaginable nightmare.

They were looking forward to a joyful holiday season but they noticed on Christmas Day, their son Lawson was struggling to breathe.

“We didn’t think much of it at first,” Sophia Adkins said. “But when we realized it was getting worse, we took him to the emergency room, where he tested positive for RSV.”

Lawson was itted to the hospital that night and by the fourth day, his mom noticed a dramatic change in his health.

“He just, like day and night, turned very lethargic,” she said. “He started having a really hard time breathing. They sent us to the ICU, and as soon as we got there, they decided to intubate him.”

Lawson’s case became more severe and was complicated by a blood clot in his heart. His parents were told he needed to be transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, where a team of specialists began working on his care.

“About four days ago, he was at a PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) of 17, and now it’s down to 8,” Sophia Adkins said. “Once it gets down to 4 or 5, he can be extubated. I think we’re on the right track.”

Despite Lawson’s improvements, it has all taken an emotional toll on the family.

“He has moments where he does so good, and then we get so hopeful, but then something else gets added on, and it’s kind of like a heartbreak over again,” Sophia Adkins said.

The couple said the experience has opened their eyes to the severity of RSV.

“We didn’t even think about how big RSV was until it was thrown into our face,” Colton Adkins said. “It’s really opened our eyes to just how bad it can get and how quickly it can spiral.”

The couple said they are sharing their story to raise awareness about the virus and encourage other families to take extra precautions.

“If you have a cough or think it’s just allergies, and you’re around little ones or elderly people, just stay home,” Sophia Adkins said. “You never know if it’s just allergies, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Lawson has a long road to recovery, but his parents are hopeful that they can bring him home soon.

A GoFundMe was created to help the family pay for medical bills.

Copyright 2025 KWCH via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.