When 9-year-old Brayden Guillot’s eye began to swell and shift over the summer, his mom, Rejetta, knew something was wrong.
One weekend in July, his right eye became noticeably swollen and shifted out of place, and he was experiencing double vision.
“We took him to an eye doctor, and they found something pushing against his optic nerve,” Rejetta says. “Within hours, we were getting calls to go straight to the hospital for an MRI.”
That urgent trip led to the discovery of a rare and complex condition, an extreme allergic reaction to fungus in Brayden’s sinuses. What followed were three surgeries, countless appointments and procedures, and a new normal of daily care for this active fourth-grader.
A Surprising Diagnosis
Doctors found that Brayden had multiple polyps inside his nose, which were pushing against his eye and causing the swelling.
“The fungus inside his nose was causing a severe reaction,” Rejetta says. “That’s what made everything go crazy.”
Brayden was admitted to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, where pediatric otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat physician) Lauren Buck, MD, performed three surgeries over several weeks. The third surgery included Stephen Hernandez, MD, a rhinologist who specializes in complex sinus procedures.
From surgery to follow-up care, Brayden’s team has surrounded him with expertise and support.
“They told us it was going to be a long process,” Rejetta says. “They were honest that this wasn’t going to be one and done.”
Today, Brayden continues to see Theron McCormick, MD, pediatric allergy and immunology specialist, who is helping manage his severe allergies to mold and pollen.
Three Surgeries and a Brave Patient
Over the course of several weeks, Brayden underwent three surgeries to remove the polyps and clear the infection.
Surgeons had to operate multiple times because the infection and polyps kept causing further issues.
“Finally, with the rhinologist’s specialized tools, they were able to get behind his eye and help stop it from growing back,” Rejetta explains.
Despite the challenges, Brayden showed incredible strength.
“He’s become a pro at going into the hospital,” his mom says with a smile. “Child Life specialists came in, he got to play bingo and, of course, he loved the therapy dogs. The nurses were amazing. Every time we asked for something, it was given. And the doctors and residents explained everything in detail. I never had to wonder what was happening.”
Back to Being a Kid
Today, Brayden is back to doing what he loves most: playing baseball. A member of the Saints Youth Baseball team in Prairieville, he’s already found ways to keep up his sinus care while on the field.
“We bring his saline rinse to the field, and he uses it between games to keep his sinuses clear,” Rejetta says. “So far, the doctor says he can keep playing, and we’re hopeful he won’t have to give up his sports.”
The surgeries corrected his double vision, and his eye returned to its normal position.
“Everything looks back to normal now,” says his mom. “The only time he had vision problems was when his eye was being pushed out.”
A Family of Fighters
Brayden isn’t the first Guillot child to face a major health challenge. His oldest sister, Katelyn, now 13, was treated for a brain tumor at age 7, and his older sister Kelsey, 12, has been right by his side through this journey. Their dad, Brian, a local firefighter, has been a steady source of strength for the whole family.
“We’ve spent a lot of time at Our Lady of the Lake,” Rejetta says. “Everything about the Children’s Hospital is geared to kids. From the wavy seats in the lobby to the lab staff, everyone knows how to make children feel comfortable.”
For this family, having that kind of support has made all the difference.
Advice for Other Families
Looking back on Brayden’s journey, Rejetta encourages other parents to trust their instincts.
“Listen to your mom gut,” she says. “If anything looks off, see a doctor and keep advocating for your child. We’ve been blessed with great doctors who were honest and walked us through each step.”
For Brayden, that support has meant he can get back to being a kid — running the bases, playing with his sisters and celebrating his 10th birthday this month. And for the Guillot family, it has meant navigating a scary diagnosis with hope, strength and gratitude.
On October 11, Brayden will be recognized as an Our Lady of the Lake’s Geaux Hero during the LSU Football game against South Carolina, celebrating his courage, resilience and determination.
