Theo

Many families end up requiring medical care for their kids at some stage or another, but Theo’s need for HSC Children’s Hospital started before he was even born. 

“We knew our son’s health challenges would be the biggest challenge we will ever face as parents,” says Taylor, Theo’s Mom. “However, we knew that no diagnosis would change our love for Theo.”

Theo’s health challenges began in utero when doctors noticed he had a congenital heart defect, and persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC), a rare vascular anomaly that obstructs blood from flowing to the heart.

In 2021, at only a few months olds, Theo received multiple rounds of blood work from healthcare teams at HSC Children’s Hospital and had an MRI ­when his parents, Taylor and Jonathan, noticed he was not meeting developmental milestones.

The hole in Theo’s heart repaired itself before he was born, but other cardiac concerns continued.

At three months old, he developed pectus excavatum, where the chest appears caved-in due to the sternum and rib cage shaping abnormally. This can severely damage the heart and lung function.

“We never thought we would require this amount of support for our child,” says Taylor.

Shortly after his first birthday, doctors diagnosed Theo with chromosome microdeletion, a rare chromosome abnormality that typically presents in children through neurological abnormalities and developmental delays.

Since then, Theo has needed support from several multidisciplinary teams of specialists at Children’s Hospital for audiology, speech therapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

Theo’s parents are thankful for the amazing care and support their family has received from Children’s Hospital.­

“We know we can trust and rely on the team at Children’s Hospital,” says Taylor. “They will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Theo will continue to need regular appointments with care teams at Children’s to monitor his health. Between these visits, he continues being a kid, playing with his cousins, or enjoying the catchy melodies of a Wiggles song.

“It makes me feel good knowing there is constant level of support for Theo, no matter what stage of life he is in,” says Taylor. “It is more than any parent could want when their child is ill.”

Theo’s parents are deeply grateful for all supporters who help kids through Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Donations help purchase critical tools and equipment and fund leading-edge research so health care teams can test and treat more kids like Theo.

“If we did not have donor support for the Children’s Hospital, we would not be able to live our day-to-day life without worry and fear for our son,” says Taylor. “Anytime supporters donate, they should know that families like ours are so appreciative of every single one of you.”