At just five years old, Theo has already proven he is stronger than most. He’s kind, competitive, and full of personality, whether he’s beating family members in the memory matching game, cheering for Notre Dame Football, or being the best big brother to Noah and Grace.
On February 28, 2025, Theo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). His journey began with what his family thought was appendicitis, but bloodwork and a bone marrow biopsy revealed something much more serious. For his parents, the word leukemia was heartbreaking. Yet from the very beginning, Theo has faced his diagnosis with courage and resilience.
Since then, Theo has endured more than most adults could imagine: multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, six weeks of twice-daily injections for a blood clot, nausea, mouth sores, and even a 10-day hospital stay for necrotizing pancreatitis. Through it all, he has rarely complained. In June, his family received the joyful news that there were zero leukemia cells left in his bone marrow. His frontline treatment will continue through March 2026, followed by a maintenance phase until June 2027.
Beacon Children’s Hospital has been a constant source of strength along the way. From his oncology nurse Carrie, who always makes him smile, to Dr. Snyder and the entire pediatric hematology oncology team, Theo feels supported and safe. He’s even excited to visit the clinic at times. His parents are grateful for expert care so close to home, which allows them to spend precious time together as a family of five.
Recently, Theo had a chance to shine beyond the hospital walls as a Junior Irish Reporter with Notre Dame Athletics. A lifelong ND fan, interviewing a player was a dream come true and a bright spot in his journey. Opportunities like this give Theo something to look forward to when so much of childhood has been interrupted by treatment.
What stands out most about Theo, though, is his selflessness. During one difficult hospital stay, when his mom grew frustrated about waiting for medicine, Theo simply said: “There must be other kids that need help more than me, so we should be patient, Mommy.”
Even in the hardest moments, Theo thinks of others first. His story is a powerful reminder of why your support matters. Donations to Beacon Children’s Hospital ensure that kids like Theo receive lifesaving treatment close to home, surrounded by compassionate caregivers and family.
Because of you, children like Theo can keep fighting and keep dreaming big.
