At just 17 weeks gestation Theo was diagnosed with a lower urinary tract obstruction. This obstruction caused a buildup of fluid in his kidneys, which significantly damaged them. We were referred to a fetal surgeon in Kansas City who placed a shunt in Theo’s kidney to prevent further damage. The doctors believed he would be born with absolutely no kidney function and critically underdeveloped lungs due to the lack of fluid in utero. After many scares and many hospital stays, he was born at 33 weeks. He was the most perfect 5lb 3oz we have ever laid eyes on. He was immediately placed on the ventilator due to his underdeveloped lungs, but he amazed us all when he was able to come off after a week and a half. He began to gain a small amount of kidney function allowing us to take him home after a 2-month NICU stay. His kidneys worked long enough for him to gain some weight and become strong and active. His kidneys failed at 8 months old and we started dialysis. We are so thankful that we are able to do dialysis from home each night while he sleeps. 

Theo will continue this routine until he is big enough to get a kidney transplant. He will need multiple kidney transplants throughout his life resulting in significant medical expenses. We have partnered with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for assistance. Donations to COTA for Team Theo will assist with a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.

We are so thankful for the financial support to COTA for Team Theo, acts of kindness, and prayers.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.