Some moments divide life into before and after.
For me, that moment came in June 2016, the day my son, Theo, was born.

His arrival should have been filled with celebration, joy, and the simple wonder of becoming a mother for the first time. Instead, it marked the beginning of a journey shaped by fear, uncertainty, and a strength I never knew I possessed.

Theo was born with a rare and life-threatening heart condition called Truncus Arteriosus—a diagnosis that would change our lives forever.

The Diagnosis: A Lightning Bolt from the Blue

Throughout my pregnancy, everything appeared normal. I attended every scan, followed every instruction, and was reassured time and time again that my baby was healthy. There was no family history, no genetic warning signs. Theo’s condition wasn’t inherited—it was simply one of those devastating, unpredictable occurrences that can happen to anyone.

Nothing prepared us for what came next.

Theo’s birth was complicated. I became unwell during labor, and as a precaution, Theo was taken straight to intensive care for antibiotics. At first, we believed it was simply a safety measure. But as the hours passed, concern began to grow.

Despite receiving oxygen, Theo’s levels remained dangerously low.

Doctors began asking more questions. Tests were ordered. A cardiologist from Birmingham Children’s Hospital was called in urgently. Deep down, I knew something was terribly wrong—but nothing could have prepared me for the truth.

Theo was diagnosed with Truncus Arteriosus, two ventricular septal defects (VSDs), and a leaky heart valve. His heart and lungs shared a single artery instead of two, forcing oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood to mix. Without surgery, he would not survive.

The doctors were honest. Surgery was essential—but incredibly high risk. Theo was just days old. His chances of survival were estimated at 70%.

At that point, I had only held my son twice.

My heart shattered at the thought of losing him before I truly had the chance to know him. But fear had no room to rule us. We placed our trust in the medical team and prayed that love, skill, and determination would be enough.

A Tiny Baby, A Massive Battle

At just six days old, Theo underwent an extraordinary operation.

The surgery lasted nine and a half hours, including 237 minutes on bypass—a staggering length of time when compared to the average adult heart bypass, which lasts around 90 minutes.

Watching our newborn fight for his life was unbearable.

Every minute stretched endlessly. Every update was met with held breath and silent prayers. It was impossible to comprehend how someone so small could endure something so immense.

But Theo did.

Life in PICU: Waiting, Hoping, Believing

After surgery, Theo spent 17 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Machines surrounded him. Monitors beeped constantly. Every moment felt fragile.

Those days blurred together—long nights filled with fear, exhaustion, and quiet hope. The outside world disappeared. My universe shrank to a hospital bedside, where I held Theo’s tiny hand and whispered promises that I would never give up on him.

If Theo could fight, then so could I.

After six long weeks, Theo was finally strong enough to come home. Walking out of the hospital felt surreal. We were grateful beyond words—but we also knew this was only the beginning.

The Long Road of Recovery

Life after surgery wasn’t easy.

Even simple things like feeding were exhausting for Theo. His heart and body were working overtime to heal, adapt, and grow. We returned to the hospital multiple times as he battled infections his fragile immune system struggled to fight.

Living with congenital heart disease (CHD) means living with constant uncertainty. There were moments when fear and sadness threatened to overwhelm me.

But Theo never stopped fighting.

Every setback was met with resilience. Every challenge made him stronger. And through it all, the team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital stood beside us, offering not just medical expertise, but compassion, reassurance, and hope.

They saved my son’s life. I will forever be grateful.

Looking Ahead: A Future Still Being Written

Theo’s journey is far from over.

The tube placed during his first surgery will need to be replaced as he grows. He will require another open-heart surgery before the age of two—and more procedures throughout childhood and adulthood to ensure his heart continues to function.

As a mother, accepting this reality is heartbreaking.

No parent wants a future filled with surgeries and hospital stays for their child. But I also know something else to be true: Theo is strong.

He has already faced more in his short life than many adults ever will—and he continues to rise.

What Theo Has Taught Me

Theo’s journey has transformed me.

It has taught me what true resilience looks like. It has shown me the depth of a mother’s strength. And it has reminded me that love, when paired with determination, can carry us through even the darkest moments.

I am endlessly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals who continue to care for Theo with such skill and compassion. Their dedication has given my son a future.

But this journey has also turned me into an advocate.

A Mother’s Mission: Advocacy and Awareness

Living with CHD has opened my eyes to how vital early diagnosis, timely intervention, and ongoing research truly are. Children like Theo deserve access to the very best care—not just today, but throughout their lives.

By sharing our story, I hope to raise awareness and help other families feel less alone.

No child should face a lifetime of heart surgery without hope.

A Message to Other Families

If you are walking a similar path, please hear this:

Never lose hope.

The road may feel impossible at times. Fear may creep in when you least expect it. But your child’s strength will surprise you. Trust your medical team. Ask questions. Speak up. Advocate fiercely.

You are your child’s voice—and your love is powerful.

Hope That Carries Us Forward

Theo’s journey has been filled with highs and lows, fear and triumph, heartbreak and joy. Through it all, he has given us more than we ever imagined—courage, perspective, and an unshakable belief in the power of hope.

We are endlessly proud of our little fighter and excited to see what the future holds.

Theo’s story is not just about heart disease.
It’s about love.
It’s about resilience.
And it’s about the extraordinary strength of a child who refused to give up.

Please continue to share Theo’s story, raise awareness about congenital heart disease, and send love to all the children bravely fighting every single day.