Help for Baby Theo's Healthcare

Hi, I'm Ana Ratliff and I'm reaching out on behalf of my beautiful new niece, Theodora Charlize Merrill. Baby Theo is a wonderful and unstoppable force who came into this world on her own terms via an unplanned home birth. Fortunately, both she and her Mom made it through the unexpected experience safe and without complication.

However, not long after she was born her parents, Jake and Ashley, noticed she seemed to be struggling to breathe and keep her food down. They immediately began trying to find answers and help for Theo within their healthcare network, as well as spending many hours researching on the internet.

Jake and Ashley were repeatedly dismissed and turned away when trying to find answers and help. Little Theo has been taken to the ER many, many times. She has had many missed and underdiagnosed issues. Jake and Ashley have continuously fought and advocated for her health while simultaneously caring for and maintaining regular life for their 3 other children and Jake's job who, even with the extended time away, have been supportive and understanding. 

Because of constant dismissal and misdiagnosis from healthcare providers Theo's health eventually declined to the point of 'failure to thrive'. Because Theo was being denied the services and consideration she needed from healthcare professionals Jake and Ashley made the difficult decision to seek help elsewhere. Thanks to a great medical team at Mercy San Juan, Theodora was stable enough to make the move to Austin.

Since being in Texas Theo has been properly diagnosed and is getting the care she needs but this has been very difficult on the family financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The family has been physically split while Jake has lived in the hospital caring for Theo and Ashley has been trying to get the family settled in their new location and keeping life as normal as possible for the other kids.

Most of Theo's life has been spent in the cold, sterile environment of hospital rooms and Dr.'s offices. She has spent countless hours away from her home and family while undergoing invasive and uncomfortable tests and procedures. She has finally just now been discharged from the hospital and going home to be with her family. But she will continue to need around the clock care for her G Tube. She has to be fed through the tube every 3 hours with each feeding taking 1 1/2 hours day and night. Jake and Ashley have to try and fit every other aspect of life, including work and sleep, into the remaining 1 1/2 hours before Theo's next feeding. Because of her allergies and feeding issues Theo has to have a special feeding formula which is double the price of regular formula. She will also continue to have frequent appointments to manage her care for the foreseeable future.

Theo and her parents have faced many obstacles in their efforts to give her a healthy life. All the tests, procedures, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments take time away from Jake's job and has used up any and every option available to them to ease the burden.

Jake and Ashely are very strong, dedicated, and private people. They are doing all they can to manage and handle this on their own, but our system is not designed or set-up for success in managing health and financial situations like this. This is why I am asking for help on their behalf. Having a healthy baby, in most cases, is a matter of chance. They have done everything possible to give Theo her health at the expense of everything in their life. The financial costs alone are more than daunting and overwhelming. We would be incredibly grateful for any help in easing this stress and burden so they can focus on Theo and the family and Jake finds pockets of time to get all his work hours in.

Thank you so much for your willingness to help by donating even a small amount or by reaching out and sharing their story with others. Your time, attention, and kindness is incredibly appreciated and we hope you accept our utmost gratitude.