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Hi, my name is Britt, and I’m setting up this fundraiser on behalf of my brother Jeff, my sister-in-law Whit, and their beautiful 3-year-old son, Theodore Dale Garrett — lovingly known as Theo. All funds raised here will go directly to the Garrett family to support them through this unimaginable journey.
On April 16, 2025, Jeff and Whit noticed unusual movements in Theo’s eyes — a condition called nystagmus. He was otherwise his happy, energetic self. No headaches. No behavior changes. Nothing to suggest what was coming next.
They contacted their care team immediately, and within days, an MRI revealed a nearly 2-inch mass in the center of Theo’s brain. He was transferred to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego for specialized neurosurgery and oncology care.
At Rady’s, they learned that the tumor had already caused complete vision loss in Theo’s right eye and was pressing dangerously close to critical structures — including the optic chiasm, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. Complete removal is not possible. A biopsy was performed, but results have been inconclusive. Doctors are now consulting national experts to determine the tumor type and the best treatment path.
In the weeks since, Theo has endured:
- Countless MRIs, CT scans, and tests.
- A biopsy and the placement of a temporary external drain due to life-threatening hydrocephalus (brain pressure).
- An emergency brain surgery on May 7 to remove 80% of the tumor after the tumor grew 25% in size in just three weeks.
- A serious infection, pseudomonas meningitis, which is now being treated with aggressive antibiotics.
- Theo remains in the PICU, where he is being closely monitored by teams from neuro-oncology, neurosurgery, ENT, infectious disease, endocrinology, and more.
Through it all, Theo’s strength and spirit are shining. He wants to go home. He misses his big sister, Eleanor. He wants to play, laugh, and just be three. Jeff and Whit have barely left his side since this began.
Our goal is to raise $75,000 to help cover not just medical bills but all the care Theo will need — including future treatments, specialized care, and the everyday costs his parents face traveling, staying close, and missing work to be by his side. So much is still unknown about Theo’s tumor, the treatments ahead, and the challenges he may face. Every dollar raised will go directly toward supporting Theo’s comprehensive care and ensuring his family can focus fully on his recovery.
Theo’s medical team is still determining the next steps — chemotherapy, radiation, more surgeries, and likely a combination of all — but what we do know now is that his journey will be long, and his family will need continued support. You can follow updates on Theo’s journey at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576035910578.
Every gift, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to give financially, sharing this page or lifting Theo and the Garrett family in prayer means just as much.
From the bottom of my heart and theirs — thank you for standing with them in this fight.
With love,
Britt
On behalf of the Garrett Family






