
Theo Strong
Donation protected
Theo, precious 5 month old son of Emily and Niko Costas, and twin brother to Bruce, entered this world facing many challenges diagnosed with a rare heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallot. After 9 weeks at Wolfson’s Children's Hospital NICU in Jacksonville, FL, Theo was transferred to UF Shands Children's Hospital of Gainesville, FL in October 2023 to undergo surgery at the Congenital Heart Clinic, and has been hospitalized there since. With a fantastic team of surgeons, doctors, specialists, nurses, and not to mention the most amazing parents, it has been one wild ride with an unpredictable set of challenges. Often more challenging days than not, Theo has already overcome a severe pulmonary hemorrhage injury, a week + on ECMO and septic pneumonia. "Fighter" does not even begin to describe this little boy and how strong he is and continues to be.
As new parents of twin boys, Emily and Niko have been at Theo’s bedside night and day while attempting to maintain a bit of normalcy for Bruce, especially during the holiday season. As you know, Emily and Niko are some of the most positive people we know and never complain about the disruptions, challenges and obstacles they have been faced with since Theo's diagnosis. As one can imagine, a prolonged hospital stay in a different city creates not only an emotional but financial burden with the cost of medical care, temporary housing, food and other expenses that come with newborns.
Theo is facing more surgery within the next week and a very long road to recovery.
So many people have asked how they can help, and now is the time. As friends of Emily and Niko, we would like to ease the financial burden as much as possible. This is simply more than new parents should have to bear. Please find it in your heart to help them and provide comfort and peace of mind as they continue to support their baby boys and start the road to recovery and the road to bring them both home! Thank you so much!
With Love,
Mikaela, Jane and Rachael
Fundraising team (3)
Jane Critchett
Organizer
Jacksonville Beach, FL
Niko Costas
Beneficiary
Rachael Hardin
Team member
Mikaela Wehby
Team member