Theodora Mills

Latest Update:

The family has made the difficult decision to sign a DNR, remove Theodora’s life support this weekend, and if she survives, they will move her to Hospice on Monday. She was without oxygen for about 20 minutes and the MRI showed severe damage – they expect if she wakes, she will have severe deficits and only the most basic of autonomic functions (breathing). Reece’s grown children are flying in this week to be with the family.

Theodora was not expected to survive birth or live past 3. She just turned 10 this past October.

Please keep Reece and his family in your thoughts during these difficult times, and if you can, consider a donation to help cover their expenses

CaringBridge: Caring Bridge

Learn more about Theo and her condition:

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We had some news last night on Theodora’s condition. It was not what we had hoped.

Last night, I was too numb and full of denial to write the full post. We also needed to notify by phone her siblings.

She was finally stable enough, yesterday, to perform the MRI, and see the extent of the damage to her brain. It was much more extensive than we hoped. Her entire brain has been affected.

Best estimates between the scans and my timeline of events the morning of the cardiac arrest put her without oxygen to the brain for 20 minutes.

In the worst case scenario, she will not wake up at all. The best case, currently, she will wake up, but with severe deficits in every area including basic bodily functions.

Reece and I have no words right now.

We have a conference in about 2 hours with all her doctors to determine more information and what the goals and next steps should be in her care.

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This gofundme will be used to help cover medical expenses for Theo. She had to be taken via helicopter to the hospital. Even with insurance - that is very costly. Some details are below:

"Our Theodora suffered a ventricular fibrillation event early Wednesday morning. She coded twice before getting stabilized for her flight to Phoenix Children's Hospital where she is currently under heavy sedation and continuous monitoring to help protect her brain and allow her the best chance for recovery. Her neurology team has seen some improvement in her scans and responsiveness, but we won't know the extent of her brain injury or what she has lost until they feel comfortable allowing her to regain consciousness. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

A Very Special thanks to the staff at her school, Kyrene Traditional Academy. They immediately reached out to and shared their interest in donating time, gas money, and groceries to relieve some of the stress and strain to our family. Including offering and spending personal time and emotional support for Henry and Eleanor.

By all means we love to see support for Theodora and our family, but please don't ask any detailed questions we will update things as we know them and right now there are just too many things that are unknown."

Theo's Facebook Page: Theodora