Theo's Recovery and ARFID Treatment

Nico van den Berg is organizing this fundraiser.

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This GoFundMe has been created to support Theo van den Berg's health recovery. Theo is 8-yrs old and in 3rd Grade. He is a talented artist who loves drawing in his sketchbook, especially Godzilla and Sonic the Hedgehog characters. Theo has been struggling with his health for the past several months, which led to medical complications, and he has been hospitalized since March 8th at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.

Theo has been diagnosed with ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), an eating/feeding disorder differentiated by the level of physical and mental distress that eating causes (rather than a preoccupation with body image). With ARFID, foods are often avoided based on past negative experiences and sensitivities. Theo has difficulty chewing and swallowing, with an intense fear from recent illnesses that food will cause him to choke or vomit, causing him high levels of anxiety.

One of the most common results of ARFID is significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies/imbalances, which has recently led to high levels of care for Theo to be considered medically stable. He currently has an NG Tube (Nasogastric Feeding Tube) for nutrition since he is not able to eat or drink on his own. Theo developed refeeding syndrome and has bradycardia, so he needs to be monitored around the clock at the hospital for his heart to stabilize.

When Theo is discharged, he will have his NG Tube at home as he continues to heal and work with a Feeding/Dysphagia Therapist. He has a long physical recovery ahead and will work with his therapist to learn how to chew/swallow and ultimately nourish his body again without a feeding tube. During months of healing ahead, Nico and Mary Kate will be responsible for administering all of his meals into his feeding tube to ensure proper nutrition and growth.

Nico and Mary Kate are in need of help and support as they adapt to Theo's medical needs, including time off work in the hospital and continuing at home during his recovery. Theo's feeding tube takes about 1-hr per meal/snack (total 4-5 hours each day), which will need to be coordinated between his 3rd-grade schoolwork, feeding therapy appointments, medications/supplements, and doctor appointments.

The costs of this GoFundMe will go towards the following expenses for Theo's care:

In-Patient Hospital Bills to meet insurance deductible | Currently ongoing - hospitalized since March 8th
Out-Patient Feeding Therapy 2x week | TBD discharge date | The wait-list for Theo's in-network therapy is currently 9-12 months. Since he will need to work with a therapist immediately, he will have to receive out-of-network services during the interim
Out-Patient Dietician | Overseeing Theo’s nutrition and adjusting caloric needs and supplements for his feeding tube
Medical Services & Supplies | including monthly NG Tube replacement at the hospital, Anxiety Therapy
Caretaker Time | Supplementing lost income during hospital and in-home care as Nico and Mary Kate will be the responsible caretakers during recovery

Theo, Nico, and Mary Kate are incredibly grateful and appreciative of all the love and support during this time. Theo has been working on an art gallery wall during his hospital stay and would love to share pieces of art with anyone interested in a Godzilla or Sonic sketch.