Theo, affectionately known as Theo-Burrito, is a vibrant 21-month-old with an infectious sense of humor. A social butterfly, Theo loves interacting with others. His first word was Hi, and Theo continues to greet and befriend everyone he meets.

Theo was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA) at 8 weeks old. This is a rare genetic disease targeting nerves and causes increasingly weak muscles. Historically, children with SMA faced a grim prognosis, but Theo is defying the odds.

SMA treatments, only emerging in the last decade, have paved the way for Theo’s incredible progress.

Theo spent 2 months in the pediatric intensive care unit and for 3 weeks of that stay he was intubated. Despite this, Theo has surpassed expectations, learning to walk, sit independently, eat, and communicate.

Theo’s week is full of therapies. Physical therapy three times a week, occupational therapy two to three times a week, and water therapy twice a week, he is working hard to help his body grow strong.

Theo loves music, dancing, and reading. He learned how to strum a ukulele when he was one and loves to play with his home and PT nurses who bring their ukuleles over to play with him.

Theo will be adopted as a Sparrow to Irving Elementary School. Students will work hard to earn money for Theo through sponsored community service, giving him and his family the support they need to continue fighting this battle.