For most children, a snack-time mishap might mean crumbs on the floor or a messy shirt. For Theodore, better known as Theo, it could mean a trip to the emergency room.
Born in 2018 in Wisconsin, Theo was diagnosed at a very young age with severe food allergies. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to certain proteins in food, sometimes leading to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. For Theo, even the slightest trace of peanuts or certain tree nuts could trigger a severe allergic reaction. “Even his skin test caused a reaction,” his mother recalls. “We were always on edge. Birthday parties, school events, even family outings, everything felt like a risk.”
Curious, bright, and endlessly talkative, Theo’s world was limited by something most people take for granted: food. His favorite things, fossils, animals, sports, and books, gave him joy, but his parents knew his childhood could be so much more if he could access specialized care. That care was waiting at the Food Allergy Institute in California, more than 2,000 miles away.
That is when Miracle Flights stepped in.
“It was not just one flight,” his mother explains. “It was the reassurance that no matter how many trips we had to make, Miracle Flights would be there. They gave us hope and flights over and over again.”
With each visit to the institute, Theo underwent life-changing treatments. What was once terrifying became manageable, and his life slowly but surely transformed.
“He went from only eating food we made at home, with ingredients we researched and triple-checked, to eating things that used to be dangerous for him,” his mom says. “Now he is just a regular kid at the lunch table. No special food, no fear.”
Today, Theo can confidently join his friends at events, enjoy snacks without hesitation, and participate in every activity like any other child. “Sometimes we forget he even has a food allergy,” his mom says with a smile. “That is something I never thought I would say.”
For families like Theo’s, Miracle Flights is more than a travel resource. It is a lifeline that stays with them through every appointment, every challenge, and every milestone.
“We are so grateful to be part of the Miracle Flights family,” his mom shares. “When you have a child with complex medical needs, support can feel so far away. Miracle Flights made it feel close and possible.”
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the mission of Miracle Flights, Theo’s story is one of freedom, resilience, and above all, flight.
