Meet Theo – A Story of Resilience

Imagine a child struggling to say their first words… now think about the joy when they finally do. For many families, this simple milestone represents more than speech, it’s a breakthrough into a world of connection, confidence and possibility.

One of the children whose life has been changed is Theo. This young child lives with a profound and permanent hearing loss, a hardship that most of us will not have to experience, and he has learnt to listen and speak, embracing the world with newfound confidence and a voice he once didn’t have.

Theo’s story is one of resilience. Diagnosed at birth with VACTERL Association Syndrome, a rare and complex condition, he faced enormous health challenges from day one. This condition impacts the development of multiple organs and systems and, for Theo, it also meant profound hearing loss. So, from the moment Theo was born, his life was filled with uncertainty, complications and medical interventions including lifesaving surgery when he was just a day old, and another 10 surgeries within the first two years of his life.

Unfortunately the absence of an auditory nerve, due to VACTERAL Association Syndrome, means Theo isn’t a suitable candidate for a cochlear implant, so he relies on a hearing aid for support.

Through ongoing hospital visits and specialist appointments, it became clear that Theo wasn’t developing speech as expected, only using touch and emotion to communicate. He was referred to TSH at just 18 months old and once he started the TSH Chatterbox early intervention program, Theo received specialised therapy and support for his needs.

It was here that Theo began to interact with other children also living with profound hearing loss. Through vital early intervention and therapy, made possible by our community of kind-hearted supporters, Theo began to develop the skills to listen and speak, despite having a profound hearing loss.

With time, patience and support, Theo’s confidence grew, and he began to speak for the very first time at two years of age. A breakthrough moment of hope for his family, and for his future.

Theo’s mother, Vicky, describes this moment as life changing. TSH became more than a therapy provider, it became a support network.

TSH’s Chatterbox program has really helped Theo on his path. We have gone from being able to plan day-by-day for Theo to plan month-by-month. – Vicky, Theo’s mother

Theo is now facing a future full of possibility, with the continued care he needs to grow, learn and flourish, at school and in life.