Editor:
It all started with this website – thank you Patrick, Katie, and Marianne - created for our precious little Theo, our year-old grandson who steals the heart of everyone who knows him or even knows of him.
Theo is the son of our daughter Lori and her husband Ted Stephen. Theo celebrated his first birthday Aug. 21 and was admitted to the University of Maryland Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on Aug. 26 with an "obstruction in his head" soon to be diagnosed as a malignant brain tumor. After surgery and four weeks of exceptional care at university, Theo was transferred to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center for further treatment which includes aggressive chemotherapy and stem cell rescue.
Now, to begin to say thank you for all the love, support, and extremely generous donations to Theo and his ongoing care: To the North Harford Community and areas far extending, we say thank you! The fundraisers have been overwhelming - selling thinking of Theo bracelets at Savory Deli, Delta Lumber, Fast Break, The Bull Pen and the NICU at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center; numerous creative fundraisers including My Gym in Bel Air, The Hair Cuttery in Abingdon, Peace A Pizza in Catonsville, Thinking of Theo Fall Festival in Whiteford, Dancing for Theo at Jarrettsville Gardens, Jammin for Theo in Whiteford, Tastefully Simple, Tiddlywinks Toy Store in Bel Air, Guest bar tending for Theo at Harvey's Pub in Essex, Zumba for Theo at Model A Fitness in Delta, and Songs for Theo at North Harford High School.
Theo's care is ongoing. He amazes us every day with his strength and resilience. Lori and Ted care for him daily and are just the best parents. I know they join me in saying thank you to all of our family, friends, and neighbors. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel. Please forgive me for not mentioning individual names; I am afraid that I would neglect someone. Suffice it to say, we are eternally grateful for all the love and support.
I believe in the power of prayer and I hope you all join me in praying for Theo's recovery. My family and I continue to be amazed by friends, family, and complete strangers who share in our journey with Theo. God Bless You All.
Cathy Panos
for the Panos and Stephen families
Whiteford