On October 7, 2013 Theodora Elise Mills was born with an ultra-rare genetic condition; Long QT8 type 1, also known as Timothy Syndrome. She is one of approximately 30 children in the world with this disorder. At the time of her birth, she was given a life expectancy of 2.5 years. However, so much more time can be granted to her, with the proper medical team and treatments on her side. Timothy Synd
rome is a disease in which the calcium ion channels, which regulate calcium intake at the cellular level, do not close properly. While many systems in the body are affected by the excess calcium; the pancreas, heart, brain and dental development are the most widely affected. Theodora was born with structural and electrical abnormalities in her heart, which will require surgery, as well as syndactyly (webbing and fusing of her fingers and toes). She is scheduled for her first surgery in April. Following her surgery, she will be seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. In addition to the trip to the Mayo Clinic, Theodora has several specialists she must see locally. The care, prescription therapy and medical equipment she needs will be life long, and often not covered by insurance, due to the rareness of her syndrome. All money raised will help Theodora’s family meet the challenges of getting her to the Mayo Clinic as well as cover her medical needs through the 3-5 surgeries she will have prior to her first birthday.
