Theo
Theodore was born in Sevierville, Tennessee.
He was a very curious, kind, and sociable boy. Even through all of these disabilities, he never stopped trying and learning. He constantly was curious about his surroundings and the things around him. His smile and laughter would melt one's heart instantly if one heard it. He enjoyed being tickled, especially on his feet and armpits. He loved quirky and soothing sounds, aquatic life, astronomy, farm and domestic animals, traveling through the mountains, and studying and observing people and faces and personalities. He always wanted to be with people, never alone, and participate in activities such as watching tv, cuddling, talking, playing, and especially listening to bluegrass. His favorite song since birth was You Are My Sunshine by Christina Perri; it'd play on repeat for hours. He was 2 and 3/4 years old.
Why Kin & Cosmos
Kin is family. Home. The farm animals, the mountain ridgelines, everything rooted and warm. Cosmos is the universe — the night sky over those same mountains, where a star now carries his name in the Little Dipper. Kin & Cosmos is the space between the two: the earth he came from and the sky he's part of now. This store exists to keep his light known.
The Design
Everything here blends mystical wonder with rustic soul — constellations over mountains, starlight with farmhouse warmth. The mystical is Theo among the stars (including the moon — the same phase as the night he was born). The rustic is home. And the purple everywhere? That was his favorite color.
MCT8 Research
Theo had a genetic condition called MCT8-AHDS (MCT8 Deficiency or Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome). This is a genetic X-linked disorder that predominantly affects boys, and in rare cases, girls. It is considered an ultra-rare disorder. It's known to over 300 families world-wide.
MCT8-AHDS is a neurological condition that affects mobility, cognition and general health.
Research for the condition is funded by the MCT8-AHDS Foundation — learn more at mct8.info.