The Morgan Matthew Foundation (MMF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization created in honor of our son, Morgan. On a sunny, Saturday morning, we met the beautiful, big-eyed boy that would forever change our hearts and world. Morgan Matthew Theisen, "Big Mo," was born on June 26, 2021 – a head full of blonde hair, feet the size of Texas, 3 lbs. Under the incredible care of the Children’s Wisconsin Fetal Concerns Center, NICU, and Herma Heart Institute CICU, Morgan was diagnosed with VACTERL Association, having several congenital anomalies: hemivertebrae (wedge-shaped vertebrae), a large VSD (hole between the lower two chambers of his heart), and esophageal atresia (esophagus not connected to his stomach). During his 82 days earthside, he experienced 2 surgeries, a myriad of lab tests, blood transfusions, and OE tube suctions, 11 days on ECMO life support, 26 days on the transplant list waiting for his perfect heart, many hours of story time with mom and dad, miraculous steps forward, and devastating steps back. Meeting Morgan, holding him, learning him, losing him, and loving him through it all has changed us, forever. He showed us the absolute best in humanity – and that gratitude, joy & light will always shine through even in the darkest heartbreak. One of our favorite ways to describe Mo is with a quote from the Hamilton musical: “You outshine the morning sun, my son.” Thank you for helping us ensure his brave, bright legacy shines forever, improving outcomes for infants like him and families like ours. With gratitude,
Matt & Melissa Theisen - Morgan's Parents & MMF Founders
