The Brazilian National Team shirt gained a new meaning for little Theo, 9 years old. What could have remained in the boy’s memory as a tragic moment, became a reason for happiness.
While enjoying the holidays with family and friends, he wore the Brazil shirt, a gift from his father, when he was the victim of an accident. His mother, Vanessa Ribas, says that the family was camping over the weekend and, at the time, he was playing with friends when a glass bottle was placed inside the fire and it burst. Theo was hit by shards of glass, boiling liquid and embers causing burns and cuts.
The most serious injuries were to the eye and left arm. The severity was such that he had to be rescued by helicopter, and at the time of the rescue, paramedics cut his shirt for medical procedures.
“It was scary. It’s a relief to know that he’s full of energy again, he’s recovering very well and will probably recover 100%” celebrates mother Vanessa.
Thais Magalhães/CBF
Theo had to undergo two surgeries. One in the eye, where he had 20 stitches to repair the cornea and lower eyelid. The other was on the arm, to repair the deep cut that affected the nerves and tendons. The yellow green shirt from the day of the accident was kept at Theo’s request and ended up in the Brazilian Women’s Team training session thanks to grandmother D. Helenita.
“One of his coaches, Luís, called me and asked me to take Theo to the team’s training. The doctor didn’t let him go. Then, he asked if he had the shirt of the Brazilian National Team. I said I had it but it was cut because the paramedics cut it with scissors. I told Theo that Luís was going to get another Brazil shirt to take and autograph, but he asked me to give him the shirt from the day of the accident. I tried to convince him to give me another one, but he insisted that it be that one and asked me to sew it in the middle”, says D. Helenita.
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The shirt sewn on the front by D. Helenita caught the attention of players Luana and Andressa Alves. When they learned the whole story from the coach, Theo got much more than the autographs he wanted so badly. He received the visit of three players from the Brazilian Women’s National Team at home.
Andressa, Luana and Tamires represented the entire team in delivering a gift: an official autographed shirt. Mother Vanessa was very anxious about the surprise for her son.
“He didn’t know the girls were coming. Only me and his grandmother knew. It’s a dream come true. He was very sad for not being able to be at training. It was a surprise for him and he was very happy to receive them”, he says.
Theo received the players at the door of his house with great joy. It was a special moment with them. In addition to the conversation, laughter and jokes, for him, winning the shirt as a gift from the Brazilian Women’s National Team and having their visit was unforgettable. Shy at the time of the interview, Theo did not hide it: “I always wanted whoever played for Brazil to come here. Now it happened”.
Thais Magalhães/CBF
For the players, it was an exciting experience. Left-back Tamires is the mother of Bernardo, 13 years old. Visiting Theo was also a moment of reflection.
“We were there and gave him more hope and motivation, because he loves playing football. I think it was a nice affection, I think they felt warm with our presence. It was moving for me because it made me think of Bernardo, that it could be me there in the mother’s place and the care we have to take with our children. Making the most of every moment we have around them”, reflects Tamires.
Andressa celebrated for having seen that Theo has recovered and is fine. “I felt happy that he was fine and that nothing more serious had happened. He has almost 100% vision. He is a very happy boy. This affection and showing that we are with him in this very difficult time was important”, he says.
Luana believes that an experience like this is valuable. “It’s really nice to be able to contribute to the affection of the fans. We were happy to meet him after learning his story. A happy boy, full of energy. He loves football. It’s a great pleasure for us, a real joy,” he says.
Now the crowd is for Theo’s full recovery. “To recover to watch the Brazil game. God willing we will be there. I’m positive that we’ll be there”, concludes Vanessa, confident in her son’s recovery.
