Obituary of Theodore John Menswar III

On February 27^th, the nine year battle fought by Theodore John Menswar III came to an emotional, but valiant end.  Theo was born to Brant Menswar and Emily (Schorr) Menswar on September 17^th, 1997 in Lakeland, Florida. 

 

Though his elementary and middle school years passed without incident, the summer before he was to enter his freshman year of high school, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. 

From there, he walked a road that no one would ever choose to walk...a road full of struggle, heartache, limitations, disappointments, pain, and uncertainty yet he still chose to love fiercely, to press forward courageously, to help others selflessly, and, despite it all, he chose to share joy freely.

 

He possessed the strength of a warrior and the humility of a servant, but never forgot the power of love, hope, and family.  While he was never able to attend high school, he achieved academic success by completing his GED (with high honors) and continued his scholastic accomplishments by making the President's List at Eastern Florida State College.  To say he was a fighter would be an understatement. Every step forward was almost always followed by at least two steps backward.  Each day he spent in a hospital bed (and there were many) meant at least a week's worth of PT. 

 

Nine years ago this month, his “story” went viral thanks to a heart-wrenching video made by his uncle, Todd Menswar, asking for help to save his nephew's life.  It resulted in four of the top doctors in the country combining their medical expertise with that of Theo's bone marrow specialist, Dr. Yasser Khaled, and it saved his life.

However, in late January of 2021 he entered the hospital again, this time to battle a foe he had never fought before...Covid-19.  He fought harder than he's ever fought...in true Theo fashion... bravely and fiercely, but Covid had no mercy...not on Theo or his family.  During this entire time, due to pandemic restrictions, only his parents could be by his side.  Though his will to live had never diminished, they knew his body, after overcoming numerous obstacles and confrontations, could endure no more and held him close as he passed.

 

Theo was pre-deceased by his maternal grandfather, James Schorr, and uncle, Jamie Schorr.

 

He is survived by his parents Brant and Emily Menswar, his brother, Brady Menswar and fiance, Miranda Durham, his maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Schorr, paternal grandparents, Theodore Menswar Jr. and Karen Menswar, uncles Steve Baggett and Todd Menswar, aunts Lisa Baggett and Karrie Menswar; cousins Dylan Baggett, Sam Baggett, Kadence Menswar, Avery Menswar, Michael Mckay, and his best friend, Mason Baugn.

 

Due to the present pandemic, a private service will be held for immediate family only at St. Marks Episcopal Church, located at 4 Church St., Cocoa, Florida.  A celebration of Theo's life will take place in the fall when the dangers of the pandemic have subsided.

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