At this hour, 4 year old Tarrell Sutherland and his mother Nicole MacDougal have already arrived or are about to land in Austin, Texas. It is the end of one journey which was getting there and the start of another for Tarrell who was born with a rare skin condition known as icythosis. We’ve been following him since November when his mother first appealed for funds to fly him to the United States for treatment. Belizeans opened their hearts and wallets for Tarrell and today 7News was there when he boarded the Continental Airlines flight to Houston. Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Appropriately dressed for the cold weather he’ll meet in Texas - 4 year old Tarrell smiled freely for the camera this morning as he waited in the lobby at the Phillip Goldson International Airport along with his mother and father. And by the time he reached the departure lounge, well Tarrell couldn’t
keep in his seat as he was up and around - posing for the camera. His mom Nicole MacDougal says Tarrell has had a burst of energy since Monday.
Nicole MacDougal, Mother
“Since we came from Belmopan on Monday, he feels so happy. You would believe he doesn’t understand but really he does because he went home and he played with his sister and brother, he went outside, he run around, he did a lot of things that prove that he understands. I think he knows that he is going far so he is happy.”
And Tarrell is happy because the 4 year old who has captured the heart of the nation, today began a journey built mostly on hope.
Nicole MacDougal,
“My hope is that Tarrell will get better and I am hoping still for
that miracle healing. If not I will accept whatever comes after that.”
Keith Swift,
“As your son and wife leave for Houston, what is your hope?”
Trevor Sutherland, Father
“Well I hope that he reaches safely and as she said that he comes back looking difference. I thank God for everything and thanks to all the people who supported us. I thank for all of that too.”
James Pitre from Open Hearts Alliance, who is coordinating the trip, isn’t promising any miracles. That is because Tarrell’s condition - icythosis cannot be cured but it can be controlled. Pitre says there are some realistic expectations.
James Pitre, President - Compassionate Hearts Alliance
“I am excited for him to get there Friday and once the genetic testing
comes back and we learn how to treat him, I look for Tarrell to come back a new young child being able to live an ordinary life.”
Keith Swift,
“Tarrell cannot be healed. What should be our expectation?”
James Pitre,
“Look for him to come back hopefully with his skin clear, no more outbursts of infections on his skin. He will come back hopefully walking differently than he does now, you can see he is struggling to walk. So the end of the four years and a half that he has suffered so long is here.”
And it officially starts on Friday morning.
James Pitre,
“Friday morning at 8 o’clock is the doctor’s appointment with Dr. Levy, the dermatologist is first, and the testing will start tomorrow
morning and at 3:30 Dr. Karen Wright, the Cardiologist in Austin Texas at Children’s Medical Center, will take over the cardiology testing for Tarrell that will be required.”
His mom Nicole continues to be grateful for the help which continued today with a donation of travelling cash from Compton Fairweather which we delivered and another envelope from the staff at Taca Airlines. William Smith says that after seeing Tarrell on 7News they just had to help.
William Smith, Taca Airlines Employee
“We saw the interview on the news, specifically Channel 7 News, and we thought and decided that it was a good cause to give something back to the community because one of our slogans at Taca is to help our communities in anyway we can. This was all funds from staff collected individually from each staff member who gave something, whatever they could to assist the family.”
Nicole MacDougal,
“I am so happy that the general public of Belize came out to assist Tarrell. Thanks for their love, thanks for everything, and for the bigger part – the prayers and the money. It really helped Tarrell a lot and it took a weight off my shoulder knowing that my son is one step ahead now.”
And as she and Tarrell walked onto the runway and then boarded the Continental Airlines flight bound for Houston, Nicole is fully aware that this is just the first of many steps Tarrell will have to take as he tries to be a normal child.
Tarrell was scheduled to arrive in Austin Texas at 7 pm. He and his mother will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House. His first doctor’s appointment is Friday morning. He will undergo the genetic testing in Texas but some of the sampling will have to be sent to Switzerland. The results should be back within 10 days and thereafter we should know more about his prognosis. Of course 7News will track his progress and we’ll have regular updates.
