Since we met him in November of last year -Tarrell Sutherland – the 4 year old boy born with the skin condition known as icythosis - has been to Texas for specialized treatment. He returned to Belize on March 3rd and was all smiles when he visited our studio. But today when we saw him at the airport the smile was mostly gone. He was headed back to Texas for a small surgical procedure. That was planned but an unplanned infection has turned him form happy to sad. Keith Swift found out more.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This was one of the few smiles we got from Tarrell this morning as he waited in the lobby of the airport with his parents. Tarrell appeared uncomfortable and most of that discomfort has to do with an infection on his feet.
Nicole MacDougal, Mother
“Because of the condition of his foot he just like broke down back again so for the first few days when he came home, he was running about and walking about. But when the foot broke out, he went back to sitting down and
just being sad and in pain again.”
Keith Swift,
“So he has problems walking again? I guess that is why he does not have on a shoes?”
Nicole MacDougal,
“Yes because when we put on the shoes this morning he said it was hurting his foot. So we have his foot banded up because it really started to smell so I need to close it up.”
Nicole and Tarrell were scheduled to fly to Texas for a surgery early next month.
Nicole MacDougal,
“The purpose of the other visit is for Tarrell to take a small surgery and also for them to do some testing to see if he is allergic to heat or the type of water we have.”
And even though it seems that little Tarrell has taken one step forward – and now one backward – Nicole remains optimistic.
Nicole MacDougal,
“I believe he will be able about much more better and hopefully when he comes back he will be able to go to school for September.”
Keith Swift,
“So you are looking forward to enrolling him in school?”
Nicole MacDougal,
“Yes I am looking forward to sending him to school. He needs to go to school because he is very smart. I know it is a long way but we have seen a big improvement and I know that they have a lot of improvements down the road so I will just continue pray to God and hope for the best.”
The plane tickets to Austin Texas were provided by Continental Airlines’ Care Force Programme in coordination with the Compassionate Hearts Alliance. Nicole and Tarrell are the 5th family that has been flown to the United States for treatment by CARE FORCE. They will be staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
