Last time we showed you baby Tarrell, the 5 year old with Ichthyosis, the progress that was being made during the treatment he received in Texas was completely undone and he was forced to be hospitalized, yet again. The family decided that they need to try and get him back to the US for more treatment, but paying for it was no easy task. Good news for the family is that the PROTO group (People Reaching Out to Others) are helping out the family in numerous ways. We spoke to the director who told us more.
Mark Usher, Director PROTO
"Within those 3 dances, within the food that we will be selling Friday and Saturday and the telethon which has started already this morning, we should be able to reach a target. We have set $20,000 to make sure that mommy Nicole and baby Tarrell can get back over in the states and get him the treatment that he needs."
Emaun Hyde
"Do you think people will help out?"
Mark Usher
"That's definite, this morning I went to work and a colleague of mine walk straight in the office and he gave me $50 towards it. So I am pretty sure that Belizeans will come true. Belizeans have a big heart; there is no question about that. I am really impressed with the outpouring of support that I have gotten from the entertainment fraternity especially the artist. These are young people who can identify the problems that Tarrell is going through. The support has been really outstanding."
Emaun Hyde "How does it feel to know that you have people willing to help?"
Nicole McDougal, Mother of Baby Tarrell
"Well it makes me feel stress free a little bit because there is a lot of people who are willing to help me out with Tarrell. And at least I know that I am not alone."
Emaun Hyde
"What all does he need? The money that they will raise, what will it go towards?"
Nicole McDougal
"It will go to all his medical expenses."
Emaun Hyde
"Do you still have hope?"
Nicole McDougal
"I never lose that. I never lose my hope and my faith. James Beattie from Compassionate Heart Alliance is still helping us a long way. He is still coordinating all our paper work so we have to be grateful to him for that, and to PROTO and all the media houses and all the people in Belize that are willing to help us even if they don't have it financially, they have us in their prayers and thoughts."
They are taking pledges, and you can call 223-2730, 610-0363, 610-0686, or 621-6400. You can make deposits to the Atlantic Bank account 211057247. They're having a turkey dinner and barbecue sale this Friday and Saturday in front of Channel 7 offices on Dean Street. Lastly, they are urging you to go to Club Next this Friday for Digicell's Stress Free Fridays, because proceeds will be donated to Tarrell. The family needs to raise over 35,000 Belize and hopes to leave next Wednesday.
