As everyone knows, five year old Tarrell Sutherland has been battling with his skin disorder - icthyosis. When he returned home on July 13th with his condition much improved, his family hoped he could get by in Belize. But as we've been reporting over the last two weeks, he took a sharp and sudden downturn because of the heat and the dust. So now, after some spirited fundraising efforts, he's heading back to Texas for specialized treatment.
This afternoon at 3:00 he left on a continental flight for Houston and we visited with him just before. Emaun Hyde found him upbeat and looking well.
Emaun Hyde Reporting
Tarrel Sutherland looked sporty and travel ready when we saw him at the airport today, with his mother. He was looking much better than when we last saw him and that trademark smile was back. His improvement and the prospects for managing the illness gave his mother hope for the short term and the future.
Nicole McDougal, Mother
"Well I am hoping that he'll be comfortable again and I am hoping as well that he'll be back to the stage where we came the first and the second time and that hopefully when we get back everything will be in place for him to be comfortable."
But even as they take flight, there are mixed feelings, after all they only returned from a three and a half month session of intensive treatment less than a month ago and it was supposed to be for good.
Nicole McDougal, Mother
"One part is that I am still stressed because my others kids are here but for the medical relief for Tarrel is a great thing."
Emaun Hyde
"Are you positive that when he gets the treatment he will be better?"
Nicole McDougal, Mother
"Yes."
Emaun Hyde
"Is it heart breaking that you have only been home for less than a month and you already have to go back?"
Nicole McDougal, Mother
"It is. It is tiring, I am fatigued. But I have to do what I have to do."
Now as they head for Texas, it's with the knowledge that he will be healed, well received, and when he comes home, it will be with a long term plan for his skin disorder.
Nicole McDougal, Mother
"I believe if get his room with the AC then he can be more comfortable at home and then I can be with him and the other kids."
He got the fitting celebrity send off today as Kevin Seroki and Faron Luriano of the UB Black Jaguars, champions of the senior basketball tournament gave him an autographed shirt.
Tarrell, as he does with all things, took it in stride and with the irresistible smile. We'll keep you posted on his progress throughout.
