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Newborn Baby Can't Cry, Family Looks to Birmingham for Help
Jody Woods and Joshua Sutterfield welcomed their son, Devon, into this world on October 19th. He was born a healthy 7lbs. but what weren't so healthy were his vocal chords.
"Instead of vibrating and doing what they're supposed to they cut off his circulation, to like his airway," says Joshua.
Devon's parents say his vocal chords are paralyzed, they don't open and close properly. They say when the baby tries to cry he often turns blue because he can't breathe. And they say when he can cry, all that comes out are muted squeaks.
"I feel helpless because I can't help him. My baby. And I cant do nothing," says Jody.
"The fear of losing your child, you know, it's real hard when you think about those things. It tends to break you down," says Joshua.
Jody and Joshua have now moved to Birmingham, for an indefinite amount of time, so Devon can be treated at Children's Hospital. They're staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which seems to be their only haven right now. Joshua sets foundations for trailers for a living but because of the wet weather he can't find work. No work means no income. Because they can't pay the rent they'll be evicted from their Cullman home in a matter of days. Because they can't make the payments their car was repossessed on Monday. In addition, they have a 2 year-old daughter to take care of.
The family says all they can do now is have faith things change for the better.
"Just have faith in the Lord it's going to work out," says Jody.
"That God will intervene and work this out and heal that baby," says Ruby Sutterfield, Devon's grandmother.
"We're stuck in between good and bad times hoping we can just find that road to the good side," says Joshua.
As of late Tuesday night, Joshua says more tests were performed on Devon and they showed additional health problems involving his white blood cells and his bladder.
If you're interesting in reaching out to this family contact ABC 33/40 Reporter Ana Jasen at anaj@abc3340.com
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Latest Comments on "Newborn Baby Can't Cry, Family Looks to Birmingham for Help"
posted by: valerielorance on 8:32 pm on 11/02/09
devon is my daughter jody's little boy,I'm letting everone know how he's doing and to say thank you all for your prays,also to the people that have gave to the family.they have done a sleep study on him,from what i understand is that when he goes home he may only need oxygen but not sure yet.he had an infection in his blood it seem to be better.his bladder seem to be better. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYS FOR MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDSON! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP JODY & JOSH REGION BANK HAS OPEN AN ACCOUNT FOR DEVON OR THEY ARE STAYING AT THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE.THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.
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