COLUMBUS — Behind those pretty eyes, a little girl is trapped because of a genetic anomaly that is hard to explain. The name is Genetic Unbalanced Translocation. It involves a gene swap that did not recalibrate. The hard reality is this little doll’s life may well be con- fined to a stroller or to a wheelchair.
Meet Cami Rayne Suchadoll, a five-year-old from Columbus who has been battling major problems with no real solutions since she was born. She was born with a heart issue and other health complications that soon became apparent right af- ter her birth. She overcame her first trial but came home with a feeding tube.
Her parents, Brenden and Amanda Suchadoll, who were not aware of her future needs until after her birth, knew there would be challenges. One such challenge was trying to see their little jewel in the hospital. She was born during COVID and it took an act of congress to get to see her.
Cami Suchadoll functions as a 10-month-old despite her actual birth five years ago. She is non-ver bal, cannot walk, and cannot control her movements. A feeding tube is her constant source of nutrition and she is 100 percent dependent on her parents. Amanda and Brenden Suchadoll share duties on her care. Amanda Suchadoll strives to do what, in some cases, other parents may have already thrown up their hands and let the state take over.
One look into Cami Suchadoll’s eyes, and you see how vulnerable she is; you can’t help but feel a connection.
“Cami is a daddy’s girl,” says her mother. “She loves her daddy.”
You can see the little emotions play across Cami Suchadoll’s face as she touches her father's face and leans in to be close, even for just a bit. She loves balloons, cardboard books, swings, and having outside time.
“She doesn’t like mommy brushing her hair!” says Brenden Suchadoll, a 10-year city of Columbus employee and Columbus native.
Duane Syndrome, cortical impairments, non-olfactory functions: These are scientific names that keep Cami Suchadoll from doing and enjoying what many others take for granted. These scientific names that give her so many problems may have a solution and a shot at giving her, and so many others like her, a fighting chance to win the war after so many battles.
Texas Children’s Hospital, a world-renowned medical center, can provide a stem cell-specific treatment, which means it can turn into neurons, and, along with a low-level laser therapy, which directs the neuron to the cells, may put Cami Suchadoll on a major road to a more sustainable recovery.
The problem: It is an experimental treatment option available under the Texas Freedom to Try Act. Being experimental, but provided by a world-class hospital, is not covered by any insurance.
The solution: You! The Suchadoll family needs your support. They need $65,000. Some money has been raised, but it is not even close to what they need for treatment and follow-ups. Time is running out.
Anyone wanting to help the Suchadoll family can buy a Cami T-shirt from Small Town Preps in Columbus or by calling or texting Amanda Suchadoll at 281-2367006 or SupportNow.org You can also donate by contacting Three Crosses Ministries at 979-733-6610 or emailing threecrossesministries2014@ gmail.com.
Just to be able to walk may not make Cami Suchadoll a ballerina, but in her mind she would be dancing and doing a pirouette.
Cami, seated, surrounded by her family, from left, Brenden (Little B), Brenden (Big B) and Amanda Suchadoll. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
