Daniel Michael Berthelot

Daniel was born fighting. He entered this world unresponsive, and by the grace of God, he pulled through and began his beautiful journey here on Earth. Daniel faced many obstacles in his 2.9 years. He was born at West Jefferson Hospital-Marrero on April 27, 2015 at 11:10 a.m. and was airlifted to Children’s Hospital-New Orleans on May 18, 2015, where he spent the first 6 months of his life. Daniel was born with a cleft palate, along with some other physical differences. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy (Tonic-Clonic and Myoclonic), 2Q13 micro-deletion, CAH (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia), GHD (Growth Hormone Deficiency), GDD (Global Development Delay), and a rare genetic disorder: Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef Syndrome. He was the only one diagnosed with this syndrome in the United States, and there were only 7 other documented cases in the world at the time. Daniel was unlike any other child; he made the doctors and nurses work and think like they never had before. He proved them wrong more times than we can count. Daniel was truly extraordinary in every single way. His smile would light up the room. His personality filled our hearts with love and made us laugh out loud. His unbelievable strength seemed like that of 10,000 men. Just as his journey began; his journey ended. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital-New Orleans on December 20, 2017. He was diagnosed with the flu, sepsis, and pneumonia, which lead to ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and then fibrosis in his little lungs. On February 7, 2018, at 4:10 p.m., in the arms of mom and dad, with his pacifier in his mouth and a smile on his face, he was finally at peace and free from pain. Our Daniel is now able to breath, see, walk, talk, eat and best of all… fly. Our Little Superhero has his angel wings and he will forever be in our hearts.

The bond between Daniel and his mom, Renae, was beautiful to witness. They had a connection that was indescribable. She was Daniel’s advocate and knew exactly what he needed at all times. She was never afraid to speak up or to tell the doctors and nurses what to do. Derrick was their unfaltering support system. He did whatever his wife and son needed him to do. Whether it was to go to work to provide for his family or learn how to care for Daniel to allow mom to rest, he did it. He stepped up, without hesitation. Aubree was the best big sister you could ask for and loved to help Renae and Derrick care for Daniel. She said many times that she was awesome because her baby brother was awesome. Aubree told us that her brother talked to her. She knew what Daniel liked and what he wanted to do, because he told her. She sang to him every night when he was in the hospital and his reaction to her voice was priceless.

Daniel is survived by his parents: Derrick Michael Berthelot of Marrero, LA and Renae Carmadelle Berthelot of Lafitte, LA (Marrero); one sibling: Aubree Autumn Berthelot; paternal grandparents: Renoid “Bo” Berthelot and Enid Bond Berthelot; maternal grandparents: Rudy J. Carmadelle and Sandra Rudolph Ory; paternal great-grandmothers: Marie Verdin Bond and Doris Bergeron Berthelot; paternal uncles and aunts: Renoid P. Berthelot, Jr. (Lisa), Brandon J. Berthelot (Rachel); maternal uncle (godfather) and aunt: Ronald J. Ory, Jr. (Jennifer); paternal first cousins: Ty, Emma, Tristin, and Brandon Jr. Berthelot; maternal first cousins: Savannah and Logan Ory; godmother: Mallorie R. Berthelot (Gary). Daniel is also survived by great-aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandfathers: Adam P. Berthelot and Raymond P. Bond, Sr.; maternal great-grandparents: Dominick “Poppa” Rudolph and Catherine “Kitty Kat” Munch Rudolph, and Joshua “Red” Carmadelle and RitaMae Carmadelle.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and doctors at Children’s Hospital-New Orleans. Daniel’s doctors, nurses and therapists were nothing short of amazing. They would also like to thank all the prayer warriors who followed his journey and believed a miracle was possible.

Funeral services will take place on February 17, 2018, at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home 5101 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA 70072. 8:00 a.m. for family, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. for general viewing, 11:00 a.m. mass followed by a burial at Fleming Cemetery in Lafitte, LA.

In lieu of flowers, the family will accept monetary donations to assist with the extensive medical bills.