The Hartford Courant | Amanda Falcone
Colby Salerno Returns Home
( Brad Horrigan, Hartford Courant / June 10, 2012 )
Colby Salerno hugs friend Brandon Linke, right, upon Colby's return home from Hartford Hospital Sunday.
Colby Salerno's friends and family could hear the sirens before they saw the Salerno family car.
There were tears and cheers as the small procession of police cars, family cars and a fire truck slowly made their way through the Salernos' quiet Cheshire neighborhood. Balloons and signs lined the streets.
As Salerno, 24, exited the car, friends and family rushed toward him — each waiting to personally welcome him home.
Salerno was diagnosed at age 12 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and has spent the past six months at Hartford Hospital waiting for a heart transplant, which he received May 30. Salerno has shared his experience in the hospital with others through his blog, "Tales from the 10th Floor."
Although he is now home, a lengthy recovery is expected. It will include frequent medical testing and lots of medication.
"He's my little buddy," said Lauren St. Jernquist, of Cheshire, who has known Salerno since preschool. "I visited him every other week in the hospital. We had dinner dates."
Wearing a mask as protection from things that could threaten his health, Salerno made the rounds, hugging those in attendance and petting his dog, Gracie. With his parents by his side, he also addressed the crowd.
"Thank you everyone for coming out," Salerno said. "This is...I'm actually speechless."
Read more: http://www.courant.com/community/cheshire/hc-colby-salerno-homecoming-20120610,0,2480088.story
{Register to be an organ,eye and tissue donor. To learn how, www.donatelife.net or www.organdonor.gov}
No comments:
Post a Comment