Jun 11, 2009 10:54 pm US/Central
Sick Boy Gets Surprise Send Off From His Heroes
PLYMOUTH, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Eight-year-old Patrick O'Toole wants more than anything to be a state trooper when he grows up. His father is a trooper in New York.
CBS
With the help of Minnesota's law enforcement community, a little boy is one step closer to going home to New York.
Eight-year-old Patrick O'Toole wants more than anything to be a state trooper when he grows up. His father is a trooper in New York.
"I think it's a neat job to do just to fight crime," Patrick said.
Patrick has been a patient at University of Minnesota, Fairview since January. He was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as Addison-Schilder Disease.
He had a bone marrow transplant to slow the disease down. He can't see very well anymore and isn't able to read and write like he used to.
But Minnesota's law enforcement community wanted to make sure he didn't have time to be sick. They made stops at the hospital and took Patrick out on patrol.
Sgt. Scott Wahl is one of the troopers who have helped Patrick during his stay in Minnesota.
"We felt compelled to make contact with him and really take him under our wing and spend as much time as we can with him," said Wahl.
More than 50 from the local law enforcement community gathered in front of Streicher's in Plymouth on Thursday night to give Patrick a hero's goodbye. After five months, he will finally go home to New York next week.
"It's still very overwhelming and heart warming," said Patrick's father, Kevin as he wiped away tears.
"With any luck he'll follow in his father and grandfather's footsteps and become a state trooper in New York. We really would like to see him get there," said Wahl.
If all goes well, Patrick won't be back in Minnesota until September for another checkup. Sadly, his parents just found out his 1-year-old brother has the same disease.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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