The Defense Force has taken on a special mission after a seriously ill teenager was unable to travel on his first day of dialysis at Cork University Hospital due to snow.
While many teenagers might have been hoping to skip school because the snow meant they couldn't travel, Kieran Harkins was desperate to get to the hospital on time for his appointment.
Thankfully, two members of the Defense Force and a military jeep came to rescue Kieran and his mother Ger.
A surreal afternoon came just three weeks after Kieran was placed on the transplant waiting list. Up until this point, the transition year student, who lives with her family in Bwen, Co. Cork, was traveling to Dublin three times a week with her mother for dialysis.
After turning 16 in October last year, his care was transferred to Cork University Hospital. This March will mark one year since he was diagnosed with kidney failure.
Ms Garr thanked those involved in the heroic act, saying: “I'm so grateful to Stephen and Shane who took us to the hospital that day.They supported us from start to finish. “He was very kind.”
She said Kieran was very excited to travel to CUH in style.
“He thought it was great,” she laughed. “There was also a nurse accompanying him who needed to go to the hospital.”
Gell said this adventure will definitely remain in the family's memories for years to come.
“I was telling a friend about it, and she joked that we're lucky we don't have any neighbors, because if someone saw the military in our house, they'd definitely take us home.” They'll think you're a terrorist or something,” she laughed.
She praised her son's inspirational spirit.
“The last few months have been really difficult, but we will never mourn. Kieran is so strong and has dealt with his own struggles so well, why should we stay positive? I don't know when the transplant will happen. It's like asking the length of the thread, but Kieran never complains. He's a great young man. I draw it to myself.”
