The City of Florence and Florence Fire/EMS Department will welcome a very special visitor to Florence Fire/EMS Station #34, located at 8101 Dream Street, this Thursday, October 22, at 10 a.m.
Graham will celebrate his fourth birthday with the firefighters and EMS personnel who became an important part of his family’s story three years ago.
Born weighing just over one pound, Graham spent the first 13 months of his life in the hospital. When he was finally able to come home, he was medically complex, dependent on a ventilator and tracheostomy, and required round-the-clock care.
In preparation for his homecoming, Florence Fire/EMS personnel from each station and shift visited Graham and his family to meet him, become familiar with his medical needs and learn the specialized protocols that could be required during an emergency. The preparation was coordinated with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Within two days of Graham’s arrival home, that preparation was put into action when his family called 911 during a medical emergency. Florence Fire/EMS crews responded and assisted his parents with an emergency tracheostomy change.
Three years later, Graham is tracheostomy free, growing, talking and full of personality. He also loves fire trucks and, according to his family, may already have his sights set on becoming a Florence firefighter someday.
Graham’s family remains grateful for the professionalism, preparation and compassion shown by Florence Fire/EMS during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
His fourth birthday visit will provide a special opportunity for the family to reconnect with the firefighters and EMS personnel who played such an important role in Graham’s journey.
City of Florence