SAN DIEGO — One family in South San Diego experienced the joy of Christmas as their loved one, who suffered a blood clot in her brain six years ago, was transported home from a nursing facility in a Christmas-themed ambulance for AMR’s Home for the Holidays program. CBS 8 was there for her arrival.
“Look at that, it’s got lights all over it,” said Michael McCarthy laughingly as the ambulance, decorated with Christmas lights, pulled up to his house in Nestor. “This is a special moment.”
37-year-old Julie McCarthy was elated to be home to spend Christmas with family.
“Merry Christmas, Julie!” said her family members as she was lifted out of the ambulance by two EMT’s.
As a result of the complications caused by the blood cot, Julie is currently a quadriplegic but making progress every day.
“Julie’s very fortunate, she’s come a long ways from those days in the ICU,” said Michael.
She spent 40 days in the ICU in 2017 where it was challenging even to breathe. According to her proud father, Julie has come a long way.
“Oh, she’s so precious. I’m so proud of her right now,” said Michael.
For the past six years, Julie has been cared for at the Sharp Villa Coronado Skilled Nursing Facility undergoing physical therapy and her homecoming for Christmas means a lot to her family.
“It’s a feeling that’s deep inside,” said Michael. “Really, really special.”
In addition to her father, Julie’s mother Sepa, sisters Jennifer and Judy, and her 14-year-old son Michael joined the festivities for her special homecoming.
“I get a little emotional,” said Michael. “It’s been a long road and we’re able to give her the support that she needs to continue on and get some of that therapy help.”
She can’t talk as of yet, but she can communicate in other ways
“This is a yes and her ear is a no, and a thank you, chin,” said Michael while Julie demonstrated by gesturing. “And I love you is the nose.”
Julie was a little shy at first, but she eventually typed out a message on her tablet that voiced aloud, “Happy Holidays,” as everyone cheered.
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