Family Joyful As Woman Battling Serious Illness Returns Home

SOUTHOLD, NY — In the most joyful news of all, Claire Kennedy, who fell critically ill this winter, is back home in Southold with her family.

In a joyful letter to the community that's supported the Kennedy family during their darkest hours, Claire's husband Tom Kennedy wrote, "Claire is home. After 10 weeks — a short stay at Eastern Long Island Hospital with a harrowing ambulance ride to Stony Brook in a blizzard, five weeks in the ICU including three surgical procedures performed on her brain, three weeks at the Glen Cove Hospital brain injury unit and two and a half weeks at Peconic Landing, Claire is home where she belongs with her boys."

He added, "Along the way our family has received support from so many incredible people in our community of Southold — doctors, nurses, aides, therapists, clergymen, Suffolk and Southold police officers, airmen from the Air National Guard. Through this journey we have been reminded of the importance of family, friends, and faith."

Her husband said that while Claire's story is not over; another chapter in her recovery has just begun. "Today we met a visiting nurse from Dominican Sisters and she will begin evaluations this week with therapists and start a new course of therapy at home. In addition, she has a number of doctors' appointments for follow up. Once we get a better understanding of her schedule, Claire will let me know when she will be ready to welcome visitors."

The outpouring of love has meant everything to the Kennedy family, he said.

"All of you, in your own way, made this possible through prayer and care for our family. We are eternally grateful for the love you have shown us. Love, Claire, Tom, Ian, Aidan and Alexander."

Kennedy thought she had a simple case of the flu when she started to feel ill in January. But when she went to Eastern Long Island Hospital for treatment of dehydration and fever, the prognosis was far more serious: Kennedy was then transferred to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, caused by listeria.

In February, a fundraiser was held at the Crazy Fork in Mattituck, with the love overflowing.

At the event, Kennedy was overcome by the incredible number of friends and loved ones who turned out to support his wife and family.

"It's wonderful," he said. "This is the true spirit of the North Fork community. And it's a reflection of of Claire, what people mean to her — and what she means to people."

It's that support and care from the community that has meant everything to her family during the past months, her husband said.

"Our family is overwhelmed with the prayers and support we have received during this trying time. Claire's illness has made our bonds as a family grow stronger and appreciate the spirit of community that is rare to find any where else. This is truly what it means to live here on the North Fork."