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Courage embodied by Hanscom child

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFPN) --  When you look in Connor Tierney's big, blue eyes and watch him interact with family and friends, you would not think the 4-year-old has experienced much difficulty in his short life. But when you come to know his story, you realize this little boy is all about courage.

Connor, the son of 2nd Lt. William Tierney, of the Electronic Systems Center’s Joint STARS program office, and Staff Sgt. Jennifer Tierney, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 66th Medical Group's preventive dentistry flight, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2001 when he was 4 months old. At the time, the family was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

"For the next two years, he was essentially hospitalized as he underwent excruciating chemotherapy and two bone marrow transplants from our other son, (now 8-year-old) Tyler," Sergeant Tierney said.

"He started life learning to sit up in a hospital crib, learning to pull himself to his feet in that same crib," she said. "Some of his first toys were thermometers and blood pressure cuffs.

"Despite his condition, he never complained and cherished the short times when he could be at home," Connor's mother said.

Connor left the hospital behind, and hopefully his leukemia, in March 2003. The Tierney family moved here with 2-year-old Connor in February 2004. They welcomed the move but would miss the strong support received during their time at Keesler.

"We looked at this as an opportunity to put many of those bad memories behind us," Sergeant Tierney said. "Connor continued to do well here and spent his first year as a 'normal' kid going to day care and playing outside. His zest for life continued, and we cautiously watched him grow. Along the way, we've met many new friends and formed lasting relationships here at Hanscom.”

Two months ago Connor faced yet another challenge when he came down with the flu.

"Normally, although especially difficult for him to get over, he would do fine," his mother said.

This time it was different. Overnight, Connor's breathing became labored, and he became lethargic. His parents took him to the emergency room where they discovered their son was in trouble again.

The Tierneys learned that Connor's lungs were not able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. His blood was filling with carbon dioxide. The doctors could not pinpoint the cause, and Connor had to be sedated. Doctors inserted a tube down his throat so that a machine could breathe for him.

After three weeks in the hospital, though, he recovered enough to go home.

"But one week later, we were right back where we started," his mother said.

This time, however, the doctors confirmed their suspicions; Connor was diagnosed with a rare lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, a result of his cancer treatments.

"This is what was causing his breathing troubles, and he will eventually need a lung transplant," Sergeant Tierney said.

After two more weeks on a ventilator, Connor responded to the treatments and was released.

He was welcomed back to day care by his friends in early June.

"Connor is a really sweet, pleasant and happy child,” said Colleen Davis, child development center assistant director here. “All the staff here adores him and the entire Tierney family.”

People at the center donated various items to the Tierney family.

"Everyone wanted to reach out and do something to support the family after all that they've been through," Ms. Davis said.

"This trying period brought out the best in our Hanscom friends," Sergeant Tierney said.

"Connor is strong, and we are strong for him, but when times like these occur, it is nice to have so much help, love and prayers,” she said. “From all the meals cooked, the cards and gifts sent and even the time our house was cleaned, we (are thankful).”