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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in 111 days, 5-year-old Kycie Terry, her mom, dad and five brothers are all sleeping under the same roof.
Kycie's journey home began the day she left. It was the day she was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes. And despite complications that led to extensive brain damage and overwhelming odds that Kycie would never recover, she has come a very long way.
In the 110 days Kycie spent at Primary Children's Hospital, Kycie reopened her eyes, learned to breathe again on her own and she slowly gained control over parts of her body again.
Tonight, as she made the long journey from Salt Lake City to St. George, neighbors, friends and family lined the streets holding pink balloons, posters and signs to show Kycie how much she was missed.
"She's my hero," said her cousin, Kailor King.
Local firefighters and policemen gave the Terry family an escort home, their sirens ringing as the family pulled up in front of their house.
There, as Kycie's mom lifted her out of the car, children sang "I am a Child of God."
Kycie's Aunt Melissa Terry was overwhelmed seeing the support of the community.
"She's a true fighter, an inspiration, an angel," she said. "She's here for a purpose, and she's going to prove that purpose and show everyone."
Neighbors have helped take care of the Terrys' yard while Josh and Jamie Terry have gone back and forth between home and the hospital. They've also helped take care of the family's five boys.
"I've never experienced anything like it," said neighbor Courtney Haslam. "Everybody's been so supportive and done everything they could to help."
The support doesn't surprise most people.
"St. George always rallies to give support to anyone in need," said Elizabeth Rasmussen.
Kycie's journey is far from over, but her parents believe coming home is a big step that will lead to more progress.
Thanks to Kycie's story being shared online, at least 17 other children have been diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. The Terrys have made it their mission, as they help Kycie recover, to spread awareness of the disease that changed Kycie's life and their lives forever.
