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Binghamton businessman cheered for victory over COVID-19

June 05, 2020

UHS patient Sean Harrigan got a very pleasant surprise Friday at noon, when he was finally discharged from the hospital following a harrowing, life-or-death battle with COVID-19.

His wife, UHS employee Iesa Harrigan, teamed up with the staff at UHS Binghamton General Hospital to arrange for Mr. Harrigan an especially warm return to his home.

In an emotional display of support that has come to symbolize victories over the coronavirus, employees lined the hallways at the hospital to honor Mr. Harrigan with cheers, non-stop applause and heartfelt well-wishes.

Mr. Harrigan, owner of the Pack & Mail locations in Binghamton and Endwell, was diagnosed with the disease some two months ago.

He received care for the virus at UHS Wilson Medical Center before being transferred to Krembs 4 at UHS Binghamton General.

“At one point his condition was as bad as it ever gets,” said Mrs. Harrigan, a UHS mental health counselor. “He was on a ventilator for four weeks."

As a result of the quality care he received, the strength of his own fighting resolve and the support of loved ones, Mr. Harrigan beat the disease and has tested negative.

Mrs. Harrigan said: "We believe this is a miracle because we had so many prayer warriors connecting and praying every night."

And she expressed special appreciation for the support of Kay Boland, RN, senior vice president, chief nursing officer and chief operating officer at UHS.

"Kay has been a blessing for Sean and myself," Mrs. Harrigan said. "She helped me through a very difficult time."