5-year-old Bristol boy gets fire and police escort on last day of chemo

By Christy Nadalin
Posted 6/2/23

Wednesday, May 24, was a very special day for Nolan Thompson. The 5-year-old Bristol boy received his final chemotherapy treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, earning him a round trip escort with all the bells and whistles — and sirens — courtesy of Enzo’s Escorts.

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5-year-old Bristol boy gets fire and police escort on last day of chemo

Posted

Wednesday, May 24, was a very special day for Nolan Thompson. The 5-year-old Bristol boy received his final chemotherapy treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, earning him a round trip escort with all the bells and whistles — and sirens — courtesy of Enzo’s Escorts.

Enzo's Escorts started three years ago, named after Lorenzo Neri, the son of David Neri and Rebekah Collette of Cranston, both first responders. Enzo was diagnosed with leukemia when he was five years old, and in March of 2020, he finished two years of treatment.

“We had planned a big party for him and unfortunately because of covid restrictions, all of our plans were canceled,” said Rebekah. “My husband is a firefighter and Cranston and I am a police officer. So we had asked our departments if they could send maybe cruiser or a fire truck to the hospital to cheer for him when he had his last day of treatment.”

The departments’ response? Twelve police motorcycles, cruisers, and a fire truck went to the Neri home to escort Enzo to Hasbro. And the entourage was still there when he was done.

“They gave us a better day than we could have ever planned, and afterwards my husband and I were thinking of that every child deserves this type of escort,” said Rebekah. “We spoke to our chief and to our mayor and we've received overwhelming support from them from the police and fire communities. So for the last three years for every child that finishes cancer treatment at Hasbro, we’ve provided an escort from their home at to and from Hasbro on their last day.”

“And the Providence police mounted command brings the horses down to the hospital too, so it's a pretty good day for everybody,” said David.
“Bristol has provided us assistance with almost every escort that we've had,” said Rebekah. “Their motor division really it makes the traffic escort run smoothly and the motorcycles are always a hit with the kids. We're very appreciative to Chief Lynch for his support of these escorts and we're happy to have one here in Bristol today.”

“It was unreal,” said Adrienne Chauvin, Nolan’s mom. “Overwhelming, joyous — it’s so hard to put into words. Dave and Rebekah are so gracious and giving and it was moving to share their joy.”

After more than a year of chemo on four of every six Wednesdays, the family happily enjoyed a very ordinary Wednesday this past week.

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