SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT — Last year, Newswatch 16 introduced you to a boy from Lycoming County who walked miles with the help of his community. Now, we’ll introduce you to the nurse who held his hand the entire way. Newswatch 16 met with the man whose dedication is always on display.
When something is tough, an extra boost from someone who truly cares can make a difference. Licensed practical nurse Kevin Shreckengast helps 13-year-old Andrew Kriebel onto his feet.
Newswatch 16 met them at South Williamsport Junior Senior High School, where Andrew is in seventh grade. Andrew has been diagnosed with a brain disorder called Angelman Syndrome. He can’t speak, and for a time, he lost his ability to walk.
“Kevin stepped in shortly after the time where he was idle for 18 months and started getting him walking,” said Dean Kriebel, Andrew’s father.
“I guess it was meant to be,” said Kevin Shreckengast.
Kevin has now been Andrew’s nurse for three years. When Andrew needed that helping hand, Kevin was there to hold him while he took those first steps.
“We get out and walk now. His calves were like pencil sticks when we first started,” said Shreckengast.
Steps turned into feet, but Kevin had faith Andrew could go farther. With the support of his community, last year Andrew walked two miles from his home in Duboistown to his elementary school in South Williamsport. Kevin was with him every step of the way.
“Kevin took the initiative and kept him moving and we are eternally grateful for that,” said Kriebel.
A year later and Andrew is in middle school, but Kevin is right there with him every day. It’s a commitment Kevin’s employers noticed and they think it is award worthy. Bayada Home Health Care chose Kevin out of thousands of nurses. They recently honored him as the LPN hero of the year.
“Time flies by when you’re with Andrew. Doesn’t it? Tell them, ‘We have a fun time,'” said Shreckengast.
LPN Kevin Shreckengast of Beech Creek continues to be that helping hand and for that he deserves a “16 salute.”
