Warren, PA – After four months of intensive treatment and therapy in Philadelphia, 19-year-old Johnny Palmieri returned home to a hero’s welcome in Russell.

Palmieri was diagnosed in 2012 with aplastic anemia, a rare and serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. Fewer than 20,000 cases are diagnosed each year.

To celebrate his homecoming, the community organized a welcome home escort, with support from the Warren Jeep Club, Warren Midtown Motors, Koebley Towing, and local volunteer fire departments — Clarendon, Lander, Sugar Grove, Sheffield, Cherry Grove, Pleasant Township, and Russell.  Fire trucks, emergency vehicles, and supporters lined the route with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

“It's such a good thing to do for a member of our community," stated Russell Volunteer Fire Department Chief, Dave Schwanke. "Johnny has been in Philadelphia for a long while so it's good to have him home."

It is heartwarming for sure, to do this for Johnny and his family," added fellow Russell VFD member Jeffrey Barrett. 

Palmieri, visibly moved by the turnout, said the moment was overwhelming in the best way.

“It’s very cool, kind of surreal,” he said. “What I went through is very rare, so to see everyone show up for this, even if they don't understand it - it means a lot." 

His mother echoed the sentiment, expressing deep gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years.

“We are so excited and ecstatic to be home and are so thankful for our community. We just had the biggest and greatest welcome home you could ever imagine." 

"For the rest of the family, the four of us who had to stay behind at home, it's so great to have them back," added John Palmieri, Johnny's father. "We have been anxiously waiting their return."

One community member who participated in the escort said showing up for Johnny was an easy decision.

“It's so great to be out here and to be a part of this," stated Spencer Watson, Jeep Club member. "Johnny is a part of this community and we support each other. We couldn't miss this."