1983 Elder grad Pat Emery makes it back to The Pit for Panthers football game

CINCINNATI — Thanks to the generosity of people around the Tri-State to buy a new accessible van, Elder High School alum Pat Emery made it back to The Pit for the Friday night lights.

When WCPO first spoke with Emery in May, the 1983 graduate’s one wish after he was diagnosed with ALS in February was a van he can take to Elder’s football games so he can cheer on his alma mater.

Then, folks across the Tri-State showed their support to make his wish come true to watch his favorite high school football team.

“The dream is to get a van, a wheelchair accessible van, so I can live," he told WCPO. "I can have a little bit more freedom.”

Thanks to the generosity of folks across the Tri-State, nearly $20,000 was raised on top of a $10,000 grant so Pat and his wife Victoria’s dream could be realized.

“Going anywhere with my husband in the seat next to me -- it’s been a long time,” she said of the man she’s been married to for 19 years as of last month. “I go everywhere alone. A lot.”

Welcome back, Pat!