Ireland Nugent: Toddler Injured in Lawn Mower Accident Home from Hospital

Ireland Nugent, the Palm Harbor 2-year-old whose ankles were severed in a freak lawn mower accident just over three weeks ago, returned home from the hospital Saturday afternoon.

All reminders of the tragic April 10 accident in which Ireland's father, Jerry Nugent, 47, accidentally backed over her with the riding lawn mower had been removed from the family's home. 

A cheerful banner that said, "Welcome Home Ireland", now hung from the garage. The family's lawn was newly landscaped with colorful flowers, courtesy of neighbors and donors. And, the driveway was filled with family, friends, neighbors, a former pro-wrestler and the media, who all anxiously awaited her arrival home.

"They're here! They're here!" shrieked the kids when they spotted the Nugent family van approaching the home (see accompanying video).

Little Ireland, who was wearing a sparkly yellow princess dress for her homecoming, was immediately surrounded by her excited siblings and friends when the van door opened.

The scene was a bit much for Ireland, who had been napping in the van during the ride home from Tampa General Hospital. The crying 2-year-old and her family went inside their home to regroup for a few minutes, then they returned for a news conference on the front lawn. 

Ireland's mother Nicole Nugent, 31, thanked everyone who has helped her family get through this difficult time.

"Our entire neighborhood, the minute that this accident happened, came to our aid. Our neighbors, Cameron and Aly helped save our daughter's life," said Nicole Nugent as she held her daughter in her arms.

The toddler, who appeared to shy away from all attention, snuggled against her mother. Her legs, which were amputated above the ankle and were wrapped in bandages, were visible from underneath her princess dress. Her arm, which was cut in the accident, was also bandaged.

"I never really knew how much we were loved until this happened," Nicole Nugent said, referring to the outpouring of support from their family, church, friends and neighbors (see accompanying video).

Nicole and her husband have spent a lot of time at the hospital since the accident. She spoke of how happy she was to be back home with her children.

"It means the world. I missed my kids. I missed us being together, I missed our nights snuggling and watching TV," she said.

"We've got some serious snuggle time happening tonight with my kiddos.

Ireland's father Jerry also spoke at the news conference. He said life has been like a roller coaster ride over the past few weeks, but he's looking to the future.

"I'm just excited to go forward and see what this little angel does in the future. I'm really excited for that," he said.

Even though Ireland is home now, she still has plenty of doctor visits ahead, along with physical therapy. If all goes well, the spunky toddler will be wearing prosthetic legs in 3 to 4 weeks, courtesy of former pro wrestler Steve Chamberland's charity 50 Legs.

"I can't wait to see her back up and running and happy and playing again. I think that's just going to be amazing," said Nicole Nugent.

Here's how you can help Ireland Nugent-

Trinity Presbyterian Church "Ireland Nugent Fund"

• Anyone can make an online donate using Paypal on the church's website. Donations will go toward the long term treatment and recovery of Ireland and her family.
• If you prefer to mail a check- Make it out to: Trinity Presbyterian Foundation (with Ireland Nugent in the memo field) Mail it to: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2001 Rainbow Drive, Clearwater, FL, 33765 

Pinellas Federal Credit Union "Ireland Nugent Fund"

• Visit any Pinellas Federal Credit Union to contribute to the fund. See website for locations.
• Make checks payable to: Pinellas Federal Credit Union with Ireland Nugent Fund (in memo field). You can also mail a check to: Pinellas Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 2300, Largo, FL, 33779-2300

Related Stories-

• The Ireland Nugent Support Page 
• Outpouring of Support for Family of Toddler Run Over by Lawn Mower
• Lawn Mower Accident: Toddler's Final Surgery Called a Success
• Lawn Mower Accident: More Surgery for Toddler This Weekend
• Golf Tournament to Benefit 50 Legs Prosthetics Charity
• Facebook Page Chronicles Recovery of Toddler Injured in Lawn Mower Accident

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