116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
#7 reader story: Dying man's wish
We've surveyed our staff members and readers for their opinions, and the results are in. Between now and Jan. 1, we'll be unveiling readers' choices for the top 10 news stories of the year - one story per day. Here's the #7 story of the year, as voted by readers.
Kevin McClain, a homeless Cedar Rapids man who lived in a car with his dog Yurt, became ill with lung cancer and was separated from his dog when McClain was rushed to the hospital. Yurt went to the animal shelter. McClain's dying wish was to see his dog one more time. The Hospice Home, Ambulance Service and shelter teamed up to make it happen.
THE YEAR'S COVERAGE:
Kevin McClain holds his dog Yurt during their final reunion on May 11 at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. McCain, who was battling lung cancer, was homeless when paramedics took him to the hospital and he was separated from Yurt. Volunteers and Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control described Yurt as inconsolable when he was brought to the shelter. (Diana Gilchrist/Area Ambulance Service)
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