Chicago toddler goes home after spending entire life in hospital

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A suburban Chicago toddler with a rare genetic condition returned home with his family for the first time on Tuesday after spending his entire life in the hospital.

Francesco Bruno, who is 2 years and 10 months old, has skeletal dysplasia, which prevents his rib cage from growing properly and affects his lungs.

After undergoing several surgeries to expand his rib cage and intense rehab and therapy, Francesco was finally pushed out of La Rabida Hospital by his mother and father.

"We’re overjoyed and very, very happy and ready to start a new chapter, new adventure," Priscila Zinnia Puente, Francesco’s mother, told FOX32 Chicago as the family carried Francesco into their car.

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Francesco Bruno is two years and 10 months old. He has a rare genetic condition known as skeletal dysplasia. (FOX32 Chicago WFLD)

Francesco returned to the family’s Oak Park home, where his six older siblings were waiting to celebrate his arrival.

Francesco has spent his entire life in the hospital. He returned home Tuesday, joining his parents and six older siblings. (FOX32 Chicago WFLD)

"For the last couple of weeks, every hour has felt like years," Francesco’s father, Emanuele Bruno, told WGN-TV, adding that the family has been waiting a long time for this moment.

Francesco's family said they were happy to start and new chapter and new  adventure. (FOX32 Chicago WFLD)

Francesco’s parents have spent the last couple of weeks receiving training on how to care for their son at home.

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Hospital staff said that while they’ll miss Francesco, they are ultimately happy to see him begin a new chapter in life.