Charlie Knuth welcomed home

DARBOY - After spending months in the hospital, 5-year-old Charlie Knuth is finally back home in Darboy.

Charlie is fighting a rare disorder that causes his skin to blister.

He underwent a stem cell transplant late last year in Minnesota, and on Saturday, he returned home to a hero's welcome.

As he arrived in a fire truck at Darbooy's Corner Store, Charlie Knuth waved to the crowd that greeted him.

From cheers, to chants, to hand-made signs of support, more than a 150 of his biggest fans gathered to welcome him home.

"Thank you," Charlie told the crowd.

His words were few. Charlie's parents say he was just so overwhelmed.

And the sight of the community turnout was overwhelming for them too, drawing his mother Trish to tears.

She says Charlie has become the poster child for all the children suffering from his rare skin condition.

"I'm just so happy for Charlie that he gets to experience this because he hasn't got to experience too many good things so far in life and I think this is a start to a new beginning," said Trish Knuth, Charlie's Mother.

Since birth, Charlie has been fighting a painful disease that causes his skin to blister.

But late last year he received a stem cell transplant. And after some ups and downs, he's turned the corner to recovery.

His story caught the attention of residents all over Northeast Wisconsin.

"I just want him to know people he doesn't even know care about him and we think he is a super hero," explained Lea Nanney, Kimberly resident.

"Welcome home Charlie," said 6-year-old schoolmate, Maddison Basten.

After the celebration, Charlie's motorcade continued on to his home, where he was surprised with a newly painted room featuring his favorite cartoon Characters.

But even with all the excitement, more than anything Charlie just wanted to play with his brothers.

That's exactly what he did, putting him one step closer to his biggest wish to just get back to normal.

Food drinks, and t-shirts were sold at the event at Darboy's Corner Store. All proceeds go to the Knuth family.

Charlie's mom says they will return to Minnesota for a check-up in 3 months and Charlie is expected to be able to go back to school with his peers next fall.