Childhood Littlefoot plush lost after 36 years of memories
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Since three-years-old, Katelyn Harnisch has been watching 'The Land Before Time' on VHS. She decided to find her own Great Valley by traveling and taking notes on different places to live.
"So I got in my car, I packed all my gear, and I just went on a road trip across the country for a month. Eventually, I ended up in Albany."
Harnisch was camping near Schenectady before her journey came to an end but not because she found that fabled place. "Something was wrong and I could feel it. I have no recollection but apparently, I called 911 on myself and they brought me to Albany Med."
Her heart stopped for eight minutes before she was revived. Multiple heart attacks, liver and kidney problems, and a Lupus flare-up left Harnisch in and out of consciousness for almost two months.
"My family all flew out here as soon as they possibly could and they brought Littlefoot because they know how much he means to me. He's been by my side my entire life." Littlefoot has been Katelyn's best friend for 36 years.
Her first word while being unconscious was his name but their reunion was short-lived. "When I finally gained full consciousness and could make my surroundings make sense to me, he was gone. I didn't know he was ever there until later."
While neither Albany Med nor Katelyn knows where Littlefoot is, a familiar voice reassures her that she's not alone:
"Hey Katelyn, it's Littlefoot! I'm sorry you can't find me but I'm right there in your heart, right? And, we'll find me soon enough. Would you please get better soon? We need you out there! Big hugs and mwah!"
Big thanks to Lani Minella, the voice of Littlefoot in 'The Land Between Time: Return to the Great Valley', for doing the recording for Katelyn. Unfortunately, Harnisch says the search for the plushie has been called off by Albany Med. She adds the hospital has offered to buy a new Littlefoot but her best friend could never be replaced.
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