Patchogue Disabled Army Vet Hugs Obama

Retired Army Sgt. Theresa Hannigan, 59 of Patchogue, met President Barack Obama Thursday while touring a technology expo in Jerusalem, reports Newsday.

Hannigan, a paraplegic, was diagnosed in her 20s with a progressive autoimmune disease, reports Newsday.

The article says she uses the Israeli-designed ReWalk device, which is a computerized exoskeleton, to move around.

Hannigan told Newsday that Obama hugged her after he asked her what having the exoskeleton means to her, to which she responded by asking if the President hugs his wife and children. After he responded yes, she said to him to try to hug a person in a wheelchair.

The article cites the Associated Press as reporting that Obama offered a personal reflection involving his wife's father having MS and using crutches before getting a wheelchair.

Check Newsday's report on Hannigan's meeting with the President by clicking here (subscription).