Overnight wait for vaccines in Lee County leads to new friendship

Reporter: Anika Henanger Writer: Jackie Winchester
Published: Updated:
Kit Kerkesner of Fort Myers and Mark Langemo of Naples met while in line for their first COVID-19 vaccine shot, then met again when they went for their booster shots – and had some champagne to celebrate. (Credit: WINK News)

Two Southwest Florida residents who came together in unlikely times have received their tickets to normalcy – and a new friendship.

Kit Kerkesner of Fort Myers and Mark Langemo of Naples met while in line for their first COVID-19 vaccine shot and just reunited for their second dose.

Together, they endured a 17-hour wait for their first dose at Lakes Regional Library in south Fort Myers, on a cold December night in a long line – but a darn good spot.

“Just happy. Happy to be here. Happy to get the shot,” Kerkesner said.

That was all he had when he first showed up to get his vaccine. He lost a friend to the virus.

“This is a day that I’ll always remember … because getting the shot, it’s the end. It’s the end with the vaccine. The end of the virus.”

Langemo got there hours before the crowd because he was worried he’d lose the love of his life to the virus.

“I’ve been concerned about her every day.”

That long night of waiting forged a fast friendship.

“We’re probably going to be lifelong friends because of this experience,” Langemo said.

He called it: While waiting for their booster shot, Kerkesner and Langemo were there for each other, trading letters and texts.

“It says ‘Kit, partner, it was great to meet you and be with you for our 17-hour saga,'” Kerkesner said, reading a notecard from Langemo.

Two men showing support and kindness at a time when it’s really needed – and during a time of frustration and worry.

“‘I’m sure you feel as I do, very deeply relieved, hope to see you again in the not so distant future,'” Kerkesner continued.

That not-so-distant future was when they recently met again for their second dose.

“I’m bringing a bottle of champagne and we’re gonna get together, we’re going to toast becoming friends and we’re going to give thanks together for having gotten these shots,” Langemo said.

“The chance friendships that you meet in life, in unique circumstances, when you find out very quickly that you’ve met another very great friend, you can’t attach dollar signs to that.”

Kerkesner and Langemo said what makes their friendship so special is that they met at a time when so many people have either lost or been cut off from family and friends.

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