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One veteran’s story: A heroic recovery from traumatic brain injury

By John Singleton on November 8, 2017

An inspiring story from WUSA 9 News shows the real spirit of America’s veterans. I’d like to share it with you.

Army Captain Pat Horan was serving in Iraq in 2007 when he was shot in the left temple. The bullet destroyed the communication center of his brain. Doctors doubted he would ever communicate with the outside world again. The wound also caused Captain Horan to lose a great deal of motor function, practically paralyzing him.

Now, Horan just participated in the Army 10-Miler, the second largest 10-mile race in the country. It was held in September in Washington, D.C., beginning and ending at the Pentagon.

Horan rode a recumbent tricycle, a bike with three wheels that supports the rider’s back. Many other wounded veterans participated in this race as well using assistive transportation.

Horan lives in McLean with his wife, Patty, and trains at the local Sport & Health. That he was in the Army race at all is a miracle, considering the shape he was in when he first came home. But Captain Horan is a fighter, and he brought his heroic spirit to years of grueling physical therapy and rehab. Now he’s reaping the rewards.

What’s as miraculous as Pat’s physical recovery is his recovery from the traumatic brain injury (TBI). He has actually regained his ability to speak and his sense of humor.

What most people don’t know is that, while the effects of TBIs can be permanent and devastating, substantial recovery is possible. Of course it takes time, dedication, support, and money. An estimated 1.7 million people suffer TBIs every year in the United States – most from falls or vehicle accidents. Vehicle-traffic injury is the leading cause of TBI-related deaths.

As former Marines, we at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys salute Captain Horan and the fighting spirit he has displayed during his journey to healing. And we know that no hero walks alone, so we also salute his wife and loved ones for their support.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI from a preventable accident, we will work to get you the compensation you need for your road to recovery. Call us for a free consultation at (804) 413-6777. Remember, a TBI can dramatically change a life, but people can triumph over almost anything!

For more information, see our article about traumatic brain injuries.