A local family has endured more in their time together than many of us will ever know and came out stronger because of it.
Capt. Michael O'Farrell is returning from the Casa Colina Brain Injury Program in California after four months of treatment and he says he won't miss the long days of therapy.
“Every day get up at 5 o'clock, start therapy at 8 o'clock and go till 3 o'clock every afternoon,” said Michael.
Michael was being treated for traumatic brain injury he suffered during his first tour of duty in Iraq in 2006. The injury was not discovered until 2008 when Michael was on his second deployment to the Middle Eastern country and was rushed back to the States for treatment. Since being stateside, Michael has undergone four surgeries and spent time at another rehab center in California. Michael says his time in the Army has taught him one thing.
“I think the only thing that leaving all the time makes you do is make you a more efficient packer,” Michael said.
But the family’s trials do not end there, shortly after seeing Michael in June his wife Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has undergone three surgeries and started chemotherapy and says they are just looking forward to seeing their daughter compete this weekend.
"Saturday, he'll get to see her perform at Idaho State University's Marching Band Invitational,” said Denise. “It will be his first time seeing her compete.”
If you would like to follow the O’Farrell’s on their journey to recovery you can visit Denise’s
blog.
