Injured Soldier To Ride In Army Ten Miler

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Just putting one foot in front of other is a feat doctors weren't sure Captain Pat Horan would ever be able to do.

On July 7, 2007, an Iraqi soldier mistook him for an insurgent and shot him in the head and left him with a traumatic brain injury.

The bullet destroyed his language center. He had to learn to talk again and is now learning to read and write again at Walter Reed.

His motor skills on his right side were also badly damaged.
With hard work, he's gotten a lot of movement back.

"I know that it happened, and that it's terrible, but you just gotta keep going. Can't be sad all the time. That's no good. My friends, my wife, they want me to get better, you know," says Pat.

Pat's recovery didn't just happen. It's the direct result of his drive and determination and his wife's unrelenting pursuit to get him the therapy he needs and deserves.

"There are a lot of resources. You just have to do the research and investigate. Mostly, it's word of mouth from other families and therapists," says Patty Horan.

Pat's wife Patty, along with about 80 friends and extended family, will be running in the Army Ten Miler this Sunday supporting Pat, just like they did last year. But this year, Pat will join them on a three-wheel bike.

"It's going to be scary, but once I get started, it'll be OK," says Pat.

Patty says riding the bike is a good alternative to running, which Pat use to enjoy.

"I feel like he wants to keep pushing and getting better because he's seen gains and he believes he can see more," says Patty.

And Patty plans to be by his side every step.

"She's so incredible. Nothing I could ever say would be able to thank her," says Pat.

Pat Horan is 9NEWS NOW reporter Peggy Fox's brother-in-law. He is from Springfield, VA.