'Miracle Man' Recovers from Brain Injury

HOUSTON - He calls himself the "Miracle Man." John Keller of McAllen is one of millions of people learning to live again with a traumatic brain injury. For those who've suffered one, there is a silent struggle to start over.

You wouldn't know it by just looking, but Keller is one of the walking wounded.

"I've been to where most people have never been before, totally," said Keller.

A motorcycle wreck two years ago sent him flying through the air. Keller wasn't wearing a helmet. The result was a massive brain injury. He was in a coma for 70 days. Suddenly his life as a husband and new father had completely changed. The outlook wasn't good.

"I would never hold a job again, never talk, never walk, anything you can think of I should not be able to do much less have this conversation with you," said Keller.

Intense therapy began at TIRR Memorial Hermann. TIRR stands for The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. Experts said it was the most severe brain injury they had ever treated.

"He couldn't follow any commands. He couldn't move his limbs on his own," said Julie Welch, physical therapist.

Slowly, Keller learned to sit up, write and stand, which would have been more than anyone could have hoped. Keller, though, had bigger goals.

"He was so determined he was going to walk. He would stand at the nursing station with the wheelchair unstrapped," said Jan Keller, his mother.

Nearly a year later, Keller took his first steps. Later, he began talking to his two young children again.

"The first night I did I read him 23 books. That was ridiculous, I know," said Keller.

Therapists at TIRR credit several major medical treatments. Keller hands it all to God and the power of prayer.

"We don't see recoveries like John's very often," said Welch.

Last year Keller walked out on his own. He climbed the stairs back to his job and began speaking to kids who need a little encouraging. He's also writing a book, "A Miracle On The Road To Recovery," to educate others about brain injuries.

"He's got so much compassion for people. He just wants to share hope," said James Keller, father.

Keller's parents don't have their "old son" back. They're not sure they want to because they think the one they have now is a better version.

-- Read John Keller's Blog: http://johnkellerupdate.blogspot.com/