Miracle Catches Eye of the World

(May 4, 2005)

Western New York and the world are waiting to find out more about the miraculous recovery of former Buffalo firefighter Don Herbert. He's communicating after years of brain damaged silence.

Since his stunning awakening, doctors have been devising a plan for rehabilitation, as news of his progresss spreads well beyond Western New York.

Neil Keane: "I can't think of a better word than a miracle. It's astounding, absolutely astounding."

From Florida, former Buffalo fire commissioner Neil Keane appeared on CNN Tuesday night to talk about the possible medical breakthrough involving Buffalo firefighter Donald Herbert.

Keane said, "Although I prayed like firefighters and other family members, I never though he'd ever come out of it, it was so devastating an injury."

Wednesday, the amazing awakening of Donald Herbert continues to dominate headlines worldwide.

He was severely injured in a house fire in 1995, somewhat able to walk a year later, but then not at all.

After nearly ten year's silence, the 43 year old father of four astounded the folks at Father Baker Manor Nursing Home Saturday when he started talking for hours.

Herbert's uncle Simon Manka said, "The conversation and memories were talking to family, how boys were and where they were at, things of that nature."

Herbert is believed to have gone without oxygen for six minutes. He was in a coma for two months and for the past nine years could hardly communicate until this past weekend.

Retired Fire Lt. Pat Coghlan visited him on Sunday.

Pat Coghlan said, "At the end of visit, I shook hands. He still had a strong handshake."

"For a guy to go from condition he's in not being able to talk and then be able to be understood... It's a miracle. It's amazing."



WIVB TV4 Buffalo, NY - Possible Miracle Catches Eye of the World