HOUSTON – Three years ago, KPRC meteorologist Eric Braate was in an accident.
While riding his bike, training for an IRONMAN triathlon, he was hit by a truck.
With two broken bones in his neck, his chance to compete in his first IRONMAN was over.
His recovery is due to the treatment he received at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Medicine Institute.
Now, Braate is on his way to the Kona Ironman World Championship.
Physical therapist Chris Shields said patients aren't always able to make such an impressive recovery, but going back to sports is possible with three to six months of rehab.
“They don't have the functional mobility that they used to have, but quite often, especially if they were an athlete and they're very motivated, we can get them back to a very high level, if not back to where they were at before,” Shields said.
Braate has been warned the intensity of his workouts could eventually hurt him again.
“My discs are bulging. They were compressed in the accident and that doesn't go away,” Braate said. “My neurosurgeon warned that over time the discs will probably continue to compress and I will eventually need to have them fused.”
But he won't stop running. Even though the recovery was all about him getting back to the sport, every finish line he's crossed since is for you.
That's why the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chose Braate to be one of five people in the country to help it raise money for the Kona IRONMAN. In two weeks, he will travel there for a grueling competition with a 2.4-mile rough water swim, 112 miles of bike racing and a full 26.2 marathon.
“Especially after Harvey, you know, helping your fellow man is a good thing,” he said. “I've met a lot of people on this journey who have been severely impacted by blood cancer, stories that, if I could snap my fingers and make it go away, I certainly would. It's going to be a while before we're able to do that, but for every donation we’re a step closer.”
The Kona IRONMAN World Championship is Oct. 14. You can help Braate reach his goal by clicking here.
