A father who nearly died after being struck by another driver involved in an alleged police chase returned home after weeks at an Atlanta hospital.
Dan Fedele, 49, spent several weeks at Shepherd Center after he suffered multiple shattered bones including a spinal chord injury.
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He was greeted by a welcome banner from his family in La Vergne on Thursdsay.
"It's amazing to be alive," Fedele joyfully told NewsChannel 5. "I was smiling from ear to ear because it was so good to see everybody."
In June, Fedele was traveling on Hobson Pike in Antioch to deliver pizza when a man, who was allegedly running from authorities, swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into his car.
Kevin Woodard was accused of fleeing from authorities in a stolen vehicle before the crash. Police said he took off on foot after the impact.
Woodard surrendered several days later and remained in custody in the Wilson County Jail.
The journey to recovery will clearly be a long and painful road ahead for Fedele. It may take a few years for him to fully be able to walk again as he is currently bound to a wheelchair with the inability to move.
He has used what is called a sip and puff to help move and navigate his wheelchair.
"It allows me to tilt the chair back and forth drive the chair because I can't move my arms," Fedele said.
It has also been difficult emotionally for Fedele as he contemplated on dark thoughts during his stay in Atlanta.
"When I was laying in the hospital going through all of this, I wondered why don't I just got ahead and die. I could be better off with a lot less pain," he remembered.
However, through his faith and family, Fedele kept strong. Despite his limitations, he's been working hard hard to get back to a sense of normalcy.
"I'm working to get movement in my hands so I can move my arms hug my wife, that would be awesome," Fedele said.
A ramp was being built in their house.
The family has been under financial burden having spent their savings and purchased equipment to help with his recovery.
To help the family, you can help through GoFundMe.
