A former Marine and double amputee is crossing the country using a hand cycle to raise money for an important cause, and he got a warm welcome in Boston from marathon bombing survivors.
Toran Gaal is making the trek to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund, an organization that helps wounded veterans. It's the same organization that helped him four years ago when he stepped on an IED during his third deployment overseas.
"My life was forever changed after that day, and I woke up two months later out of a coma," he said.
That's when discovered he had lost both legs and suffered a brain injury.
"The hardest part for me was learning how to talk again," said Gaal.
Not only did he conquer that, he built up the strength to power a handcycle cross country.
His final stop will be Arlington National Cemetery, but he made a special stop in Boston to honor the Boston Marathon bombing victims.
"To be here and be another supporter of them," he said. "This city of Boston is truly amazing."
And the support couldn't be more appreciated.
Gaal admits this ride has been challenging, but he knew he couldn't give up, that he had to do this for his family and for his fallen comrades.
Massachusetts
The latest news from around the state
"For them, I don't want to quit," he said. "I feel like if I was to quit, then I wouldn't be doing them any honor."
If you would like to donate to Toran Ride and help wounded veterans, click here.
