Towson Teacher Injured In Boston Marathon Returns One Year After Bombings
BOSTON (WJZ)— Survivor story. A local teacher severely injured in the Boston Marathon bombings returns to the city where her life tragically changed.
Linh Bui has more on why this trip is so important.
Erika Brannock and her family are in Boston now for the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings.
When the bombs exploded, the Towson teacher was cheering on her mom at the finish line.
Her injuries were so severe she lost part of her left leg.
One year later, she's back where it all happened.
"I definitely think it's gonna be very emotional. But I think it's gonna be really healing at the same time, to kind of bring closure to the whole experience," Brannock said.
Life's been busy since the tragedy.
Brannock took a huge step in November, walking a half marathon in Charlotte.
She's also working toward her Master's and is teaching again.
"Taught a lesson to some of the kids I taught last year about peoples' differences and how they can look physically different. And actually got down on the floor and sat criss-cross applesauce with my kids," Brannock said.
Physical therapy has been tough, but she's doing well now after battling a bone infection.
And while in Boston, she'll visit the hospital staff who helped her. She wants to show them how far she has come.
"The progress that I've made and just that determination that I am not gonna let this change who I am and just really go and thank them," Brannock said.
Just like last year, Brannock will be cheering on her mother who is running the Boston Marathon again.
The Boston Marathon is on Monday. Officials say they've gone to great lengths to make sure nothing like last year's attacks will happen again.
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