A local Marine who survived a devastating injury during a tour in Iraq marks a milestone with a new plan to complete a marathon. Lori Chung has more on how a fellow Marine is helping him to make his mission.

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Now five years after surviving a devastating injury during a tour in Iraq, Ryan sits next to the man who will help him conquer his next challenge, taking part in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.

"This is an adventure, this is something we never thought would come to happen in our lives, especially Eddie," said Angie Ryan.

Five years ago, Ryan was shot twice in the head during a tour in Iraq. His injuries were so severe, doctors didn't expect him to live. He survived the shooting but suffered a major brain injury that left him unable to walk or talk.

Ryan's life became the subject of an HBO documentary. When fellow Marine Bryan Purcell watched Ryan's story, he said he had to do something to help. He decided to get on a plane and come to see Ryan in person and offered to be his legs in the marathon.

"It's a brotherhood, it's a family. We take care of each other and when a Marine needs something, you do what you need to do to take care of them and their family," said Purcell.

Here at the family home in Ellenville, friends gathered to celebrate Ryan's "Alive Day," the anniversary of the shooting that nearly took his life. Now that Ryan has regained his speech and some limited movement, family members are hoping the marathon will keep him optimistic about his recovery.

When asked what his strategy will be come game day...

"Just sit there," Ryan said with a laugh.

"From what I heard from his friends and family, his humor is still there and everything is still there. He just has some work to go and physical therapy and training and I'm more than happy to be a part of that," said Purcell.

The Ryan family says the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. His mom, Angie, says she'll be front row and center when her son crosses the finish line, a day that will mark another milestone in an incredible journey.

"Here's a Marine who wasn't expected to live and had he lived, the doctor said he would be a vegetable, he would never remember his parents or when he lived or any of that and he remembers it all and just hearing those words in the morning, 'hi mom,' makes everything, all the hard work, just worth it," Angie Ryan said.