Boston Marathon bombing victim epitome of courage during recovery

Boston (MyFoxBoston.com) – April 15, 2013 is a day Bostonians and many around the world will never forget. The Boston Marathon bombings stunned the city, leaving devastation and heartache in its wake. However, six months later, the city and the victims are showing tremendous courage in their recoveries.

One such victim is Marc Fucarile. His entire life was turned upside down when the two bombs exploded near the marathon's finish line on Boylston Street.

Fucarile's recovery involves 39 pills a day, countless visits to the doctor, and pain. The 35-year-old Stoneham native used to work for a roofing company before losing his right leg.

Six months ago, Fucarile was watching the marathon with his friend JP and Paul Norden. Each of them lost a leg. In addition to his right leg, Fucarile suffered permanent hearing damage.

After 100 days in the hospital, Fucarile, the last hospitalized marathon victim, was released.

As a result of his injures, Fucarile wears hearing aids, but can't wear a prosthetic because his right limb is infected. He will have to undergo another surgery to repair the leg and cure the infection.

Fucarile said his son, Gavin, is also having a hard time with his injury.

"He doesn't want my leg cut off again. So he's having a hard time. It's what he hears – picks up. We try not to take about it in front of him, but he picks it up," Fucarile told FOX 25's Heather Hegedus.

Fucarile worries he will become a burden to his family, but amid all his concerns, he is grateful – grateful to the strangers who donated and to be alive.

"It's all about good. The good so outweighs the bad. That evil – it was a stupid act that they did. They accomplished zero, nada, nothing. They took some lives, and I feel for those families, and they disrupted a lot of families, but we're strong," Fucarile said.

In another six months, Fucarile hopes to be walking on two legs, no matter if one or both are prosthetics.

To donate, visit www.marcfucarile.com.

Cox Media Group