SHERBURNE – In honor of National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and National March into Literacy Month, car crash survivor and traumatic brain injury warrior, Megan Viera, launched a book she wrote to inspire others with her story of recovery.

On the afternoon of August 8, 2013 in the Town of Eaton, then 18-year-old Viera of Sherburne was one of the passengers involved in a serious two-car accident at the intersection of Cole Road and state Route 26.

The young driver of the vehicle Viera was passenger to was driving south on Cole Road and failed to stop at the stop sign at the state Route 26 intersection.

His vehicle was struck by another vehicle heading north on state Route 26.

Both drivers and all three passengers, including Viera, were injured, but Viera was in the most critical condition. She conquered death by surviving her serious injuries and what could have been a fatal car crash.

“It was very bad...” Viera said. “It was scary, but it was probably scariest for my parents.”

Viera was airlifted to SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and had part of the right side of her skull surgically removed to relieve pressure from the impact of the accident.

She also sustained multiple serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and was in a coma, living off a respirator and feeding tube.

Months later, after several more surgeries, medical procedures and rehabilitation therapy, Viera was continuing to have cognitive difficulties, only just starting to talk and still could not walk. She could not talk or walk for almost a year.

Fundraisers were held in her honor to support her extensive medical needs.

Viera told a family friend that her goal was to walk.

Now nearly a year and a half later, against all odds, Viera can think, talk and walk. She said it was family and friend's support and the extensive rehabilitation that allowed her to begin moving her limbs and regain the use of her brain and body.

Viera's parents said it was also her positive attitude, inner strength and her willingness to share her experience to help others that allowed her to recover.