Combat veterans visit double amputee Boston survivor

UPDATE from NPR May 3, 2013
From Battlefield To Boston: Marine Comforts Bombing Survivors
UPDATE
Capt. Cameron West was interviewed on The Last Word by Lawrence O'Donnell

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Double Amputee Marine Brings Words Of Hope To Boston Marathon Bombing Survivors
(VIDEO)
Huff Post
Posted: 04/22/2013

During a recent hospital visit with two survivors of the Boston Marathon tragedy, a Marine who lost both his legs in combat shared a powerful, inspiring message of hope.

"There are so many opportunities that are going to come your way," the unnamed Marine, who uses prosthetic limbs and is said to be a paralympian, told Celeste Corcoran and her 17-year-old daughter, Sydney, as they lay recovering together at Boston Medical Center. "This isn't the end, this is the beginning."

Celeste, 47, had been standing with Sydney at the marathon finish line last week when one of two bombs exploded, severely wounding both of them. Celeste's legs were amputated below the knee, and Sydney suffered near-fatal shrapnel wounds.

“I can’t do anything right now,” Celeste told the Marine from her hospital bed on Sunday, her legs still heavily bandaged.

“Right now, yes. But I’m telling you right now you are going to be more independent,” he replied.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the visit from the injured Marine and his words of encouragement brought comfort to the resilient mother-daughter duo. “They had a good day today,” Sydney's uncle, Tim Corcoran, told the newspaper. “Celeste was encouraged.”
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Veterans from Semper Fi inspire Boston wounded