CITRUS COUNTY, FL — Hope after a traumatic brain injury isn’t just an abstract idea — it’s the force that fuels every small victory, the strength that keeps families going, and the bridge to a new life.
Two years after a devastating traffic accident left Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy Andy Lahera with a severe TBI, his family says this summer has been “nothing short of miraculous.”
On May 23, 2023, Lahera — a 14-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and school resource deputy at Lecanto Middle School — was struck while directing traffic after a high school graduation. His broken bones healed in just a few months, but the brain injury altered the course of his life.
Today, Andy is regaining movement, communication, and even laughter — milestones his wife, Michelle Lahera, calls “miracles.” For the Lahera family, these moments are proof that with steady rehabilitation, unwavering support, and faith, there is always room for hope — even after the most life-changing injuries.
From silence to song
Michelle recalls one breakthrough in early August:
“He was in the hyperbaric chamber, and Creedence Clearwater Revival was playing. I saw him mouthing the words to ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain?’ I yelled, ‘He’s singing!’ Everyone saw it. It was amazing.”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, along with daily speech, occupational, and physical therapy, has been central to Andy’s progress — increasing oxygen supply and blood flow to his injured brain.
Steps toward recovery
This summer, Andy began moving his right fingers and arm for the first time since the crash. He’s taken steps with assistance and shows greater engagement in conversations. While his laughter is still voiceless, Michelle says it’s perfectly timed to the jokes around him.
“We’re watching a miracle before our eyes,” she said. “Every prayer people have said for him — they’re working.”
A law in his name
On July 1, 2025, the Deputy Andy Lahera Act became law in Florida, guaranteeing that law enforcement officers catastrophically injured in the line of duty keep their family health insurance benefits. It was a victory Michelle and their sons, Nicholas and Vincent, fought for — to help other families in similar circumstances.
Brain Injury Help Center: Support for families living with TBI
At Brain Injury Help Center, we know the road after a brain injury is long, emotional, and filled with uncertainty. Our team connects survivors and families with:
✅ Medical and rehabilitation resources
✅ Legal guidance to secure benefits and compensation
✅ Education on TBI symptoms, recovery timelines, and patient rights
✅ Support groups for caregivers and survivors
Traumatic Brain Injuries in California.
- TBIs are a leading cause of disability and death, with falls and motor vehicle accidents being the top causes.
- Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to profound cognitive and behavioral changes.
- Recovery can continue for years — small steps forward matter.
Free and confidential consultation
Brain Injury Help Center — Helping survivors reclaim hope, one milestone at a time.
