NASHVILLE, Tenn. - One Midstate man is an inspiration through his devotion to the running community. We first told you about Daryl Farler 7 years ago, when he was at Centennial Hospital fighting for his life. When he woke up from a coma, his girlfriend Chevonne was by his side.

"The very next day he proposed to me with all the doctors and nurses and all our family around," says Daryl's wife Chevonne Farler.

The coma was the result of a serious infection, shockingly all caused by a scratch in the corner of his eye he got while playing with Cercie - Chevonne's loving cocker spaniel. He wasn't sure if he would survive.

"I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, whether it be 5 minutes or 500 years," says Daryl.

Thanks to medical expertise and a lot of faith, Daryl did survive. The infection caused him to lose vision in one eye, and the loss of body parts, his legs below the knees and his fingers.

"I got my first set of legs - started walking - then you guys came out and did the story towards the end of my rehab, and then life just happened," says Daryl.

Since we last checked in with them about his miraculous recovery, Daryl and Chevonne got married. They now have a 4 year old son, Clark. The road to recovery wasn't always easy. The former MTSU cheerleader lost his active lifestyle.

"Over the course of 4 1/2 - 5 years I added about 50lbs. and beffed up to a big whopping 270lbs.," says Daryl.

Things changed when he got a job as a prosthetic manager at the surgical clinic.

"He's been a positive model for lots of people here," says Prosthetic Director Aaron Fitzsimmons. "He's made big accomplishments and been a huge inspiration for our charity."

It was his involvement with Amputee Blade Runners, a charity that provides free running legs to amputees, that motivated Daryl to become a runner. To start, he kept it simple. Running 30 seconds then walking for a minute.

"I've run a few half marathons, done numerous triathlons and gonna do a half iron man at the end of this year," says Daryl.

He now lives by the motto "no feet, no excuses".

"It's just nice to be able to show people just because you have a disability, you can still go out and have fun, compete, enjoy sports, and live healthy," says Daryl.

The Farlers also make running a family activity. Cercie is still their playful puppy, and remains Daryl's best friend. Daryl's dream is to compete in the Paralympics Para-Triathlon when the new category makes its debut in the 2016 games. He also focuses his time spreading the word about the charity Amputee Blade Runners.SPECIAL REPORT: Blade Runner - Erin Como