About seven weeks ago doctors were not sure 18-year-old Daniel “Dano” Busick would survive severe brain injuries after a 20-foot fall onto rock.

 Busick was put into a drug-induced coma at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls and then had to go through extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Today, he is at home walking, talking and healing.

He returned to Columbia Falls Nov. 5.

“Daniel is excited to be back in his own bed, excited for home-cooked meals and be in normal surroundings,” according to his father, Matt.

Six days after being home, Busick passed a balance and strength test, but the former football player has a long recovery ahead and is beginning occupational and physical therapy.

The extent of brain damage is yet to be determined. Any damage is expected to heal, Matt Busick said.

“We believe it’s temporary. It’s just a matter of time. We have a consultation meeting tomorrow with a neurologist. We’re looking forward to tomorrow,” Busick said.

Though often tired, his son is doing well, his father said.

He is able to walk without assistance, walk on a treadmill, walk up and down stairs and do push-ups. Cognitively, he is able to speak full sentences during conversations and read.

He struggles with concepts such as telling time or identifying everyday objects. While he can read the word “grapefruit” and hold one in front of him, it is difficult for him to identify it, Matt Busick said.

“He has to think about it. He just doesn’t know what certain things are. We keep reviewing those everyday objects. When we’re working with him you can see him working, his brain is trying to get it all.

Matt Busick and his wife, Rebecca, are working on these skills daily.

Community members have reached out to help the Busicks defray medical expenses by organizing fundraisers.

A chili dinner is planned from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 at Columbia Falls High School. Cost is $5 per person or $15 per family.

Raffle tickets are being sold now at T.J. Wendt’s State Farm Insurance office and All About Memories scrapbook store. Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for five. For more information call 725-9300 or 892-1162.

A benefit auction is planned for 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Gardner Auction Center. Auction items are welcome and may be dropped off at Gardner’s from 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Donors should specify that items are for the Daniel Busick benefit. For more information about the auction call 750-7661 or 261-7815.

A new bank account has been set up under Matt Busick’s name at Whitefish Credit Union. People may make monetary donations at any of the credit union’s locations.

To follow Daniel’s recovery, visit www.danielbusicksjourney.blogspot.com.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.