LOVELAND, Ohio – When an assistant Butler County prosecutor was attacked in her Fairfield home, her brother came to the rescue but paid a high price for his bravery.
People turned out Saturday, as they do each year, to help rescue him.
Danny O’Keefe had just seconds to save his sister, Kelly O’Keefe, five years ago. A man had broken into her home and attacked her. Danny heard Kelly screaming and went to help her.
Danny was stabbed 34 times, including 19 times in the brain. He now suffers from aphasia, which causes him to have a hard time with language for reading, writing and speaking.
He has been healing slowly ever since the attack.
“When Danny was first attacked, he couldn’t say anything,” his mom, Kathy, said.
Within six weeks, Danny had three words back. But he was paralyzed on his right side.
Earlier this year, Danny walked 11 miles during the Flying Pig Marathon.
That progress didn’t come easily, or cheaply. Every year the family needs to raise about $50,000, so Danny’s friends and family come out to help.
The volleyball tournament at Grand Sands in Loveland is one of three big fundraisers for Danny each year. His mother said every dollar helps him take another step in the right direction.
“I think the future has many doors open for him,” she said.
Today, Kelly O’Keefe is doing well.
The man who attacked them is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
For more ways to help Danny, check out dannyokeefe.org.
