DANVILLE, Va. — After surviving a brutal assault that left him with severe burns across much of his body, Danville Councilman Lee Vogler shared his journey of recovery from his hospital bed for the first time on Friday.

The incident took place at Showcase Magazine, where Vogler was subjected to the horrific act.

Vogler joined a radio broadcast during halftime for the George Washington Eagles, hosted by Chuck Vipperman from Southside News Today, an independent online platform.

“I’m feeling fantastic, Chuck. Each day brings more progress, and I consider myself unbelievably fortunate,” Vogler expressed. “Just over two months ago, I was airlifted to the UNC burn unit, suffering from third-degree burns. Many doubted my survival. Speaking with you now is nothing short of miraculous.”

He described the early weeks of his recovery as “hazy” and said he had infections over 90% of his body. “My family was told on multiple occasions they weren’t sure if I would make it through the night,” he said. “There came a turning point when I woke up, started eating normal food, and walking a little bit. Then it just kind of took off from there.”

Vogler detailed his rehabilitation, including gradually increasing his daily walking, and said he hopes to return home before December, ahead of initial expectations in the spring. Relearning basic movements, such as eating with his hands, has been a key milestone.

“I keep pushing hard. If I have a goal to achieve, I will plow full speed to try to do it,” he said. “I told the doctors and nurses, whatever you need me to do, I will do it 100%.”

He also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the community, family, and strangers alike. 

“The love and support has been overwhelming and has meant so much to me. We’re getting cards from all over the country,” Vogler said. “God has really blessed me through this situation and allowed me to appreciate the little things in life.”

Vogler noted a care package from the Miami Dolphins and credited his wife, children, and parents for their constant support. A “picture wall” of family and friends in his hospital room provided daily motivation, he said.

He shared that being able to watch his son play middle school football and pursue other interests has been driving him forward. 

“The light is at the end of the tunnel to get home and back to the things I love,” Vogler said.

Vogler praised the care team at UNC. “They have been unbelievable, from the doctors to the nurses. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to deal with this,” he said.

Vogler said he sees himself as a “comeback kid” and hopes to eventually transition into what he calls the “miracle man.”