Suwannee County, FL - September 19, 2012
Shannon Wrench, 34, has become a local hero after surviving a brutal attack that left her on the side of the road in Suwannee County.
"Her memory is excellent from what we could tell," said Lynda Rebel, a local resident who met Wrench.
Wrench was in the hospital for months, but now has been able to return home after recovering from serious head injuries.
Suwannee County Sheriff Deputies say Wrench was left for dead on Highway 90 near 153rd road.
She was in a medically induced coma and for a while no one knew her identity.
Officials believe her boyfriend, Shawn O'Bryan, beat and dragged her in a wooded area off of 90.
He was arrested in Illinois and extradited back to Suwannee County.
Lynda Rebel and Beth Beaver are two Live Oak residents who kept up with Wrench's story. They spoke to us about the emotional meeting they all had.
"She is more awesome than everyone thinks she ever could be, she's funny, she's smart," Rebel said.
"Now I don't have to wonder what if, what if. Now I can say yes, yes, she's on the road to recovery," said Beaver.
People locally and across the country pushed the media and each other to build awareness for Suwannee's 'Jane Doe.'
"Shannon said she would like to be a victim's advocate when she gets all better, she's on a long road," Rebel added.
Wrench has returned to Illinois with her mother. Rebel says she wanted to thank everyone who was in her corner this whole time.
