It's amazing to think that Shaun McDonel was on the brink of death just a week ago.
The 28-year-old taxi driver nearly died after having his throat slashed by a robber in the early morning last Friday.
McDonel's injuries were so serious, he needed to be placed in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit.
But now, all of that seems to be a distant memory.
"With something like this, you go from living your life, living your days to thanking everyday," he told NBC Philadelphia's Rosemary Connors in an exclusive interview Friday.
It was just after 3 a.m. last Friday when McDonel picked up a man from the parking lot of the ShopRite supermarket in Blackwood, N.J.
Little did he know, that minutes later that man would change his life forever.
"He asked what the fare was. I said 'It's $24, sir.' Those were the last words I spoke before he came at me with the knife," McDonel recounted.
The suspect used that knife to slash McDonel's throat. As blood gushed from his throat, Shaun grabbed the knife from the man, threw the $100 cash he made that night on the seat and called for help.
The suspect initally ran from the car, but returned to grabbed that cash before ducking into the woods.
"You're thinking about the knife in my throat. You're thinking about the blood that's spilling on the floor. You're thinking about this guy in the back seat who's trying to kill you," he said.
A fellow cabbie and nurse who lived in the same complex rushed to help stop the bleeding until EMS workers could arrive.
"It's truly a miracle that my son is here," Shaun's mother Susan McDonel said. "And we're celebrating. Now we're celebrating."
McDonel's family and close friends rallied behind the man they describe as a teddy bear in the days after the attack. Now, they're helping him raise money to pay for his medical expenses.
"It's a great week. Probably one of the best days I can remember," said McDonel's best friend Tim Campbell.
"I just, I knew, I knew in my heart he wasn't going to die," his sister Lisa said. "There was no way he was going to die."
Everyone's thankful McDonel's making a quick recovery, but they haven't forgotten the man who almost took him from this world is still on the loose.
"I won't rest until this man is caught and behind bars and stays behind bars," Susan said.
Deptford Township Police released surveillance video of the man, who they say has a very distinctive walk. Investigators admit the suspect's is hard to make out in the video, but they're hoping the public can help.
"What it comes down to is a coward attacked one of the good guys," said his brother Bob.
But for now, Shaun's trying not to dwell on the past, but focus on what he's got right in front of him.
"Before something like this you know you got friends, but now it's almost like they're like family now as close as they've been and as much as they've helped out."
A benefit is planned for Shaun at Shady Katie's Pub and Patio -- where he works a second job -- on July 11 from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit their website.
