Doctor's Fight for Aquatic Therapy Pool

0:00It's April 9th. This is Vancouver News Today, powered by AI. Four years ago, Dr. Rob Agustinus shifted from doctor to patient overnight. This Edmonton internus battled a super rare autoimmune disorder called anti-neural fastened syndrome. It paralyzed him from the lower jaw down and just days, stealing his ability to speak, breathe, or move independently. He became only the 17th known case worldwide. Doctors put him in a medically-induced coma in Colona, then rushed him to University of Alberta Hospital. Fast forward to now, the 65-year-old has clawed back major ground through rehab at Glen Rose Rehabilitation Hospital, especially their aquatic, therapy pool. That pool, running since 1966, has been a game-changer for folks like him. Patient's rave about how the water eases tight muscles and unlocks movement thought lost forever. Before closing, it handled 500-700 treatments monthly for kids, adults, and seniors.

1:00But last November, during a new patient lift install, big problem surfaced. Leaks and safety risks shut it down for good repairs. Alberta Health Services found that aging setup could threaten other hospital areas too. The province chipped in $3,250,000 in January, but more fundraising is needed to get it swimming again. Agostinis is leading the charge to reopen its vital lifeline, proving recovery stories like his deserve every drop of support.