Flesh-eating disease survivor calls horrific ordeal a gift
If you know anything about necrotizing
fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, calling it a gift
certainly doesn't come to mind. For 46-year-old Paul Kocher, however,
that's exactly how he would describe his ordeal with the
life-threatening disease.
In March 2008, the father of three woke up expecting to carry out his
usual Sunday activities, but was held back by the onset feelings of the
flu. Over the course of the week, his health deteriorated. A visit to
the hospital confirmed that he had contracted flesh-eating disease in
his left leg.
Fighting for his life, Paul underwent multiple procedures, including
several operations. Although doctors were able to save his leg, he had
to have his toes amputated. Nevertheless, Paul remained hopeful. He
slowly recovered and eventually started rehab therapy at St. John's
Rehab Hospital to relearn to walk and strengthen his muscles.
Remarkably, four years later, Paul is back at work, volunteers his time
on the St. John's Rehab Foundation board of directors and is preparing
to walk five kilometres on Sunday, March 18 at the Achilles St.
Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk in Toronto. Joining him to support the
hospital that rebuilt his life will be his family, and over 80 hospital
staff, patients and supporters.
This year, St. John's Rehab hopes to raise $85,000 for specialized rehab
equipment and to support its staff in continuing to provide leading
rehab care.
- Who: Flesh-eating disease survivor Paul Kocher will walk five-kilometres with his family, fellow patients, staff and supporters
- When: Sunday, March 18, 2012
Race starts at 10:15 a.m.
Interviews available prior to race, at finish line and upon request. Photos welcome any time. - Where: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
- To Donate: Phone 416-224-6945 or visit www.stjohnsrehab.com/5k
Full media release
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Attention: News/Community Reporters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Toronto, March 8, 2012 - If you know anything about necrotizing
fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, calling it a gift
certainly doesn't come to mind. For 46-year-old Paul Kocher, however,
that's exactly how he would describe his ordeal with the
life-threatening disease.
In March 2008, the father of three woke up expecting to carry out his
usual Sunday activities, but was held back by the onset feelings of the
flu. Over the course of the week, his health deteriorated. A visit to
the hospital confirmed that he had contracted flesh-eating disease in
his left leg.
Fighting for his life, Paul underwent multiple procedures, including
several operations. Although doctors were able to save his leg, he had
to have his toes amputated. Nevertheless, Paul remained hopeful. He
slowly recovered and eventually started rehab therapy at St. John's
Rehab Hospital to relearn to walk and strengthen his muscles.
Remarkably, four years later, Paul is back at work, volunteers his time
on the St. John's Rehab Foundation board of directors and is preparing
to walk five kilometres on Sunday, March 18 at the Achilles St.
Patrick's Day 5K Run/Walk in Toronto. Joining him to support the
hospital that rebuilt his life will be his family, and over 80 hospital
staff, patients and supporters.
This year, St. John's Rehab hopes to raise $85,000 for specialized rehab
equipment and to support its staff in continuing to provide leading
rehab care.
- Who: Flesh-eating disease survivor Paul Kocher will walk five-kilometres with his family, fellow patients, staff and supporters
- When: Sunday, March 18, 2012
Race starts at 10:15 a.m.
Interviews available prior to race, at finish line and upon request. Photos welcome any time. - Where: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
- To Donate: Phone 416-224-6945 or visit www.stjohnsrehab.com/5k
About St. John's Rehab Hospital
St. John's Rehab Hospital rebuilds people's lives following
life-changing illnesses and injuries. A community-affiliated teaching
site of the University of Toronto, St. John's Rehab develops research
and provides customized care with a focus on the whole person - body,
mind and spirit. Home to Canada's only organ transplant rehab program
and Ontario's only burn rehab program, St. John's Rehab is moving to the
forefront of specialized rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.stjohnsrehab.com.
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For more information, contact:
Audrey Kim
Advisor, Media Relations & Strategic Communications
St. John's Rehab Hospital
Email: akim@stjohnsrehab.com
Office: 416-226-6780 ext. 7089
