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One more swim

1 min read
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Family and friends of Paul Hook recently gathered for lunch and a swim at the Center for Fitness and Health in the Monongahela Valley Hospital HealthPlex to make his wish come true.

Living in West Newton, Hook and his three daughters would go swimming in the Youghiogheny River. Five years ago, Hook was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function. Before his symptoms became too severe, he wanted to swim one last time.

Paul Hook is ready for a swim as Don Doyle, general manager of Center for Fitness and Health, and Casey Mcholme, fitness instructor, look on.

Caitlin Zarone, an intern with Amedisys working with Hook, reached out to the ALS Foundation and the Center for Fitness and Health to put this event together. The ALS Foundation provided the transportation and food, the Center for Fitness and Health provided the pool and space for lunch.

“When we received the call about using our pool, we agreed immediately,” said Don Doyle, general manager of Center for Fitness and Health. “Providing the lap pool for one of our community members was the least we could do. We are part of a mission-driven organization to enhance the health of the residents of the mid-Monongahela Valley.”

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