Leader Post Article Dec 3, 2007

Bancescue able to take his first steps
Pamela Cowan Leader-Post
Monday, December 03, 2007

CREDIT: Roy Antal
Leader-Post / Joel Bancescue (centre) stands up as Wascana Rehabilitation Centre attendant Pat Jones (left) and physical therapist Sheila Dickie help him take a few steps during his therapy.
Joel Bancescue always believed he'd walk again.

His faith was rewarded on Thanksgiving Day.

"I was at the park with my mom and my right leg kind of kicked and moved on its own and that was the kick start to my recovery," Bancescue said. "Thanksgiving truly was what it is."

The Regina man broke his neck at Regina Beach when he went for an early morning swim at a private beach on July 22. He couldn't move his body or feel any sensation when he was rushed to the Regina General Hospital. Later he learned that he had a fractured C4 and C5 vertebra and contused spine. After five days in ICU he had surgery that placed four screws with rods attached to them on either side of his neck.

He moved to the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre on Aug. 8 and as a result of intensive therapy and intestinal fortitude, the 26-year-old took a big step in his recovery with some small steps on Nov. 7.

"Now they have me using a walker with a couple of people making sure that my legs stay straight and move properly and there's a couple of people around for safety," Bancescue said.

While his left leg doesn't function as well as his right, he's proud of his progress, especially when willing his body to function is mentally and physically draining.

"I never realized how much brain power you need to move," he said.

"When I was first in the hospital after my injury, I really didn't have any arm movement, so to reach up to my face was really a mental process. I had to think about what muscles I needed to lift and what arm movement needed to occur to do that. Now, after a lot of repetition, it's become ingrained again."

Usually upbeat, the Regina man has had down days since the accident. He credits his strong support network of family, friends and staff for lifting his spirits. His girlfriend Jacqui Swedburg said Bancescue's attitude inspires those around him.

"Every single person that he's met has commented on how his positive attitude inspires them," she said.

When Bancescue took his first steps in the physio department, patients and staff wildly clapped and cheered.

"It was really inspiring -- everyone recognized what we'd just accomplished," Bancescue said. "Nobody knows what kind of progress you're going to make or where you're going to get."

He's thankful for several fundraisers that have raised more than $50,000 for him and allowed him to buy an old wheelchair accessible van. The balance is earmarked for specialized equipment and medical costs down the road.

On weekends Bancescue regularly stays at his mom's house and throughout the week he goes out with friends.

"We go out to movies, to concerts and we were out for Grey Cup," he said. "There's a lot of logistics to consider when you go out, but you learn to work around them."

He plans to spend part of the Christmas holidays at Regina Beach.

"The first time I went back after the accident was for my Grandma's 85th birthday," he said. "I haven't been back to where the accident happened, but the beach is a place that I love so I'll always go back."

As long as he continues to make progress, he plans to stay at the rehab centre.

"When I plateau, I guess that means I'll get discharged, but I'm hoping to use as much of the therapy here as I can," Bancescue said. "I've met a whole new community of people -- it's great.

"Obviously I wouldn't have wanted the accident to happen, but it's really strengthened relationships with my family and friends. You see a whole different side of people."

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2007