Brian Roush's story - WFLA News Channel 8
March 12, 2026 — Brian Roush was given a 10% chance of survival after contracting flesh-eating bacteria. Roush was on vacation in the Bahamas when he became critically ill.
“We're on the boat coming home,” Roush told News Channel 8. “I started getting sick. The next thing I know I'm being rushed to the emergency room, and I woke up three weeks later.”
Roush survived and came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Spring Hill for intense rehabilitation. At the hospital, he worked to relearn talking, walking and sitting up.
“It was a very gradual process,” said Megan Winterhalter, physical therapist. “Once he started getting up, he's progressed really quickly from there. I think because of his motivation.”
Roush is motivated to return home to his family, and in just a few days, he will be discharged from Encompass Health Spring Hill knowing what a miracle his recovery has been.
“I feel very lucky that I am here today,” he said. “Yes, that I have my life and that I have my limb. I'm very glad I can walk out of here.”