Woman with flesh-eating disease improving in rehab

[July 30, 2012]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- The father of a woman battling a rare flesh-eating disease says his daughter is making significant strides in her physical rehabilitation.

Andy Copeland says his daughter Aimee Copeland does 200 crunches in seven minutes during each of her physical therapy sessions. He said she also does 400 leg lifts in seven minutes, plus several pushups and other exercises.

Copeland updated his daughter's progress in a Sunday post on his blog, where he's been documenting her recovery.

The 24-year-old suffered a deep cut May 1 when she fell from a broken zip-line over a west Georgia river. She then contracted a rare infection called necrotizing fasciitis.

Doctors amputated her leg, foot and both hands. She's now recovering at an east Georgia rehabilitation center.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.