My mother had polio, and because of of some 'therapy' when she was a child (throw the kid in the water and make her swim, even if it hurts and is difficult), she doesn't like water very much. Although she is far less troubled than the man in this story, she can walk but one leg is shorter than the other, her left arm and hand a weak etc., water still scares her, but she did learn to swim. I learned to swim right after I learned to walk, I think as part of a vicarious thing, but I am thankful. This story sure hits home with me.
It's unfortunate, but Polio was the last real disease cured, 50-some-odd-years ago...