SPOKANE -- Robert Yamada, a local quadriplegic, underwent a special surgery Monday to help him breathe easier.
Yamada, 21, became paralyzed this summer after diving into Lake Roosevelt. Since then, he's spent most of his time under the care of doctors and nurses at a special clinic in Denver, Colorado, and will soon come home.
Yamada's father, John, tells KREM 2 News that Robert's surgery to install a "pacer" breathing apparatus was a success. According to Robert's Caring Bridge website, the pacer replaces a ventilator, by attaching electrodes on Robert's diaphragm helping him to breathe.
Next month, a project to remodel the Yamada's home should be completed. Friends and family took over the job in order to make Robert's life at home more comfortable and to give him more freedom.
Robert is scheduled to come home from the Denver clinic December 17.
If you want to help the Yamada family, donations or well-wishes can be made through Robert's Caring Bridge website: www.caringbridge.org/visit/robertyamada
To donate time or supplies to the remodeling of the Yamada's home, call Hagen at 509-342-1420.
Previous stories about Robert's fight:
Man paralyzed by jump into Lake Roosevelt
Paralyzed Spokane man speaks first words
