That put an end to his highly physical work as the owner and operator of the popular Zam Zam Food and Grocery, where he would cut meat to his customers' specifications, stock shelves and bring inventory deliveries -- including half sides of beef -- from the truck to the refrigerator.

For the next year, doctors prescribed rest in the hope his body would begin to heal itself.

Instead, he said, "Everything went downhill."

So in March 2007, Alaman, who has two daughters, one in high school and one in university, went to Toronto Western Hospital for spine surgery. Four of his damaged vertebrates were replaced with those of donors.

The surgery left him bedridden for the next six months, weakening his muscles. He also had difficulty speaking and swallowing.

It was toward the end of the year when things started turning around for Alaman, as he began receiving treatment at the Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Centre. There, a large team of specialists began working on him, including physiotherapists, a speech therapist and occupational therapists.

Alaman said that within two months he began noticing improvements, particularly with his speech and swallowing.

But apart from the dramatic results, Alaman said he was impressed and moved by the level of care provided by the team. It's work he said needs to be recognized more often.

"There are unknown soldiers there," he said. "They helped me a lot. I just feel very grateful to these people."

Unfortunately, treatment had to be discontinued at the end of July, when Alaman had severe convulsions and had to be rushed to the emergency room. He is currently waiting to be assessed again by his family doctor to determine if he should continue treatment.

"I'd love to go back," he said.

And in a different way, he did.

Last week, Alaman paid a visit to his team at the rehabilitation centre to personally thank them for the difference they made.

Though told he would be coming, the staff were more than a little surprised at the gesture. And moved.

"This was very nice of you, Adel," said physiotherapist Assunta Berardocco. "You didn't have to do that."

Karen Hoar, a social worker, said everyone was moved when they heard of Alaman's gesture, but not altogether surprised. "We thought, 'That's great,' " she said. "He's had some really difficult challenges in his life, yet he has the best spirit."