A West Haven dad is back home after a long recovery from COVID-19 complications and is ready to do the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle.

Marty Ganter left Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Wednesday after spending five weeks at the facility relearning how to walk. Ganter says his daughter's wedding was what kept him motivated while he was in the hospital.

"It's been quite the rollercoaster for us," says daughter Sheri Ganter.

Ganter was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March. He was hospitalized in critical condition and put on a ventilator and feeding tube.

"I'm pretty fortunate and lucky to be here," says Ganter.

Ganter credits the staff at the hospital and Gaylord Specialty Healthcare for his progress.

"They were terrific, the care, the compassion," says Ganter.

Ganter serenaded the staff at Gaylord with the 1950's song "I Believe" because he wants people to believe that they can get better.

"I loved hearing him sing and I'm so thankful he did it," says Abby Gulotta, a physical therapist at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare.

Ganter still has to continue with physical therapy and hopes to return to daily walks, bike rides and playing basketball.

The wedding that motivated him so much is happening in a couple of weeks. Ganter's daughter says she is so happy that he will be able to walk her down the aisle.

"It means the world to me," says Sheri Ganter. "It's just a dream come true."