Sometimes an injury or diagnosis can be isolating, but when you find community, what may have been a source of isolation can turn into something which brings you closer to others.
When I recently graduated with my physiology degree, my Canadian friend Anjali gave me a beautiful Inuksuk figure, a stone cairn built in the shape of a man. Inuksuks have become recognizable as they were the symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.
As much as I love the cute little guy, pictured above, the most meaningful part of the gift was the card. In it, Anjali recounted how she learned about the Inuit in grade school. She saw the Inuksuk as a sign that one was not alone, a symbol of community, against a vast, desolate, and lonely Northwestern landscape. She finished by sharing her joy that I am a part of her community. In addition to being very touched by her gift and the sentiment behind it, I was struck by the poignancy of the message. I, too, am so happy for the community I have found with Ventec employees and Anjali, who is also a member of the Ventec community.
Before hearing about VOCSN, I was very frightened for what would happen when the ventilator I had been using since my injury was phased out. When I tried VOCSN, not only did I gain peace of mind that I would continue to be able to breathe comfortably, I had hope for a better future for those who are ventilator dependent.
Being a part of the Ventec community is truly the greatest privilege. The Ventec team is composed of some of the most brilliant and caring individual I have ever met. Anjali is just one of many. Within this community I have found people that I can count on, friends I can laugh with, as well as a sense of purpose and hope for my future. I had a good life before joining the Ventec team, but now I am a part of something meaningful and have never been happier. Sometimes an injury or diagnosis can be isolating, but when you find community, what may have been a source of isolation can turn into something which brings you closer to others.
The views expressed by Loa are not necessarily the view of the Ventec Life Systems, its members or the clinical board. These blog posts are the personal experiences of Loa. The blog posts are not intended to provide clinical advice or training related to VOCSN. Always consult a physician or trained clinician prior to using VOCSN. Please refer to the VOCSN Clinical and Technical Manual for detailed instructions, including indications and contraindications for use. VOCSN is available by prescription only.