Writing about yourself makes you vulnerable, but that is not really what I was concerned about.
When it was suggested that I start writing this blog, I was a little bit hesitant. Writing about yourself makes you vulnerable, but that is not really what I was concerned about. I truly believed that there were very few people that would care about my personal experiences.
Once I was saw it as an opportunity to help people struggling with the same things I did after my spinal cord injury, I began writing, filming, and documenting my day-to-day life on a ventilator. The more I wrote, the more I enjoyed the process. It is also satisfying to see all of my college literature courses being put to good use. However, as the time grew closer to the launch of the blog and introductory video, I began feeling a bit anxious. I knew that my friends and family would be supportive, but I did not know how others would respond.
It turns out, I had nothing to worry about. I have been overwhelmed by the response in a way that I could have never imagined. The support and positive feedback from people all over the world has been beyond humbling. People that had lost touch with over the years have reconnected with me and have touched my heart with their love and support.
In response to the video, many have commented on being inspired by my strength. The reality of what everyone is heralding as my accomplishments is, in fact, a result of the combined efforts of many people. It is not just VOCSN that helps my life. I am healthy and strong because I have been fastidiously cared for by my family, friends, nurses, physicians, and therapists.
Everything that I have accomplished is with the support and assistance of an expansive community that unselfishly gives their time and energy to helping me fulfill my dreams. Without the family that I have found at Ventec Life Systems, this blog would have never been created. It is a product of everyone that I have had the privilege of coming to know at Ventec. My thanks go out to the Ventec Team who first conceived the idea of inviting me into their community: Doug and his team first kept me alive with the LTV and now VOCSN; all of the engineers who designed and created this incredible device; everyone who works to ensure VOCSN is built to the highest quality; and those who have supported me in the writing of these posts.
There are no words to express the gratitude that I have for everyone who has supported my journey. So, I will simply say this: thank you to everyone who helps support me, and for everyone’s outpouring of love and support for sharing my story. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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.