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Every Day: Finding mobility through nobility
By ROB PAYNE
For Williamson A.M.
Almost everybody has a job. And to many, their job is just that a job. Sometimes a person doesn't know when their job changes a life.
We've had our run-ins and frustrations with today's health-care system, but we've also had some good experiences. Our power wheelchair is a prime example of both good and bad experiences.
Not long after her diagnosis, when Marcy started losing the ability to walk, her arms were weakening as well. We knew a power chair was the way to go. So a few years ago we called the number on one of those TV ads for a power chair you may have seen them, the companies who take care of all the paperwork so it ''doesn't cost a thing.''
They lived up to their claims. They came to the house, fitted Marcy in a chair, filed the claims, and, sure enough, it was all covered by insurance. We were happy.
The problem came later.
With Marcy's diagnosis, rapid physical decline is commonplace doctors say the decline is unavoidable. It took only a few months before Marcy needed other features to be able to use a wheelchair: head support, as her neck strength decreased; a ''tilt in space'' feature to allow repositioning to relieve pressure points; a wide selection of wheelchair cushions to make the highest pressure point most comfortable. We quickly discovered the chair we bought couldn't be adapted to accommodate Marcy's needs. The situation required a whole new chair and Marcy's primary insurance allowed for only one power wheelchair.
That's when the good part of America's health-care system kicked in: compassionate people. Jenny at the Vanderbilt Wheelchair Clinic called Susan at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and they brainstormed the problem.
That's right, the MDA. Marcy doesn't have muscular dystrophy; she's not one of ''Jerry's kids.'' But ALS falls under the umbrella of the MDA.
I've been watching Jerry Lewis telethons forever. I have to admit I watched more when I was a kid and there were only three television stations I didn't have much choice in what I watched Labor Day weekend. Until our need first surfaced, I didn't know the MDA researches and helps many conditions, including many neurological conditions. Many times they call people with MD ''special needs'' but our experience is that the people who work there are experts in ''special solutions.''
Jenny also called in her vendors. Everyone put their expertise to work, and from parts and pieces in the ''loaner closets'' and some new parts funded by the MDA, they assembled a power wheelchair that allows Marcy to sit comfortably for hours at a time.
This piece of equipment combined with Marcy's strong will makes it possible for us to get out of the house. It's not easy it takes hours to get her ready and hours to settle her back in but at least it is possible.
We believe that one day God will have Marcy running again. But for now he has used our friends at Vanderbilt and the MDA to let her stretch her legs again. And to them, it was just part of the job.
If you know a family in need and can't give directly to them or if you don't know a family in need, consider giving to the MDA. One of Jerry's kids may be wanting to run in your neighborhood.
Every Day Is Precious is a column to remind us to treat everyone we see today as if it could be the last time we see them. It is written by Rob Payne, whose wife, Marcy, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) in August 2000. For a collection of these columns in book form, more ways to help others, more about Marcy, or to receive e-mail updates on her condition, visit www.EveryDayIsPrecious.com.
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