What I’m Thankful For …
Last week, I forwarded our Moterum newsletter to my mother. Being the supportive mother and grandmother that she is, she likes to stay updated on both my personal and professional lives. After reading it, she replied “It must feel good to work for a company that makes such a difference in people’s lives.” This really resonated with me…
Those of you who know me are aware that I’m a physical therapist. For those who don’t, I’ll tell you a little bit about myself – After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Tar Heels!), I earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University. After graduation, like most new grads, I set out to change the world. I worked for 10+ years in traditional healthcare settings (mainly large medical centers) and I LOVED my jobs. Truly, what career could be better – I worked with inspiring and passionate medical professionals and I spent my days doing my part to improve the lives of the patients I was lucky enough to treat.
Then, in 2018, something unexpected happened for me. I had the pleasure of meeting Lauren Rashford (hey, Lauren!) and learned about a company I had never heard of, Moterum Technologies, Inc. Moterum was a new company with big, big goals – to improve the lives of individuals who suffered from a stroke or other neurological injuries. Those who know me know that I’m not a big risk taker. I follow the rules, drive the speed limit, and typically prefer to remain in my comfort zone. But after meeting David Huizenga (CEO of Moterum Technologies) I knew something was different about this company. They put their mission first and their actions reflected it. Despite loving the work that I was doing, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
Fast-forward to now. I am grateful to have been with Moterum Technologies for a year and a half. In this time, I have had the great pleasure of meeting and getting to work closely with the participants in our clinical trial for the Moterum iStride Device™. During this time, I met Sue and Louise (who were recently featured in our Success Story, https://moterum.com/story-sue-and-louise/). I met Anthony (featured on the clinical trial page of our website, https://moterum.com/clinical-trials/). I met any others, whom you will soon learn about as we continue our spotlight articles. I have met young stroke survivors and some that are older, some whose stoke was relatively recent, and others whose stroke was more than two decades ago. I have met individuals who struggle with basic mobility and self-care and others whose stroke impairments are more difficult to notice. I have met their caregivers, spouses, children, and friends.
And while their differences on the outside might seem significant, I have noticed they all share a common thread – hope, determination, and perseverance. Regardless of the challenges they experience from their stroke, they remain committed to stroke recovery. They are willing to put in the work and they don’t give up. They are a brave and inspiring group of individuals. During our clinical trial, I had the great pleasure of being present as these individuals learned to walk better, to walk faster, and to improve their balance. As they improved their gait speed (reminder – walking speed is REALLY important and even known as the sixth vital sign!), I also witnessed improved confidence and renewed hope.
As a physical therapist, I get the pleasure of spending my days trying to help people. However, this Thanksgiving, I am very much reminded of how much I have been helped and taught through this career as well. I have been reminded of the strength of the human spirit, that hard work and dedication can lead to better outcomes, that we can be stronger as a community than we can as individuals, and that my mother is right (as she typically is ☺). It does feel good to work for a company that makes a difference. For this, and many more reasons, I am especially grateful this Thanksgiving.
I hope wherever you are this Thanksgiving, that you, too, have reasons to be thankful and know that your involvement in this community is appreciated. I wish you all many blessings as we begin this holiday season and prepare for the New Year!
Sincerely,
Brie Darcy, PT, DPT
I’m thankful for …
The caregivers, family members, friends, and other supporters who help us individually and as a community to fight stroke. We are grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for …
