ExoSym Patient Spotlight: Pat

Today, I’d like you to meet Pat, an Army Special Forces (Green Beret) who is an inspiration to all who know him. Pat was injured multiple times while serving in Afghanistan as well as in a training simulation, resulting in major injuries to his right ankle. Like most Green Beret’s, Pat fought through the pain and continued to remain active duty. Multiple surgeries provided only temporary relief and Pat was ultimately given the option for complete fusion or amputation. Faced with this difficult choice, Pat reached out to his buddies in the Special Forces community and was thankfully directed to the Hanger Clinic earlier this year to see Ryan Blanck for the ExoSym (IDEO) device – a decision he says changed his life. Because of the device, Pat has not only been able to keep his leg, but he can walk, run, jump and ruck again without pain and like many of the military men & women with the device, has returned to active duty. #simplyamazing

Pat is forever grateful to both the Green Beret Foundation and the Harriman-Miller Green Beret Organization for their financial support in making it possible for him to receive the device and very thankful to Ryan Blanck for helping him to get back to what he loves doing – protecting his country and his family.

Before Pat’s injury, he admits that he hated running. ☺ Although being in the military makes this a necessity, he really didn’t enjoy it. However, when the day came when he couldn’t run because of the pain, running became all he wanted to do…. Now, on any given day you can find Pat out running (with a smile on his face ☺) or rucking with his 45lb ruck sack. He also loves riding his bike and is very disciplined with core-strength training (Jared would be proud!). One of his most memorable achievements in the device was when he cleared a 35” box jump – amazing! Most people can’t even do that with two good legs! Pat’s running shoe brand of choice is New Balance and when hiking or working, he prefers his Merrell’s. His favorite compression socks are Swiftwick & Nike and says it makes a big difference to wear these vs. regular socks with the device – I agree!

Pat’s advice for other ExoSym (IDEO) patients is to always remember what it took to get to where you are today and let that be what drives you to do better and be better. Take that memory of a time when you couldn’t do _____ and prove that you CAN now. You’ll not only surprise yourself, but you may encourage others to push themselves too. As Pat says, “Your mind is your greatest obstacle, so get at it!”

While returning to active duty with his buddies and being able to keep his leg have been huge benefits of the ExoSym (IDEO) device, Pat says just knowing that he is able to run with (and after) his son is an amazing gift. As a father, Pat always wanted to be by his son’s side when he took his first bike ride or trained for his first race and thanks to the ExoSym (IDEO) device, he will be able do this. ♥

Thank you, Pat, for your service, your positive attitude, and your strength. You remind us all that no matter what happens in life, you have to keep pressing on. Don’t ever quit and don’t ever stop believing in yourself or your dreams for your life. Never give up.

#beYOU #beAMAZING #ExoSymplyAmazing