Graphic designers, User experience (UX) designers, Photographers, Interior designers, Multimedia artists & animators, Art directors, Advertising & promotions managers, Fashion designers. Not so long ago, I was in an almost fatal accident. Suffering severe head trauma, I was air-lifted to Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. There, I lay in a comma for four weeks, with family and friends by my side.
Doctors said my chance of survival was 50/50. With miraculous success, recovery was lengthy, and intense. As the pieces of my life were being put back together, I found I suffered from an uncommon side-affect known as Cervical Dystonia. Uncontrollably, my head remained turned to the left. Common tasks now seemed impossible.
“Online research found the Neurological Department at the University of Florida, and Shand’s Hospital offered a new surgery that just might help. I moved, to be closer to the hospital, where I joined a list of possible recipients of a ground breaking new procedure known as Deep Brain Stimulation. Through rigorous psychological and physical tests, I was granted the chance. Told of the consequences, with an unsure outcome, I took the chance.
“My first scheduled brain surgery was intense, as I lay on a cold table with my head still, clamped and screwed into a vice. For over seven hours, I remained fully conscious, as drills ran and my head stayed locked with questions of tomorrow. One month later, I returned to the hospital for my second scheduled procedure. Under general anesthesia, two battery operated stimulators were implanted in my chest. Everything was then connected, and results were awaited.
“Now, here I stand, with my head still, strong and straight. Healthy and committed, my hands will always remain open to help illustrate LoVE.”
Drew Trevlyn
