One of the most unique individuals I've ever tended tohas been nothing short of a medical miracle. He may only be a preteen (nearly 13), but has had more experiences with life and death issues than most people have had in their lifetimes.
Johnny Sandusky was not expected to reach his fifth birthday, due to premature birth and the onset of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy when still a toddler. He continues to surprise the doctors and defy their grim prognosis even now.
He has lost several important daily skills and is now dependent on a wheelchair for mobility; for short distances, he uses crutches. His family and friends care for his needs, willingly, lovingly; they love him unconditionally; they know any time he's alive is precious, indeed. They cherish each golden moment with him because time is of the essence.
Johnny has had seizures, some so bad he quit breathing; he's had several heart attacks and even a stroke or two, yet he is one of the brightest, happiest, bravest little guys you'll ever want to meet. Life may knock him back, but he comes up fighting; nothing holds him down for long.
His delightul nature is insatiable; although shy at first, he quickly warms up. Even though we've had to bring him back from Death's door more times than we would have liked, it shows how strong he really is.
Whenever we make an ambulance run with Johnny struggling to live, we are left shaking our heads in astonishment. This is one determined young lad!
I mean, there have been times he's been clinically dead--no pulse, heartbeat, or respiration--, but by the time we reach the ER, he somehow has beaten the odds--again; when he gasps or coughs, it is the sweetest sound to hear!
We say a quick prayer when we turn Johnny over to the ER personnel and pray they can stabilize him. So far, this has usually been the case. :)
I am always charmed to see Johnny with his family because I remember the times when he was cyanotic (blue), lifeless; and yet, here he is, pink with life. People don't know what they are in for upon meeting him, but in the end, they are changed forever by his courage, his will to survive.
I wish more people could meet him or spend an afternoon with him; they'll never be the same again. That's why I am telling his story. Johnny has been giventhe gift of courage inside his broken, tired body; he has taught us about compassion, hope, and faith; we've glimpsed his life full of doctor's visits, medications, hospitalizations, and an occasional ambulance ride, a world he' s lived with all his life. Through all this, he sees the good despite pain and heartbreak; he rarely complains.
Johnny seldom whines about his lot in life; he is a doer, a conqueror; he continues to inspire and bless people with his presence.
I hope one day you'll get to know the Johnny I know because once you meet him, you will know what celebrating life is truly all about.
~Written by Kendall Victor Smith, Paramedic/EMT, Nashville, Tennessee.
