Dear Norbert,
My name is Susan Thumma. I am all but 48 years old, a wife, a mother, a veteran. Almost 8 years ago I had a thyroidectomy which left me with bilateral vocal chord paralysis. I had no idea what this was or what I was in store for. i went home and they told me to wait-maybe it will get better. Then my body went into full blown respiratory failure. I woke up about a week later-with a trach. 13 days in the hosp. 9 in the ICU. my life was turned upside down.
I have 2 beautiful girls. I have tried to raise them to be strong & independent no matter what obstacle comes their way.
I ended up with a Shiley trach-which my kids grew accustomed to. And my husband. All very supportive.
I was very self conscious of my trach-especially out in public. I have quite the scarf collection!
When I saw your design -I got so excited- i couldn’t believe my eyes. I am constantly looking for new and better- now I found it. it was very liberating for me. I wore a chain with my Shiley to save money on ties. Honestly I felt like a dog-and at times sounded like a goose-the wonderful honking sound my old speaking valve made.
I am a nurse. My residents often comment on my scarves-or how loudly I coughed-they thought I was sick. I just smiled said it’s just a tickle.
I have since worn my SpeakEZ at work-I did notice less coughing. It’s more of a habit I believe.
I still feel the need to pinch myself-how can this work?
I am truly amazed. I feel beautiful again-Ican look in the mirror and see me. Not my Shiley staring back at me as a constant reminder. I know I will have my trach the rest of my life-thanks to you it will be more comfortable – more enjoyable and more beautiful.
My family has always been more than accepting, and I try not to dwell on the negative. This is definitely a turning point for me.
Someday I will get to meet you- I hope to share my gratitude. I wish to thank you in person-for now a much too long letter.
But I wish to finish by saying THANK YOU for sharing your talent, for improving my life and countless others I imagine. Words cannot do justice for feelings. My favorite quote is: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” You truly have taken-and given me new breath!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Truly you are a gift from God: an Angel!
Yours Truly,
Susan Thumma
(View the original letter here)