Thanks for visiting the Nodak Wheeler's online domain. Here you will find out a little about me and some of the things I am involved with. This page will provide disAbility resources and also information on life for those of us who use a ventilator to breathe.
I am 30 years old and call Jamestown North Dakota my home. Jamestown is a community of 16,000 people and is located in the south central part of the state along the James River valley. Jamestown is famous for being the home of the World's Largest Buffalo (concrete that is)!
When I was five years old, I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a severe progressive muscle disease that causes weakness in all the major muscle groups. Nearly all children with DMD lose the ability to walk by age 10-12. Respiratory failure usually occurs in the later stages of the disease. DMD does not have control on my life. I live life to it's fullest and do the things I want do.
In February of 2003, I got a trach and was placed on a ventilator 24/7. This was due to respiratory failure associated with DMD. My vent has allowed me to keep on living and doing the things I enjoy. To read more on the use of ventilators with folks affected by neuromuscular diseases visit my Vent/Trach Page.
I have been forced to live in a nursing home since getting my trach and vent. I am involved in the fight to free myself and others from restrictive nursing homes and institutions. People with disabilities need REAL choices where they can live their lives. Community based care is a much better alternative to institutions. Not only is the quality of life better but it's more cost effective too. For more information on community based attendant care please visit the ADAPT site.
In order to help this message reach across our country, I also own and moderate an online ventilator support group. Started in the spring of 2005, The Northern Plains Ventilator Support Network provides a place for ventilator users, their families, and caregivers to discuss the issues and concerns that affect our lives. In addition, I'm also a member of the International Ventilator Users Network (IVUN) Consumer Advisory Committee.
I want to give thanks to all my family and friends for their love and support over the years. They are my inspiration and strength as I journey down life's path.
Thanks for visiting my site and have a great day! You can reach me by e-mail @ nodakwheeler@yahoo.com
This site is maintained by the Nodak Wheeler and was last updated in some way on Dec. 8, 2005
Click to view the Nodakwheeler's Disability Links
MSN Messenger ID: ndwheels@hotmail.com
