COMMENTARY

Basketball Injury Leads To New Perspective

MEDICAL CENTER PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE DESPITE PATIENT’S LACK OF HEALTH INSURANCE

In February I tore my patella tendon in a pickup basketball game at Wilson Park in Fayetteville. It was such a warm winter day that I could not resist running, despite not being in basketball shape. Also, I was clotheslined as I drove to the basket for a layup.

Sitting on the asphalt, I could clearly see that my right kneecap was set differently than my left one. It was on top of my thigh. The pain was not too bad though. I showed my dislocated kneecap to the man who fouled me. Hesaid, “It’ll be all right” and “just walk it off .”

My football coaches have probably said that before.

I just got a crazy image of Bear Bryant screaming at Forrest Gump to “walk it off” after an injury. He then limps to China.

Four weeks after surgery and after $35,000 in medical bills, I am still slowly walking it off - with the aid of a cane and brace. I feel greatabout my recovery. The doctors, nurses and staff at Northwest Medical did an exceptional job. They were eftcient and I felt welcome there. I did not have to go through any red tape despite not having insurance.

As a student and part-time worker living paycheck to paycheck, I cannot aff ord private health insurance. Even with the charitable fi nancial assistance I may receive, I will be paying off my medical debt for a long time.

By this summer, theSupreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of Obamacare.

Even if the individual mandate is struck down, the law may still survive, but certainly in a weakened form in which fewer Americans have coverage.

There is a reason why the hospital did not refuse service to me - simply, it would be inhumane not to help anyone in serious need.

There are millions of Americans in serious need of affordable health care coverage now.

Economically, it is ano-brainer; a more healthy population is a more productive one and society benefits from the rising GDP. Society benefi ts when we help out our neighbors rather than advising them to “just walk it off .”

I have never had to use crutches or a wheelchair before. It has been a humbling experience being reliant on others for help. I am grateful for everyone who helped me through this, especially the complete strangers who were extremely kind.

It felt strange riding through Walmart in themotorized wheelchair.

Everything is bigger.

Everyone is moving fast.

People nearly run into you since they cannot see you around corners (that is me sometimes).

I realize all people are always “walking off ” some injury. I pray I will be less self-absorbed and more empathetic toward the needs of others in the future.

JAMES KOWAL IS A STUDENT AND MATH TUTOR AT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE. HE LIVES IN BENTONVILLE.

Opinion, Pages 17 on 04/01/2012

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