Let me know what you think (jhane@jhanebarnes.com).

Hyperbaric Inspiration
I think it is a really amazing and wonderful thing to be able to pursue your passion, and somehow also make a living from it! When your passion leads you down a path that helps people who are suffering, then that is really something special.

A while ago I was introduced to a man who is doing just that. His name is Marc Kaiser and he is the director of the Hyperbaric and Problem Wound Center at Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida. He was named the DAN®/Rolex 2002 Diver of the Year by the non-profit Divers Alert Network, where he is the regional coordinator for Florida and the Caribbean, in recognition of his public service and role as advocate for diver safety.

In the early 80's, Marc started a company that provides hyperbaric services to diving centers and other medical facilities. He started what is now The Diving Medical Center at Mercy Hospital in a trailer near the hospital. Now, with expanded facilities, it provides 24-hour service for divers and many other patients whose injuries, wounds or conditions benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. That is, they are treated with 100% oxygen in a specially-equipped chamber for several hours at a time.

The treatment allows more oxygen to be dissolved in a patient's plasma and to be absorbed into body tissues. This treatment, started in 1939 by the U.S. Navy, was developed for divers who get "the bends," a serious condition that can occur when a diver improperly ascends to the surface. But, it turns out that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help treat lots of other kinds of bad stuff like carbon monoxide poisoning and bone infections, and helps heal skin grafts and even thermal burns.

Well, I visited Marc's center in Miami a while back. I gotta tell you, I was so inspired. Because some of the people I saw being treated there were in bad shape. And I knew how they felt because I have been in their shoes. Or at least, I have been in their feet. And it was a life-changing event.

Where was Marc when I needed him?
The summer before I was going to college, I was at home alone and cooking for myself while my parents were away on vacation. One night, I was sewing away at my machine and, at the same time, waiting for the Crisco to melt in the pan in the kitchen to make myself some fries. (I come late to healthy eating!) Well, I guess I lost track of time - or the grease heated up faster than I expected. It caught on fire and the kitchen was in flames in seconds. I smelled something burning and ran to put out the fire. The pan fell to the floor and I fell into the flames.

Just like they say, my life flashed in front of me. I felt no pain. I ran out of the house and fell onto the lawn to put out the fire. My two dogs, Brownie and Winkle, ran to a neighbor's house to get help. Well, the only thing I can tell you is that I had to decide to live. And as soon as I did, the pain came. The worst burns were on the bottom of my feet. I didn't stand up for five months.

So many years later, when I saw the benefit Marc is able to provide to patients with these types of terrible problems, I was so moved to see the relief they appeared to be getting.

As the world seems so uncertain these days, it seems worth celebrating ideas and people that bring ease and comfort to us in new ways. That pure simple oxygen, delivered in a state-of-the art treatment can do so much good, well that is an inspiration. And Marc, who does so much for his ocean passion is an inspiration, too. I love having such inspirational customers!

Jhane