How did Aaron Loy survive bacterial meningitis. What challenges did he face during recovery. How has Aaron adapted to life as a double amputee. What new passions has Aaron discovered since his illness.
Aaron Loy’s Battle with Bacterial Meningitis
Aaron Loy, a San Diego native, was an active 18-year-old college freshman at UC Santa Barbara when his life took an unexpected turn. Ten weeks into his first quarter, after completing midterms and enjoying a day of surfing, Aaron fell severely ill. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, a potentially fatal disease that inflames the membranes protecting the brain and spine.
Bacterial meningitis, particularly Type B meningococcal disease, can thrive in close quarters like college campuses. It spreads through close contact, coughing, or sneezing, and can progress rapidly, sometimes proving fatal within hours.
The Critical Stage
Aaron’s condition deteriorated quickly, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Doctors placed him in a medically induced coma to manage his symptoms. However, the disease had already caused significant damage to his body. Blood clots impeded oxygen flow to his feet, leading to severe tissue infection.
Can bacterial meningitis cause tissue damage? In severe cases like Aaron’s, the infection can lead to reduced blood flow, potentially causing tissue death in extremities. To prevent the infection from spreading further and save Aaron’s life, physicians made the difficult decision to amputate both of his legs below the knee.
The Road to Recovery: Challenges and Determination
Upon waking from his coma, Aaron faced a drastically altered reality. He spent ten weeks in the hospital, followed by three months in a wheelchair. The recovery process was grueling, involving multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation.
How does one cope with such a life-altering event at such a young age? Aaron reflected on the experience, saying, “Imagine being an 18-year-old and stripped of everything, even your own body.” Despite the overwhelming challenges, Aaron approached his recovery with unwavering determination.
Setting New Goals
Aaron set ambitious goals for himself during his recovery. He vowed not only to walk again but also to drive, bike, surf, and snowboard. This determination became the driving force behind his rehabilitation efforts.
Does a positive mindset impact recovery outcomes? Research suggests that a positive attitude and setting achievable goals can significantly enhance recovery processes, both physically and mentally. Aaron’s case exemplifies how determination can fuel remarkable progress in the face of adversity.
Adapting to Life as a Double Amputee
Aaron’s journey of adaptation began with learning to walk using prosthetics. This process required patience, perseverance, and countless hours of practice. However, Aaron’s athletic background and determination proved invaluable in mastering this new skill.
Returning to the Waves
One of Aaron’s primary goals was to return to surfing, a passion he had enjoyed before his illness. With the support of his college teammates and coaches, Aaron made his way back into the ocean. He described the experience, saying, “I hit the cold water and started to duck dive. Everything about it made me wonder why I waited so long.”
Can amputees participate in water sports? With advancements in prosthetic technology and adaptive equipment, many amputees can enjoy a wide range of water sports, including surfing. Aaron’s return to surfing demonstrates that physical limitations need not restrict one’s ability to pursue beloved activities.
Discovering New Passions: Sled Ice Hockey
During his recovery, Aaron discovered a new passion: sled ice hockey. This adaptive sport is similar to traditional ice hockey but played on specially designed sleds. Players use shortened hockey sticks with metal “teeth” on the handles to propel themselves across the ice and control the puck.
The Freedom of the Ice
Aaron found a sense of liberation and camaraderie in sled ice hockey. He became a member of the San Diego Sled Ice Hockey team, embracing the sport with enthusiasm. Aaron described his experience, saying, “I love playing Sled Ice Hockey and I love being part of this team. When we’re on the ice, we’re just like any other team. Being on the ice is just a freedom for all the hardships we’ve gone through.”
How does adaptive sports benefit individuals with disabilities? Adaptive sports like sled ice hockey offer numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced social connections, and increased self-confidence. For many participants, these activities provide a sense of normalcy and accomplishment.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Despite the challenges he faced, Aaron remained committed to his education. He returned to UC Santa Barbara the following fall, balancing his recovery and newfound passions with his academic pursuits.
Graduating and Entering the Workforce
Aaron successfully completed his degree in economics/accounting at UCSB. His academic achievements, combined with his resilience and determination, opened doors to professional opportunities. Today, Aaron works as an associate at a top accounting firm, demonstrating that his physical limitations have not hindered his career aspirations.
How do employers accommodate employees with disabilities? Many companies have implemented inclusive policies and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure employees with disabilities can perform their job duties effectively. These may include adaptive technologies, flexible work arrangements, or modifications to the physical workspace.
Living Life Without Limitations
Aaron’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and adaptability. Despite losing both legs below the knee, he has embraced life with enthusiasm and determination. Aaron continues to surf on weekends, play sled ice hockey, and pursue his professional goals.
Inspiring Others
Aaron’s journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. His ability to overcome adversity and find new passions demonstrates that life can be fulfilling and exciting, even in the face of significant obstacles.
How can individuals with disabilities maintain a positive outlook? Strategies for maintaining a positive attitude include setting achievable goals, celebrating small victories, seeking support from friends and family, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Aaron’s approach to life exemplifies these principles.
The Impact of Aaron’s Story
Aaron Loy’s experience highlights several important aspects of dealing with life-altering illnesses and disabilities:
- The importance of early detection and treatment of bacterial meningitis
- The resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity
- The value of adaptive sports and technologies in empowering individuals with disabilities
- The potential for personal growth and discovery following traumatic events
What can society learn from stories like Aaron’s? Aaron’s journey underscores the importance of inclusive policies, adaptive technologies, and supportive communities in enabling individuals with disabilities to lead full and active lives. It also highlights the need for continued research and development in prosthetics and adaptive equipment to expand possibilities for those with physical limitations.
Advancements in Prosthetic Technology
Aaron’s ability to return to an active lifestyle is partly due to advancements in prosthetic technology. Modern prosthetics offer improved functionality, comfort, and customization options, allowing users to engage in a wide range of activities.
Future Innovations
Ongoing research in prosthetics aims to develop even more sophisticated devices. These may include prosthetics with advanced sensory feedback, improved integration with the nervous system, and more natural movement patterns.
How might future prosthetic technologies impact the lives of amputees? Emerging technologies such as mind-controlled prosthetics and bionic limbs have the potential to offer even greater functionality and sensory experiences for users. These advancements could further reduce limitations and enhance quality of life for individuals with limb differences.
The Importance of Meningitis Awareness and Prevention
Aaron’s experience underscores the critical importance of meningitis awareness, particularly in high-risk environments like college campuses. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors of bacterial meningitis can lead to earlier detection and treatment, potentially preventing severe outcomes.
Vaccination and Prevention Strategies
Vaccines are available for several strains of bacterial meningitis, including the Type B strain that affected Aaron. Many colleges and universities now require or strongly recommend these vaccinations for incoming students.
What steps can individuals take to reduce their risk of contracting meningitis? In addition to vaccination, preventive measures include practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support immune function. Awareness of early symptoms can also lead to prompt medical intervention if infection occurs.
Aaron Loy’s journey from a life-threatening illness to a life of achievement and new passions serves as a powerful reminder of human resilience. His story not only inspires those facing similar challenges but also educates the public about the importance of meningitis awareness and the potential of individuals with disabilities. Through determination, adaptability, and a positive outlook, Aaron has truly embraced a life without limitations.
Aaron. Life Without Limitations. Ossur.com
Aaron. Life Without Limitations. Ossur.comSkip to content
Type B meningococcal disease thrives in close quarters. It attacks quickly and can be spread by close contact, coughing or sneezing. It inflames the membranes protecting the brain and spine. Tragically, it can kill within hours. For 18-year old San Diego, CA native Aaron Loy, the disease would mark a turning point in his life.
Today, he is a college graduate, associate at a top accounting firm, sled ice hockey player, weekend surfer and double amputee. Here is his story.
“I get to go at a speed and a pace that doesn’t matter if I have legs or if I’m able-bodied.”
Fresh off a successful high school senior year of athletic victories and academic accomplishments, Aaron Loy was quick to adapt to college life at UC Santa Barbara. He joined the Lacrosse Club, played intramural soccer and was a member of several other clubs on campus. Ten weeks into the first quarter, after completing his mid-terms, Aaron headed to the beach to surf. The following day, too ill to get out of bed, he was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. (Three other UCSB students would go on to contract the disease.)
Aaron was put in a medically induced coma almost immediately. But the damage to his body was already underway. Blood clots stopped the flow of oxygen to his feet, and infected tissue began to overtake them. They were soon beyond saving. If the infection spread, he would die. To save his life, physicians removed both legs below-the-knee.
“Imagine being an 18-year-old and stripped of everything, even your own body.”
Surrounded by family and close friends, Aaron would awaken to a new life facing a dozen or more surgeries, skin grafts and rehabilitation. After ten weeks in the hospital and three months in a wheelchair, Aaron was determined to walk again.
In fact, he vowed that he would drive, bike, surf and snowboard once more.
Over the next several months, Aaron embraced his recovery with the same drive and passion he had on the lacrosse field. Fitted with prosthetics, he learned to walk. Soon, the ocean surf would beckon and – with the support of his college team mates and coaches – he was back in the water.
“I hit the cold water and started to duck dive. Everything about it made me wonder why I waited so long.”
Aaron was back at school the following fall and was quick to discover a new passion – sled ice hockey. The sport is similar to ice hockey though the players are seated on sleds and use special hockey sticks with metal “teeth” on the tips of their handles to navigate the ice.
Over the next few years, Aaron would earn his economics/accounting degree at UCSB and continue playing a variety of team sports. As a member of the San Diego Sled Ice Hockey team without limitations.
“I love playing Sled Ice Hockey and I love being part of this team.
When we’re on the ice, we’re just like any other team. Being on the ice is just a freedom for all the hardships we’ve gone through.”
When we’re on the ice, we’re just like any other team. Being on the ice is just a freedom for all the hardships we’ve gone through.”Common Pastor
Dec 14
Aaron Loy
Roughly a decade ago my wife and I found ourselves leading a rapidly growing church plant, adding additional services and staff, on the cusp of launching our second campus, and on the receiving end of lots of applause and attention. What most didn’t know at the time was I was dying inside.
Jul 27
Aaron Loy
The older I get and the longer I serve in ministry, the more convinced I am that while charisma can be a gift, it can also be both a liability and a limitation to those who seek to walk and lead in the way of Jesus.
May 2
Aaron Loy
Summer isn’t a throwaway season for ministry.
It’s prime time for some of God’s most exciting work.
Mar 25
Aaron Loy
God doesn’t need your power.
All He needs is your willingness.
And in those moments when you feel powerless it turns out you are perfectly positioned to be used by God.
Dec 14
Aaron Loy
God’s glory is a big deal. And every now and then God’s people got a little glimpse of it. But the prophets spoke of a day when God’s glory would finally be revealed to all.
This is what it looks like when God’s glory goes low.
Dec 8
Aaron Loy
From healthcare, to education, to history, to science, to art, to human rights, Jesus, the light of the world, and his movement of light-bringers have impacted human history and human present in a way that no other person or movement has.
What is that? That’s the light breaking in.
Dec 3
Aaron Loy
In acknowledging Jesus as the great “I Am,” we must come to terms with the fact that Jesus is not an idea to be pondered or a knickknack to be admired on our shelf of religious relics and responsibilities.
He is the very face of God.
Dec 1
Aaron Loy
This Advent season our church family is spending each day centering ourselves in the person of Jesus together by reflecting on the names given him by scripture. If you are looking for a way to resist the noise and distractions this Christmas season and actively abide in the person of Jesus, I want to invite you to join us.
Aug 25
Aaron Loy
Jesus, Church Planting, Mission
“If you don’t believe demons are real, try planting a church.
You won’t get very far in advancing God’s kingdom without feeling resistance from the enemy.” – Darrin Patrick
Jun 21
Aaron Loy
Jesus, Church, Mission
I love studying Jesus. I’ve counted myself a follower for over twenty years now and he still takes my breath away. When I dig into the pages of scripture I still find myself captivated by him, fascinated by him and often surprised by him.
Jun 18
Aaron Loy
Jesus, Church, Faith
Every now and then I see a truck here in town that is hard to miss. Truthfully, I cringe every time I see it. The back of the vehicle is covered in large, bold red letters that read:
“JESUS IS COMING BACK AND HE IS ANGRY!”
Apr 1
Aaron Loy
Jesus
Some days I like to think I’m like John or Peter.
But if I’m honest, most days I think I’m a lot more like Judas – doubtful that God can be anywhere near as good as Jesus suggests and tempted at times to sell out for a measly bag of silver.
Today I praise God that even the Judas’ of the world are invited around the table of the lamb.
Feb 7
Aaron Loy
Leadership, Church
In a time when many of the old ways of traditional church in the West are found less and less effective to reaching emerging generations, perhaps we could use some more rule breakers to help us imagine a new way forward. Perhaps some some righteous rebellion is precisely what the church needs.
Feb 1
Aaron Loy
Jesus, Mission
“There’s nothing new under the sun.” Go ahead and admit it. You’ve not only heard this phrase, you’ve said it. Perhaps numerous times.
It’s a common one in our Christian vernacular. So let me go ahead on the record and say this: I don’t like this phrase. More importantly, I don’t think it’s true. I think Solomon was wrong.
Jan 7
Aaron Loy
Culture, Politics, Jesus
If the past few years have revealed anything, it’s that we are not well. We never were. In this season the human heart is simply being exposed in our country for what it is: dark and hopelessly broken apart from Jesus. Keeping or swapping out presidents, political parties or kingdoms of this world will not change this. It’ll just rearrange the details.
Dec 2
Aaron Loy
Faith, Jesus
Though celebrations have at times been hard to come by, one of the things this past year has created in me is a deep longing for more of Jesus.
I want more of the work of Jesus.
I want more of the person of Jesus. I want more of the presence of Jesus.
I want all of it. And I want it for you too.
Mar 24
Aaron Loy
Mission, Faith, Culture
Though fear and the twenty-four hour news cycle might tempt us to focus solely on self-preservation, the way of Jesus will always lead us instead in the way of self-sacrificial love. So what are some things we can do to love those around us? Here a few ideas:
Sep 1
Aaron Loy
Church, Mission, Church Planting
I love church planting. I’ve committed much of my life to it. My passion is to see new churches planted that transform lives, serve neighborhoods and impact cities. But over the years I’ve seen a kind of church planting that I worry has the potential of doing as much damage as it does good.
Aug 1
Aaron Loy
Church, Mission, Church Planting
When my dad began to sense that God might be calling him to plant a church someone gave him a sheet of paper that would hang on our refrigerator for years.
At the top it read, “Future Church Planters: Count The Cost!” As a young man I remember really disliking that sheet of paper. I found it depressing; nihilistic even. Over the years, however, I would come to understand why my dad returned to that sheet of paper so often: He was living it.
Feb 27
Aaron Loy
Church, Culture, Church Planting
A couple months ago I had the opportunity to join a few dozen denominational and network leaders in NYC to talk urban church planting with Tim Keller…
Some advice for those who have been offended by church leaders
Bitterness towards the church is not a big deal. Grace towards those who let you down is the true path.
When I was a child, I was severely offended by the pastor of my church. The man who was entrusted with the right to be a spiritual leader took advantage of his position to do something terrible.
As a result, our family had to leave, our church fell apart, and I was wounded for the rest of my life. At some point, I again entrusted my life to Christ, but in order to trust the church again, I had problems.
Some readers will easily understand what I am talking about. If you have ever felt that you have been let down, betrayed, or hurt by people in the church, or even by its leaders, then you yourself can tell me about what I call “post-traumatic church syndrome.”
Now I am the pastor of a church in which my story is far from the only one. Some in my church sympathize with me, some even love me, but they cannot trust me because of my position. Some of them know the Bible inside and out, but very rarely can they bring themselves to open it and read it because of all the manipulative, guilt-based tactics that have been used on them in the past. Some literally need to “break” themselves in order to decide to go inside the building of a traditional church again. These wounds are real and heal very slowly.
So if you’re suffering from Post Traumatic Church Syndrome (PCS), I want to remind you that you’re not alone and give you some advice:
1. Resist the urge to become a cynic when so much of Christianity today is open to criticism. I understand. Much today can and should be changed.
But cynicism is too easy. It doesn’t take much intelligence to be a cynic. And cynicism is not capable of bringing anything positive either into your life or into someone else’s.
What is not easy, however, is to overcome yourself, go to church and contribute to the changes that everyone needs. Maybe it seems now an impossible task, but there is no other way to heal wounds.
2. Remember: Jesus still loves His Church
Those suffering from PTS will have to admit this: Jesus loves His Church. Even with all her faults, He considered her worthy to die for her. He chose her, died for her, commissioned her, endowed her with power, and continues to work in and through her, and He will one day return for her.
Therefore, we cannot leave it.
The path of discipleship will never lead us to a crossroads where we will have the choice to leave all these “Jesus people”. This is a truth that all of us suffering from PCS will have to come to terms with.
3. Come back at your own pace
If the church has left scars on your soul, you need to understand that the day when you can trust the church again will not come soon. This may take a very long time. And that’s okay. The sad truth is that not all leaders or churches are worthy of your trust. There are too many examples of this. So the instinct of self-preservation will be strongly manifested.
Don’t feel bad about protecting yourself. Trust cannot be restored quickly, so there is no need to rush. Wait as long as you need.
4. You will be disappointed more than once
I often describe the church as a community of holy sinners. Because in Christ we find holiness in God’s eyes, but our imperfections stay with us, and our battles with sin don’t go away.
It’s just that we’re already standing on the other side of the Cross. We will fall more than once in the future. Whichever church you choose. Everyone let each other down sometimes. Sometime they are you, sometime you are them.
What I want to call you to is this: decide in advance what you are going to do when people let you down. You will deny them grace or, on the contrary, give it to them. Walking according to grace is very difficult, and you will have to make this choice more than once. But that is the only way healing can come.
Aaron Loy Relevant Magazine
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The Five Most Anti-Cultural Traits of a Christian
Many Christians today try to get the gospel to unbelievers by imitating the secular world.
They adopt his trends, styles, and demeanor to repackage biblical truths according to all new cultural standards.
This is not bad, and sometimes even necessary, for the successful promotion of the gospel in the world, but excessive cultural adjustment can lead to the loss of the uniqueness of Christianity. Because our faith gives the world completely unique qualities that no one else has.
Here are 5 Christian virtues that go against every culture:
Patience
“But when we hope for what we do not see, then we wait with patience” (Romans 8:25).
In a world obsessed with getting any information in real time, with breaking news and perpetual motion, it is becoming more and more difficult for people to keep waiting – just to wait if necessary.
Patience is a transnational property of trusting God and accepting the fact that some things are not in our power.
When a society values constant work, productivity, development and communication, and underestimates rest, peace and quiet, it becomes more and more difficult to give up anything.
Turn off all gadgets, take a vacation, wait and listen to God – these are all pretty drastic actions.
Meekness
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
We live in a noisy culture in which it is customary to reward the loudest, brightest and most visible people in all respects. Tirades, arguments, shouting and outbursts of public opinion have become the new normal.
Even Christian teaching is promoted by various denominations in order to become the most influential and visible, and as a result, against the general background, they turn out to be rather ordinary and nondescript.
Sensations are the language of our society. With their help, it develops, being in an atmosphere where fame, recognition and attention are valued.
But meekness is not a kind of weakness. In fact, this is a unique source of strength that gives people the opportunity not to bend under the opinions of others, not to break under the hated looks, to endure the rage of the crowd, not to succumb to senseless fear, to fight violence, not to believe stupid propaganda, not to become a racist and not put up with injustice.
The meekness and calm perception of a civilization in which everyone runs like crazy and just about anything, immediately condemns, worries and destroys, will allow us to concentrate on God. Through meekness, we can work and serve, not seeking worldly glory, but glorifying God – truly worshiping Him.
Humility
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
Technology and social media have given us the opportunity to present ourselves to the world in the best possible way through photo editors, perfect quotes, cool trips and self-confident phrases in comments and posts.
We are taught to express any opinion without second thoughts, to be proud and not to be ashamed of our beliefs and demeanor. But we easily become selfish and arrogant when it comes to political opinions, theological debates, religious traditions, and social worldviews.
You rarely hear that you need to listen carefully, conduct a polite dialogue, sincerely apologize or admit your mistake.
Awareness and recognition of our mistakes, understanding the limits of our capabilities, living in humility require extraordinary self-control and courage from us.
Humility has been and is a remarkable trait in a society that values the great and constantly emphasizes the importance of raising one’s own ego.
Hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
Of course, it’s hard not to become cynical and pessimistic if your loved ones let you down, loved ones leave, others are rude, organizations are betrayed and manipulated, governments are disappointed, and religious associations are deceived.
But for those in whom the hope given by Jesus lives, there is meaning, purpose and optimism in life. This hope, despite the chaos in an ever-changing world, keeps us firmly close to Christ, like the anchor of ships, and allows us to navigate in this life, where there is so much instability.
