final word
Wheeling Near the Edge 2020 has been a novel year defined by a novel coronavirus
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ccording to the World Health Organization timeline of COVID-19, Wuhan Municipal Health Commission first reported these events on the last day of 2019. From then on, the entire world has been facing an unfeeling monster. Thousands have died from the virus itself or the aftermath dealt by the brutal nature of the virus. The pandemic continues to spread across the planet, placing individuals with weakened immune systems on edge. I am such an individuals nervous about these events. Facing an actual threat to my life, it’s something that isn’t easy to deal with. Here’s my situation. I was born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that causes the muscles in the body to be weak and continues to weaken throughout life. Those with this condition typically only live into their 20s or 30s. I’ve gone from walking at age 7 to becoming fully wheelchair bound at age 12. It hasn’t been an easy journey. Being a teenager and young adult without any underling issues is difficult; try watching as your body’s strength is sapped, and it becomes harder to do activities you enjoy. With this weaker disposition,
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Orange Appeal | 2020
We aren’t just another empty name or blurred face, we are flesh and blood just like everyone else. I’m always on edge concerning my health. Every time I get sick, I need to take as many as possible steps to protect myself. It’s really nerve wracking to be in a position where my health is constantly a struggle to maintain. Not only do I have to worry about my underling medical conditions, but I have to worry about a viral infection. So right now, I want to avoid any chance to become infected by this virus. I understand that for some this transition has been rough. From the economy struggling to the in-
creased stress of online schooling to canceled trips, it feels like we are trapped. Even with these wants, the need for precautions and isolation cannot be understated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states on its website that COVID-19 spreads quicker than the flu. Further, this virus is contagious for at least 12 days. Both of these neglect the fact that COVID-19 is nearly 10 times more fatal than the flu. That high of a fatality rate alone makes this virus a threat, combined with
a quicker spread means that COVID-19 can pose a death threat for people such as myself with weaker constitutions. I really struggle when people refuse to wear masks or downplay the significance of the pandemic. I am part of the minority at risk, and I am not alone. There are many others with my same medical condition or those with other medical conditions that put them next to death’s gates. It’s easier to think of everyone who isn’t close to you as a nameless face you’ll never meet personally. However, with the information provided by medical organizations and the actual risks it places on people, there is no excuse to not take precautions. All those actions do is harm more people, resulting in a longer pandemic and greater loss of life. So you can ignore the restrictions, use their rights as United States citizens to bypass medical concerns. Ignore those at risk because you aren’t one of them. In the end, it harms more than just a handful. You sentence others to suffer by your actions. I wanted this to stand as a statement for those at risk. We aren’t just another empty name or blurred face. We are flesh and blood just like everyone else.
PORTER AYDELOTTE
By PORTER AYDELOTTE