A Huntersville veteran is the first person in the country with ALS to receive a revolutionary robotic arm.
Steve Hix, a military veteran and former dentist, was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Because ALS is a disease affecting muscle control, Steve Hix’s movements are extremely limited.
His mind is still as sharp as ever. He types into an iPad to communicate his thoughts.
Hix shared his family’s philosophy: “We decided to make the most of every day we have left. The difficult thing is not knowing what will happen next and when it will happen.”
Hix's wife, Debbie Hix, is now his caregiver.
When asked what her emotional journey was through all of this, Debbie Hix responded, “The hardest thing, I think as a caregiver: you essentially have to become the other person's body. You become their hands, their mouth.”
This was a change in dynamic neither Steve nor Debbie was completely prepared for.
“It is very difficult to always ask for help,” Steve Hix said.
“I think I was prepared for what physically was coming, but not emotionally,” Debbie Hix said.
Doctors said veterans have a higher chance of being diagnosed with ALS than civilians. And while they aren't sure exactly why that is, the VA now considers any ALS diagnosis as service-related.
A month ago, through Carolinas Healthcare System, Steve Hix became the first person in the country with ALS to receive this type of robotic arm.
Occupational therapist Amber Ward helped Steve Hix become acclimated to the arm.
“It's able to attach onto his wheelchair and it basically moves in all the directions he's no longer able to move,” Ward said.
She explained the arm can be controlled in different ways - by a hand, foot, chin, even a tongue.
The device has not only given Steve and Debbie Hix more independence, it's also given them the gift of being a more normal couple.
It’s a gift they cherish, knowing time is precious.
“Any day you get that's better is a good day,” Debbie Hix said.
For Steve Hix, this is a journey of gratitude.
“Be thankful for each day. Don't take life for granted,” he said.
While the VA offers 100 percent disability benefits for veterans with ALS, the Hixes chose not to apply for benefits.
They told Channel 9 it is a process that can take months, even years.
The arm costs $55,000 and is not covered by insurance.
Hospital officials told Channel 9 another local patient is hoping to receive one soon.
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