Hey everyone, I’ve got something really important to share with you today—it’s about the profound impact of human connection, especially within the realm of healthcare. My recent experiences with exoskeletons have left an everlasting impression on my heart and mind, highlighting how crucial empathy and genuine care are alongside technological advancements.
Recently, I had the opportunity to explore the capabilities of two different exoskeletons: the Eksobionics and the Wandercraft’s Atalante X. The contrast between my experiences of standing and walking with each device was nothing short of unbelievable and mind-blowing.
Atalante X: A Renewed Sense of Hope
My journey with the Atalante X exoskeleton from Wandercraft has actually given me a whole new level of faith in healthcare professionals and the healthcare industry as a whole. It has shown me that, even today, there are still incredible individuals who dedicate their time, effort, and talent to helping people like me achieve what seems impossible – things like standing and walking on my own. After 17 long years, the Atalante X made it possible for me to stand and walk without any assistance! This was something I had almost resigned myself to believing might never happen.
Eksobionics: A Disheartening Experience
Unfortunately, my experience with the Eksobionics exoskeleton was markedly different, and honestly, quite disheartening and even a bit scary. It left me feeling disillusioned and frustrated, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d wasted my time and energy pursuing that option. During my time with the Eksobionics device, I was required to use a walker, which caused me significant shoulder pain. Moreover, the walker forced me to constantly look down, limiting my interaction with my surroundings and hindering my ability to engage with people. I also felt shaky and unstable while using the Eksobionics exoskeleton. Without the walker and the constant support of the people around me, I was too afraid to even attempt to stand or walk, fearing a fall or injury. This experience was a complete and stark contrast to the empowering and liberating feeling I had while standing and walking with the Wandercraft Atalante X exoskeleton. There’s simply no comparison between the two. After having the opportunity to try both, I can’t imagine ever going back to the Eksobionics exoskeleton.
The Human Element: It’s More Than Just Technology
It’s important to emphasize that my experience wasn’t solely defined by how the exoskeletons functioned mechanically. The way the employees of each company treated me played a tremendously significant role in shaping my overall impression. Several years ago, when I had the opportunity to be the first person in New York to use Eksobionics’ updated exoskeleton, I was disheartened by how I was treated. The employees largely ignored me, acting as if I weren’t “normal” enough to warrant a simple “hello” or to be asked for my feedback on the device. This lack of basic human decency and professional courtesy left me feeling devalued and dismissed.
Conversely, my experience with the Wandercraft team has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. They consistently and genuinely solicit my feedback, demonstrating a sincere interest in what I have to say, both the positive and the negative. The CEO of Wandercraft is truly remarkable – it’s clear that he is driven by a genuine passion for helping people and improving their lives, rather than solely focusing on profits. He even remembered a casual comment I made during my initial trial, expressing how much I couldn’t wait to walk in the Atalante X exoskeleton again. When he personally texted me to invite me to Boston to demo the Atalante X and then followed up with a call to work out all the details, I was completely blown away by this incredible opportunity and his personal investment in my journey. I have never encountered a CEO so responsive, attentive, and genuinely invested in my experience as a user. Even now, two years later, he is still actively monitoring my progress and demonstrating a genuine and ongoing concern for my well-being.
A Shout-Out to Wandercraft
I feel compelled to share my story with everyone I can. Wandercraft is a model company that others in the healthcare industry should strive to emulate. Their inspiring slogan, “Ordinary Life for Extraordinary People,” truly reflects their underlying passion and unwavering dedication to their mission. It’s particularly meaningful to know that family members founded the company with a heartfelt desire to improve the lives of their own loved ones. Thank you, Wandercraft, from the bottom of my heart, for making my dream a reality!