"Marathoner Didn't Breathe for a Month" - Camille Farrar

            In the article “Marathoner Didn’t Breathe for a Month,” Ana Cabrera highlights recent events in Victor Carlos’ life. The runner checked into the hospital in December with a case of the flu that led to acute respiratory distress syndrome, which in turn led to multiple organ failures. Carlos was put through a procedure called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. This procedure allowed his lungs to collapse so they could have time to heal. The machine connected to his heart and added oxygen directly to his bloodstream. Doctors originally thought Carlos would be on the machine for a week, but it turned out to be a month. After the four weeks, Carlos’ lungs began to open up. During the month, his muscles became extremely weak from the inactivity and he lost 30 pounds. Six months later, though, Carlos is running again and training for a marathon.

            Looking at articles such as this one shows how far we have come in medical fields. It really is amazing that Carlos survived; not only does he continue to live, but he is thriving and doing what he loves. Procedures such as this one would not have been possible as little as 50 years ago. The breakthroughs that continue to be made everyday are truly amazing. We have come so far in the field of medicine, but there is no telling just how much further we will be in another 50 years. I am glad that Carlos was able to make such a full recovery and hope to see more success stories in the future.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/health/miracle-marathoner-carlos/index.html?hpt=us_t2