I have the opportunity as a professional writer to write about great people and businesses, and share stories on topics that people truly want to read about. But not very often have I written something that can benefit and alter the lives of readers.
I wrote an article last Sunday for the Denton Record-Chronicle about a baseball player who suffered a severe concussion when he was hit in the head by a 90-mph fastball during a high school game. Nearly two years later, he has lingering post-concussion symptoms ranging from occasional dizziness to blurred vision, headaches and anxiety.
The kicker was that one doctor said he has found a way to break that cycle of symptoms thanks to a revolutionary device gaining traction in the medical community. If true, athletes who have suffered brain trauma can have a new lease on life – even long after their playing days are over. The device also benefits chronic migraine sufferers.
If you haven't had the chance to read it, I suggest you do. The photos you see from here on out are courtesy of the Denton Record-Chronicle.
I knew a story of this magnitude would elicit a response from readers. Enterprise reporting of this kind tells people something they do not already know. It's different than the commodity news we often hear about, like the results of sporting events or news on city council and school board meetings.
But beyond all that, this particular article gave me a sense of pride that I was offering up help to people who truly needed it. Many people who have either had concussions or simply suffer from chronic migraines three or four times a month are perfect candidates for this procedure. They just never knew it existed.
Within the first 24 hours of the story being posted online, it racked up 4,306 page views to make it the most read article of anything the paper published that day. It was also the most-viewed article so far this month.
The best part was the comments and shares from readers. They weren't just the typical comments you find online – readers were sharing stories of their own struggles, and tagging friends and family who could benefit.
The doctor in the article texted me the next morning to let me know he had received five new patient appointments as a direct result of the article. And there were more on the way. The baseball player I mentioned above said he wanted to use his story as a way to benefit others.
Again, I highly suggest that you read the article when you have a free moment. You never know whose life you might be able to change just by sharing it. I know my life is forever changed by writing it.
It's a special feeling to know my writing benefited that many people.
Thanks for reading.
*STEVE GAMEL is the Owner/President of Edit This, a writing and editing services company located in Denton, TX. Along with being a sports writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle, Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.