Survivor Profile - Roland Wuschke

A Ride That Changed My Life

Father’s Day is special to most of us and I am no exception.

My eldest daughter had been house sitting a few miles from my house, and asked me to join her for a Father’s Day dinner.  Following a wonderful dinner, glass of wine and good conversation it was time for me to leave.  I donned my leather jacket and helmet, but unfortunately I did not put on my chaps, which were left in the saddlebags.  Now I climbed aboard my Yamaha Virago 1100 and headed for home.

I do not recall much about the accident, but it appears the front wheel of the motorcycle got caught up in a level Xing train track.  A couple who were passing by on their way to a campsite, saw the fire some distance away from the highway they were traveling and thankfully came to investigate.  As there was no cell phone service in the area they were able to flag down a passerby who went to get help.

An hour later the RCMP arrived, and went on to get an ambulance that took another hour.  A local doctor and nurse were able to do some initial cleaning of my wounds, and had me taken by ambulance to Squamish.  From there I was met by a helicopter and flown to the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Unit.

What followed was a challenge.  My spleen was ruptured and removed, skin grafts were followed by radiation treatments for a “dark spot” on my left lung, and my gall bladder was also surgically taken.  Twice during my healing, cancer was found and stopped early on even though there had been no symptoms to prompt a check for this disease.

Now it was time to heal!

Unfortunately a very difficult to heal bacteria infection (MRSA) reared its ugly head during my healing, and caused me to spend two years at Vancouver General Hospital/Burn Unit.

I was really desperate to find a solution, and when home last summer, my internet research found a product out of the UK that worked for me!!!

Now back in Pemberton, I am slowly getting my strength back and at the same time accepting the fact that some things will always be different.

When people ask me how I am able to remain “UP” after such a long time living in pain and discomfort, the following comes to mind:

• When in my teens I was in a very intensive training program with the Canadian Army.  There you had to learn perseverance, determination (not stubbornness).
• Imagine the feeling of support I had from the 20 former comrades all wishing me well by email when I had not seen them for over 40 years!
• With the support of a pain specialist at the Vancouver General Hospital and the staff with their patience and understanding I made many friends that I continue to visit when in Vancouver.

I may not be a religious man, but I was soon made aware that my time had not yet come… there was still a great deal to do in life.

Recently, I passed my hand controls driver test and will have much more independence. When I am able to obtain the proper vehicle, I will be riding again and very glad to be alive!

 This is the icing on the cake!

Roland Wuschke, Burn Survivor, June 2004

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