It’s been a tough year or so. You hear people talk about how hard it is being a caregiver for a parent, but nothing prepares you for when it’s your turn to step up to the plate.
April of 2024 is when my mom really started having mobility issues. She had an initial hip replacement surgery, which drummed up some complications. The next six months was a series of ER visits and doctors’ appointments in addition to her more routine appointments, like a mammogram. She had her first routine mammogram in August, and the results came back peculiar. We didn’t think much of it though, we figured the picture was unclear or there was an error with the machine – we definitely weren’t expecting what came next.
The diagnosis hit us like a ton of bricks. It was ductal carcinoma in situbreast cancer. Initially, it seemed like a simple lumpectomy – a surgery to remove the abnormal breast tissue - would solve it. We celebrated after her first procedure with our usual frozen custard date. But results came back, and she was forced to go in for another lumpectomy.
I’d never had anyone in my family diagnosed with cancer before, and I try to do whatever I can to brighten her days. Before each appointment I try to lift her spirits, decorating the house with themes from her favorite things – The Golden Girls, Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. It was my way of coping, too. But when you feel like you’re constantly getting slapped in the face by life, it’s easy to feel helpless.
It was during this time that I saw a post on LinkedIn about Ford’s new SupportBeltTM. It was action-oriented and solution-based, not just another pink ribbon campaign. I knew immediately that it would help my mom. Aside from helping my mom, The SupportBelt gave me a sense of hope and agency in a situation where I felt powerless. The fact that Ford wasn’t profiting on this adversity, that it was complimentary (except for shipping), made it feel genuine, and I ordered it immediately.
My mom’s first lumpectomy was before the belt was available, and I struggled to help her get comfortable in the car afterwards. People on different support forums suggested all sorts of makeshift options. It was frustrating.
We had the SupportBelt for her second lumpectomy, and with the SupportBelt in place, the ride home was so much better. It's user-friendly and even someone with arthritis and low vision, like my mom, can easily use it independently. I even noticed she was more willing to go out and be in the car compared to her first surgery. It made a real difference.
The third lumpectomy is scheduled soon, and I’m so relieved to have the SupportBelt. It’s more than just a seatbelt aid; it's a symbol of hope and support during a challenging time. My mom, who loves her Ford Edge, quickly adapted to using the SupportBelt. It's discreet, and it adds a layer of comfort and security that I couldn't have provided any other way.
A few weeks ago, I was headed to work at the Detroit Auto Show, expecting a normal day. As I turned the corner, I was immediately brought to tears as I saw SupportBelt on display at the Ford stand. Standing next to it was Emily Obert, the designer. My experiences those past few months flooded over me. But it wasn’t the display that brought me to tears, it was all of it. The SupportBelt is a product that helped my mom, but it’s also a lifeline – a tangible reminder that someone cares, that there are people actively trying to make difficult situations better. Meeting Emily felt like meeting a hero.
To anyone facing a similar journey, I urge you to consider the SupportBelt. It’s a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. It's a testament to the power of empathy and innovation, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and support can be found in the most unexpected places.
Jackie Kovalcik was one of the first to order a Ford SupportBelt to give to her mother. She also works for a Ford vendor as an auto show automotive product specialist. If you have a story and, like Jackie, and want to share it on From the Road, email us at fromtheroad@ford.com.
The SupportBelt is designed and validated for Ford and Lincoln vehicle specifications and is intended only for use in those vehicles; Ford is making the design available via license for other automakers to manufacture and test in their vehicles. For shoulder belt use only. Do not use on lap portion of belt. Not for use by children or with child seats or booster seats. For use by mastectomy patients.
