Isaac Bigi

by Emma Stein, Senior Editor and Staff Writer at the High Post Newspaper at Greater Latrobe High School

The risks were in the back of his head, but Isaac Bigi regained hope as he received his Covid-19 vaccine with anticipation to return to his normal life as an immuno-compromised teenager amidst a global pandemic. Throughout this difficult year, Isaac has been fully present to a variety of learning styles to finetune his educational success, regardless of personal, local or global challenges. Isaac positively embraces a healthy life which aligns to his personal high level of learning.

Overcoming physical setbacks procures a strong-willed young man. Diagnosed with Graves’ Disease when he was just four years old, Isaac has grown into a young man with the essence of resiliency. His autoimmune disease caused an overactive thyroid that created imbalances and abnormalities in his body and world at large. His endocrinologist, rheumatologist and neurologist have been a lifeline as he has been assessed from all angles over all parts of the country searching for hope. Isaac feels lucky to have his “personal dream team” of doctors on his side.

After visiting his “regular” doctors, he was told “it was a rare, unusual circumstance they’ve never seen before.” Treatments were trial and error for his condition that only seemed to become more challenging over time. Going into freshman year, serious complications made it difficult to walk and even function on his own; he was only able to lift his arms above his head.

Through his physical journey in search of medical breakthroughs, he stayed committed to life from a different perspective: a wheelchair. He embraced the encouragement of family and friends. “Looking back to November of 2019, I began to lose hope while looking for answers, but I always knew I would get better. I had so much support from my family and friends. My parents would always tell me ‘You are who you are, and we love you for that.’ which always made me stay hopeful,” Isaac said.

Isaac’s doctors found a “risky” surgery that could benefit his condition. Preparation included a new drug given through an IV to ensure the strength of his immune system. “I couldn’t wait to have the surgery. I’ve been waiting for something to get me better and this was it. The only serious thing that could result would be damage to the vocal cords which is very rare,” said Isaac. The thyroidectomy removed a part of the thyroid which produces hormones which regulate metabolism. Isaac felt that he was on the road to recovery.

“The surgery began to help so much. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but I was adjusting and learning how to walk again using a walker which felt really good,” Isaac said. Going to routine therapy sessions daily for three to four months at Excela Square gave him a new sense of hope -- one step at a time. The daily intense physical and occupational therapy allowed his body to heal while gaining strength. “This antigravity treadmill was where I learned to walk on my own for the first time in eight months,” Isaac said.

Immuno-compromised, Isaac realized being in a public school setting everyday during a pandemic created high risk. “I was honestly planning on going to school in the summer [of 2020], but my doctors thought that I should stay home and go online. I know how important education is. Education is key to the development of society, and I also really enjoy learning new things. I am always curious and always want to learn as much as possible,” Isaac said. As a senior who needed to stay remote, Isaac maintained rigorous classes at the high school: anatomy, Advanced Placement classes in physics, calculus BC and US History to follow those his junior year in chemistry, human geography and language and composition. He also participated in Young Engineers, a partnership program through the high school with Kennametal.

“Isaac is one of the best “online” students, for he consistently asked questions and engaged in dialogue,” said Mrs. Jen LeVan, anatomy teacher.

A big vision created vigilance for Isaac, whether in the class or remote: “I just always try to stay on top of my work and get it done sooner rather than later. It is easy to forget about an assignment without everyone talking about it at school,” Isaac said.

Shortly after being fully vaccinated, Isaac enthusiastically returned to brick and mortar to finish his senior year. “It feels so good to be back,” he said. With a positive mental attitude and keen intelligence, Isaac’s future is bright. Isaac will study chemical engineering at Case

Western Reserve University before attending medical school. “I want to help other people that were like me when I was sick,” Isaac said.

Isaac will carry on with strength of character, an optimistic vision, and the ability to succeed. He plans to make a scientific breakthrough to improve the quality of life of another. Isaac is a pillar of hope as a graduate in 2021.

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