My Story
How the InMotion O2 Vest was breathed into life:
My name is Tony Peters. I'm a husband, father, inventor, tinkerer, classic car enthusiast and avid pickleball player.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare form of Pulmonary Fibrosis called IPF. The disease impacts an individual's ability to breathe effectively and maintain safe levels of oxygen saturation. At the time of my diagnosis, I was 60 years old and in the best shape of my life, working out 6 days a week, riding a bike, etc.
As my disease progressed and my lungs became more impaired, I struggled to maintain my physical activity levels without becoming short of breath and experiencing low oxygen levels. I required supplemental oxygen when doing intense activities such as playing pickleball, walking at a fast pace or biking. At the time, the portable source of supplemental oxygen available to me was either an oxygen cannister inserted into a bulky, awkward shoulder bag or an oxygen concentrator device, which didn’t work properly when subjected to the bouncing and swinging movements of my activities.
Having been so active for most of my life, I understood that remaining physically fit was vital to keeping up my physical and emotional health. Not wanting to resign myself to a life of limited mobility, I began to search for a solution that would enable me to stay active and exercise while still receiving much-needed supplemental oxygen. Sadly, there was none.
Instead, after 18 months of trial and error, I invented a fitted, vest-style carrier that stabilizes the oxygen cannister on my back, and allows full body movement and range of motion. Thus, the InMotion O2 Vest came to be.
For someone living with chronic lung disease, this vest has enabled me to live life to the fullest; to continue to be as active as I want to be. Using the InMotion O2 Vest, I was able to play Pickleball 3 days a week. ride a bike, swing a golf club, walk my dog, garden in the yard and tinker in my garage.
2023 Update: most importantly, the InMotion O2 Vest enabled me to remain active, lose weight, gain muscle and become fit enough to qualify to be listed for a lung transplant. In February of 2023, I was blessed with the life-saving gift of a double-lung transplant. I am now free of my supplemental oxygen needs and continue to live an active life.
I believe that if this vest could provide a solution to my dilemma and help me keep moving and remain active, then surely it can provide freedom and improved quality of life for others with similar lung issues.