Frank de Vocht recently referred to me dismissively as a “single guy typing furiously on a keyboard in his basement.” While the remark might have been intended as humorous, I feel it’s important to clarify the reality behind my life’s work and the passion that drives it. My journey isn’t one of casual activism; it’s deeply rooted in personal tragedy, professional innovation, and a commitment to making the world a safer place for future generations.
Not a Basement, But a Life’s Mission
For over a quarter of a century, I’ve worked tirelessly—not from a basement, but from a computer and the field—to educate people, challenge outdated safety standards, and develop life-changing technologies. This work is not a hobby or a passing interest; it is my life’s mission.
The spark for that mission came in 1995, when I lost my firstborn child, Angel Leigh Coates. At the time, I was living outside Aspen, Colorado, unaware of the invisible forces that might have contributed to my daughter’s passing. Two years later, a study revealed a 300% increase in the exact same birth defect that took her life. That moment changed me forever. I made a promise to my little girl that if I ever discovered what had caused her death, I would dedicate my life to fighting it.
In 1998, I founded RF Safe—not as a business, but as a way to educate and protect people from the potential dangers of wireless radiation. Every step I’ve taken since has been driven by that promise and a desire to prevent others from experiencing the same loss.
Innovation That Speaks for Itself
Far from being a “guy in a basement,” I have spent decades creating, designing, and advocating for technologies that prioritize human health and safety. Some of my contributions include:
- First-to-Market Innovations: I was the first to bring products like belly bands to the market, designed to protect expectant mothers and their unborn children from exposure to wireless radiation.
- Interferometric Array Antenna: In 2003, my design influenced changes to isotropic rules, redefining standards in antenna technology.
- Light-Based Communication Patent: Recently, I patented a light-based communication system that not only offers safer data transfer but also includes germicidal capabilities, addressing both connectivity and public health concerns.
These are not the achievements of someone working in isolation—they are the result of relentless effort, collaboration, and innovation aimed at improving lives.
The Heart Behind the Work
The driving force behind everything I do is not money or recognition, but a personal tragedy that shaped my purpose. When I lost Angel, I realized that my life had to mean more. If there was a chance that wireless radiation played a role, I couldn’t sit by while others unknowingly exposed themselves and their families to potential harm.
My work isn’t about monopolizing ideas or products. It’s about educating and empowering others to make safer choices. Whether it’s through RF Safe or my patented technologies, my goal has always been to teach, protect, and innovate—not for profit, but for people.
A Promise to My Daughter
Every keystroke I make, every product I design, and every article I write is rooted in a promise to my daughter. That promise was forged in the deepest pain a parent can endure, and it has carried me through more than 25 years of advocacy and invention.
So no, Frank, I’m not just a guy in a basement typing furiously on a keyboard. I’m a father, an innovator, and someone who has dedicated his life to a cause bigger than himself. I do this work not out of arrogance or obsession, but out of love, loss, and an unbreakable commitment to keep others safe.
Moving Forward: Respectful Dialogue
I understand that debates around microwave and wireless safety can become heated. I welcome open, respectful discussions based on science and shared goals. What I do not welcome is dismissiveness or ridicule, especially when it undermines the seriousness of public health issues.
This isn’t just about me—it’s about the millions of people who rely on regulators, researchers, and advocates to ensure their safety. I hope this serves as a reminder that behind every concern or critique is often a deeply personal story, and those stories deserve respect.
Closing Thought
Frank de Vocht’s words may have been aimed to dismiss or diminish, but they only remind me why I do what I do. My work is for Angel, for every parent who has suffered a loss, and for every person who deserves to live in a world where safety isn’t optional or mocked. I will continue to fight—not from a basement, but from a place of purpose, passion, and profound responsibility.
