United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

What a pleasure to read this post. I love to see this positive spin on OBPI. I understand that from the parents view it must be hard sometimes because you cannot see into the future. I was raised by a widowed mother who gave me a positive attitude towards my self and all the challanges I faced. It is great to hear about all the things the children are doing. Claudia thanks for starting this post.
I am right OBPI and 64 years old. I have three children and five grandchildren.
When we are given positive attitudes towards ourselves we can do all we attempt to do. We may do it different but then again we become more creative.
Kath

I'm with kath on this one- what a LOVELY thread to read here - I am so proud of my son Gavin he is 12 years robpi and has had three surgeries, he is a group III/IV injury with Horners syndrome and Torticollis present at birth.
He has worked hard to overcome his deficits and is a bright, funny, clever boy, who is VERY compassionate and empathetic twards those he feels have not had the advantages he has had.
he is a whizz on a computer and a playstation as well as a game boy - he rides a normal bicycle, swins, does trampolining, archery, and will have a go at anything.
"I can't do it" is something we have NEVER heard him say, and not because we push him to try things, but because HE wants to try things.
He has make working robots in micro electronics at school using a soldering iron and really will try anything.
We love him dearly and thank God for every day we have had him - "from bad things, good things can grow"
Karen

Thank you! Wow! These kids are so amazing!

Julia

When I was a child my mother always told me "Can't means you won't".

I am not sure I understood it then, because she annoyed me, I thought she did not understand. She always told me I could do anything I put my mind to. She was SO RIGHT!

Kath

I have a 3 year old son with Right OBPI. He had the mod quad last October and is doing GREAT!!! In fact I cannot say enough about his outcome.

Jared is now able to lift his 'obpi' arm over his head and straighter than ever! and the strength that he now has in his arm is awesome!
Today Jared was able to drag his sister (39 pounds) off of her bed and into the living room (about 10 feet)with his 'obpi' arm while holding her barbies in the other hand! Not that I encourage sibling fights, but its good to see him get her down with his effected arm! She wasnt even mad...she laughed and was yelling for me.."mom, mom, jared is using his obpi arm!!!"
AND>>>
to top that, he fell yesterday and caught himself with both hands...thats a rarity in our home!

I also want say CONGRATS to all the moms and dads who are able to "brag" about their childrens abilities! and to all the children who are reaching closer to their goals everyday!

Keep up the strength and the bragging!!! Its always good to hear progress!

Our son was born at 36 weeks and a little under 8lbs almost 6 years ago. He had corrective surgery for Erbs Palsy at TCH as a 5 1/2 month old.

Today he swims, fishes, plays t-ball, has done gymnastic classes and is currently in Okinawan Karate class. He loves climbing on rocks and riding his bike and lives his life no differently than any other kid. He does everything his brothers do without hesitation.

Nobody ever told him he couldn't or shouldn't. He can and he will.

You all are like a breath of fresh air, to hear what you all are saying POSITIVILY about your kids!! It gives me alot of hope and faith and I absolutley cant wait to start seeing something positive with James arm. I cant wait to see his reaction when something happens the first time, whether it be a twitch or what ever!! I know it will make him feel so much better.