United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I Would llike to add to this with the hopes of not offending anyone, that is NOT my intention at all.
I attended camp in 2003 as one of 4 TBPI, yes I Do believe there were just 4 of us, and a handful of adult OBPI. This camp was geared more for the children. I was greatful to have gone to camp and to have met the people that I met, kids and adults as well. I DO think that we need to look at the big picture though.... we are all different people, different ages, different health issues, different dissablities, we need to think of everyone and not just ourselves, this is for the future of BPI people too! I Think that Washington DC during awareness week is a GREAT idea! We need to get OUR voices heard and what a better way to do it then to go to "top dogs" and try to get them to listen.
Another thing that I think some of us should think about is the future, do we want it better or do we want more people to get this injury, born with it or from an accident, we need to stop it or help with the correcting of it!
I hope that htis had not offended anyone as that wasn ot my intention at all. Please consider coming to camp, all of you, as it will be a great experience. Think of others too!

Courtney TBPI

Nancy, I AM also all about helping with the planning of camp so when the time comes around, please let me know! I Love to travel and DC isnt that far for me! I WIll go check things out!
COurt

I think the idea of camp (or any other type of gathering) in DC is a great idea. I would love to attend. Even if I can't attend with my family, I would like to attend as a parent and as a professional. I am absolutely behind our gathering nationally in our capital like this - this should be our "next step."

Birth injuries that occur in hospitals by doctors are not required to be tracked on birth records, and there is no national surveillance of BP injuries. Ain't that a shame??! As an epidemiologist, I know that surveillance is the first step in reducing incidence. So, we've got a long way to go with this. We need to make our voices heard on the national level.

I think Georgeann's idea of having camp be a little bit outside of DC is a great idea. That could reduce cost (as well as bring back that peaceful feeling). Then we could make field trips to the capital during certain days. Worth a thought.

Here's my humble opinion of traveling to DC: I've been to DC several times, including with kids, and I don't really think it's a big deal (except for cost). My daughter (who was 2 at the time) loved the subways, the buildings, and the museams.

- Tina

I am excited to hear about the plans and think it is very important that none of us jump to conclusions.

I personally feel that this camp can be organized to embrace the best of both worlds. Yes, it will not be like Lake George, but more important to me is that our children and future children will actually begin to have a VOICE. We must organize in large numbers.

Relaxing and fun sounds GREAT but of MUCH greater significance to me is working toward putting an end to this unnecessary injury so that future children don't have to endure this injury!