United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a cheerleader in the Kansas City vicinity, Ruth Stark. A co-worker of mine brought me in an article from her son's school newspaper about her. Our family lives in Overland Park, and I would like to get in touch with her if possible. Thanks - Camille

Hi this is ruth stark! i sent you an e-mail but i wasnt sure if u checked that regularly so im posting too! let me know if u have any questions! ~Ruth Stark

For Ruth:

I am so sorry I did not get your email. My home email has changed since I asked about you. I work at Children's Mercy in Johnson County. My email here is cmbearly@cmh.edu.

I have a little granddaughter, not quite 3, with a LOBPI. She is followed at CMH by Dr. Rinaldi and in Texas with Dr. Nath. So far she has had MOD Quad and the latest surgery, triangle tilt on her shoulder.

I find articles like the one in your school paper inspiring! I have several that I have come across and I save them for my daughter, for her daughter some day. I think it is fantastic how motivated you have been in pursuing your goals. I have not personally met any one with this injury that was not still a child. I think we wonder what it will be like for her growing up. Hopefully she will have you kind of determination and motivation. Right now she does not know she even has an injury! If you have an email you would not mind letting me have, it would be great to talk to you more. Thanks - Camille, Grandma of Alannah

I would love to talk to you! My email is ruthieb22@hotmail.com. I would be so happy to tell you about my experience with brachial plexus. I think with all the technology and support there is right now in the BPI world, your granddaughter is going to lead a very normal and active life. E-mail whenever!

Ruthie,our Cheerleader!
If you've shared your story here before,I've missed it. Please share more with us here if you haven't done so; or, post the thread/link topic if you have. I'd love to hear/read more! I am sooo inspired by all you young adults.
Hugs all around, and Camp 2007 or Bust!,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI,age 67 & prouid of it!

Ruthie,I am so excited to have gotten in touch with you; knowing that you live so close by. I will be emailing you later - just curious; how old are you and what sports do you cheer for? - all of them or just certain ones? Have you ever mentored others or met any one else in this area with a OBPI? Thanks so much - Camille B., Alannah's grandma!

I will be 16 in 13 days and 2 hours and i CANT WAIT! I cheer for football, soccer, basketball and i think we are cheering for wrestling this year. Basketball season hasnt started yet, but im excited because it will be a new experience for me. This is my first year as an East cheerleader. I tried out my freshman year but tryouts were closely after my first surgery, and i didnt make it. I was pretty bummed but then the bumming turned to motivation. Im having soo much fun! I have played soccer and tennis since i was very little and i think that has helped me realize that even with BPI there is soooo much out there to succeed in. I have never really talked with anyone my age who has a BPI too, but i wouldnt hesitate to do so. I think BPI patients should know from the start what exactly is up with their arm and be encouraged to do anything and everything they want to. If it werent for a mean b-ball coach, i might have made it to the WNBA. kidding, but i think everyone should go for whatever it is they want to do. Camille-Tell me what kind of ROM Alannah has...

Ruth,

It is awesome to hear all your accomplishments. You are a true inspiration and as a Dad it makes me feel great to hear how great your attitude is.

Thanks for sharing!!


KD's Daddy - St.Louis

Dear Cheerleader & Modivator of all in the BPI Family:
You ARE Awesome!! Thank you sooo much for sharing. You Rock ! & inspire me sooo much and I am 67 yrs young!....
Hugs all around & Camp 2007 or bust!,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI