United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi Everyone,
I hate to do this more than anything in the world.But I don't have a choice.I'm posting the same letter here that I have been posting to everyone I can.Please don't think I'm a bum,I'm not.I've got to get something done.I am down to the last hand full of months left to get proper medical care. I'm scared,and don't know what else to do.I'm asking you ,our local churches,putting up posters,what ever I can.Thank you all for the support you have allready given me.
Marshall...catchatrain


Hello all,
My name is Marshall Gravley. I live in Rockmart Ga.To start you guys are great.Keep up the good work.
I am in desperate need of help.This is not some African scam. Please read,This is for real.In Oct.2005 I had the bright idea to stand next to a train as it was going by. I stumbled into it as it past about 60 mph. I am alive so I can't complain eh!
The result was a Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury. Usually bikers suffer this when thrown from their bikes.It has left me paralyzed from the shoulder down on the left side arm.
It's my fault I'm in this position and I know that.But know I'm left not being able to afford the medical treatment I need to get just partial use out of my arm.
I have been turned down for Ga. state medicaid.Also SSI.,and disability benefits. I don't have any insurance.At the time of my accident I owned a cabinet company and the state saw that as ability to pay. I've lost my company,my house,all my assets as a result of this.
I'm not a bum. I need help. I'm constantly trying to find help,and it's not working.
If I do not get the medical care I need within the first year of injury the chances for recovery are almost non existent. There are only a hand full of hospitals in the country that are competent to work on TBPI patients.
I have applied and been turned down for charity care at the Mayo Clinic in Mn.
All I'm trying to do is get the cost or some of it covered so these doctors will see me.If I have to sweep the floors with one arm from know on to pay you guys back I will.
I don't want to see any money.The doctors want to see the money. Please look it up. I screwed up bad.Know I'm trying not to be left like this from know on.
Please consider this.Here's a whole list of ways to contact me. Thanks for your time.
Marshall Gravley
770.445.6802
www.yourtbi.com
www.frappr.com/catchatrain
guitarworks2000@yahoo.com

Please understand I am not just setting here trying to get something for nothing.I have worked my a.. off all my life.That's just the way I am. If I could get out and get a job that would pay me the kind of money I need to have in the coming months I would. For that matter If I was capable of getting a job at all right know I would.I have to get something done.I would like to at least be able to sit back in a few years and say at least I tried.Thats what I am doing know.I'm trying. Idon't know any other way.Thanks for at least looking anyway.
Marshall.....catchatrain

Hey, SSDI lawyers usually don't charge until your case is won, and then if you lose, they lose too. Hopefully they may know of other options that may be available until your case is heard. Medicare should/may kick in soon after your case is won. I would think it would be prudent to get with a SSDI lawyer as soon as possible and get that big wheel rolling.

Good Luck, Dick

Yea you are right.SSI lawers are the way to go. As soon as I found out that Med.,SSI,Disability turned me down that was the first thing I did. It will work out just fine too.On average the wait time to go thru all the legal mumbo jumbo and get my benefits is 1-1/2 to 3 years depending on how much leg work the lawer does.
You are right.But by the time all that gets done any of the medical work that the doctors tell you needs to be done within the first 3 to 6 months of injury ( wait I've alredy past that one ), at least the first year of injury.....well we're getting close to that one already, none of that will do much if any good.See my delima.I can wait on the government to do this for me,or I can get off my but and try everything I can to save as much of my arm as possible on my own.If I wait on this Gov. sludge I'd put money on my arm staying just like it is. If I give it everything I got to get thru this,then in the end at least I can say I really tried everything I could to make it better.I'll still get ssi and all that stuff,but at least I wont be able to set around and blame our Gov. for not helping get it done.
Marshall

Hey, SSI does take a long time, but I think you may benefit by getting it going while you try every other resource you can find. You know, you said in your first post that your state found that you had the "ability to pay" with your company still intact. Have you reapplied with the state after you lost it all?

Just a couple of thoughts.... Dick