United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Great News! I don't know if Caralyn has been on here to tell you yet but she has some bicep movement!! It's amazing, she just started noticing that she was able to swing her arm more and so she started experimenting with it and discovered that she could actually make her arm turn over and she can actually hold it at an angle. We were all so excited. Her doctor was just ecstatic. We go back to the Mayo Clinic in June, where they will let us know what else they can do, if anything. We are just so thrilled to get some kind of movement, any movement is better than no movement. Caralyn is 15 yrs old and avulsed c5,6,7,8 and T1 along with her phrenic nerve and carotid artery on her right side on January 14, 2005. Inner tubes and utility poles at night do not mix. We were so grateful to be able to go to the BPI camp this last fall and all the wonderful people we met there. She still talks about everyone she met there. Thank you all for being there for us. (But Im also sorry that there are so many)
Rene

Hi Rene,

This sure is exciting news. I am so happy for Caralyn. Hope you receive good news at the Mayo Clinic next month. Let us know what they say.

Caralyn keep up the great work, and again this is really exciting.

It was great to meet you both at camp this past Sept. also. I look forward to seeing you at camp 2007, if I don't get up to Anchorage before then.

Hugs to you both,

Karen

Rene and Caralyn that is so awesome!!! I am glad that you are seeing improvements! I hope that your Mayo appt goes great in June. When is Caralyn's appointment in June?
Keep up the good work Caralyn!
Hugs,
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Rene & Caralyn,

I am beyond thrilled for you both!!! I know as a mother, Rene, your pain has been almost worse than Caralyn's as you watch your child suffer and wish you could take it for her. You notice Caralyn, I said "almost worse". As one who has this injury, I don't think anyone who doesn't have it can truly comprehend the pain and frustration. I'm praying that this is the start of a lot more movement in your arm!

God bless you and guide your Doctors!

Love & Prayers

Susie

YEAH!!!! I am soo happy to hear this... kepp us posted!!

Courtney

Caralyn & Rene, That is some really good news! Good luck on your trip to Mayo and keep us informed. hope she keeps getting stronger and moving more. After such a long time, that first bit of movement is pretty exciting, isnt it???

Priscilla (mom to James-RTBPI-age 13)

Congratulations!! I bet Caralyn is so excited to see some movement in her arm finally. What a great feat to overcome and now she has her work cut out for her to continue to get more movement. That is so great. Please keep us informed on how your appointment goes.
*HUGS*
Rachel (lobpi Montana)

Oh my goodness! How exciting to hear about this great news. I am sure you must be jumping for joy.

Caralyn I am looking forward to hearing more good news.

Kath (robpi/adult)

That is super! My daughter, Melanie is 20 years old and she just had surgery 3 weeks ago at Mayo. I can't wait for the day when I can yell that she has movement!

FANTASTIC news Renee!! Give Cara a BIIIIIG hug from me, and one to yourself too!! Neil sends hugs too...

It was so great meeting you both at the UBPN camp. I remember how worried you were that the surgery Caralyn had might not have been beneficial. I hope we did all manage to put your minds at rest a little bit over that one, but now at last, you can see the proof. Things will get better and Cara's muscles will get stronger bit by bit every day now. Can't wait to see you both at the next camp in 2007 and check on progress!!

All the best

Lizzy F and Neil xxx