United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

HELLO, My six year wants to do cheerleading. Any suggestions on helping her and what can I share with the coach?
thanks

First off, bravo for to her for wanting to pursue this!

As for what to tell the coach: that depends on the amount of function you daughter has. Most likely, you will have to clue the coach in to an arm that might not straighten the same amount as the unaffected arm, that will be weaker and that might not be able to handle a object as well. If she can't support her weight on her affected arm, then handstands will be a problem. If she has figured out how to fake it, then all the better. Same with cartwheels.

good luck and have fun!
claudia

thanks for replying. i'm excited for her to start. she loves performing and this will definitely show her great personality. i will point out the arm to the coach. thanks again

I have a LOBPI. I would say my injury has not affected my movement to much. I can't straighten my arm, raise it over my head, or put it behind my back. I went to a small private school in junior high. There were only 10 girls in my class and only 6 of us wanted to be a cheerleader. So it was fun for me and my arm was not an issue.

However, I decided to try-out for the high school cheerleading squad. I informed the coach that I had limited movement in my arm. I was not choosen as a cheerleader,and when I asked the coach why she said it was because I could not straighten my arm or raise my arm over my head. I was heart broken.

I have an LOBPI. I was never a cheerleader (just didn't want to) but I was on danceline in high school. My arm wasn't extremely noticeable. I tried out with everyone else and made it every year without any problems. I told them I couldn't straighten my arm, but that apparently didn't influence their decision. And only one time in four years did anyone ever mention that my arm wasn't straight. After a marching competition we were listening to the tape of the judges' comments and one of them said something about my arm not being straight. I had a great experience with danceline and wouldn't have traded it for anything.

My daughter, Ruthie, just finished a week of clinics in preparation for cheerleading tryouts. She had been on the sophomore squad and captain of the JV squad. But, during the week, several coaches kept pointing out her not-quite-straight arm and her elbow that won't stay tucked into her side. She did not make the varsity squad for her senior year, so her cheerleading is over. She is heartbroken. Her regret now is that she didn't stay more involved in soccer where her arm wouldn't matter. UGGG.

When she became interested in cheering I was so amazed at her willingness to risk this criticism - that I just kept encouraging and praying.

On top of this sad week, she is having a humeral osteotomy on Friday morning.

Please keep a good thought for my Ruthie.

Thanks,
Nancy

I will have Ruthie in my Prayers this coming Friday ,that all goes well.
Please let us all know how Surgery & Post Rehab goes.

HUGS,HUGS(extra for Ruthie!!),
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI/68

Nancy,

I'll be praying for Ruthie.

Joanie

HI all;
This topic is near and dear to my heart because my almost 5 year old Katie has her little heart set on being a cheerleader. She still has a few years (3 years until pee wee league around our parts) before she puts on a uniform. However, I have always and will always tell her that she can do whatever she puts her mind to. It truly saddens me that coaches can use our little girls (or boys) injuries against them. The injured arm should not even be a consideration....it just all seems like discrimination to me. It's just not fair what our kids have to deal with.

OK, I'm done ranting. I applaud your girls efforts and encourage them to continue in their pursuits!! I'm cheering for them all!!

Love and Prayers,

Cheri, Mom to Katie, 4, LOBPI

P.S. Rutie is in our prayers as she goes through this difficult time and her surgery. I hope she has a speedy recovery!

Nancy,

Please forgive this question - but would you be willing to share what the humeral osteotomy surgery will help your Ruthie with? Our daughter, Aria, is 8 months old, and about 10 weeks post primary surgery. I read the posts from parents with older children so I can learn and be better prepared to help Aria.

Will the surgery help Ruthie gain more movement, or does it help to prevent secondary complications?

I hope this Friday goes smoothly for your family, and we will pray for Ruthie to get great results!

mica