United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Did anyone else see the June 2002 Readers Digest where Martin Sheen talks about suffering a injury to his left arm during his delivery- because the doctor used forceps?!! He says his arm is still 3 inches shorter than the other but I dont think he knows he has an obpi!! Let me know if anyone else read this- I think we should contact him and get his support!


All the best-
Sandra

I don't think he would welcome such a contact, he seems to have got over his injury pretty well, people do NOT like to be known chiefly for their 'disabilities'.

I'm not being funny here, or trying to cause a row, but I think it would be pretty rude of someone to contact a person because of his or her 'disability' alone...I know I would be. How would you feel?

..part of my message above got left off for some reason...what I meant to say was I would be mortified if I was contacted in this way..and I am no way famous...think about how this would feel...

I did send Martin Sheen a letter with copies of Outreach through his agent. Believe me, someone like Mr. Sheen has people who screens his mail and if it is meant to get through to him, then it will.

I have followed Mr. Sheen's career with considerable interest not knowing that he had a bpi, but because of his stance on issues of social activism. He is not your usual Hollywood actor, but is a man with convictions about social injustice who acts upon them. It such a letter did get through to him I don't think he would be offended.

Nancy

I do not see what the big problem is for identifying to someone what they might have.

I personally would appreciate info that was sent nicely. I cannot imagine how he would be offended. After all he was very open about his arm in the interview.

Gayle

Thanks Nancy for your post about this...I did not doubt that you or the UBPN committee would contact someone regarding this with care and consideration, particularly as you have an OBPI yourself.

I wanted to point out that not everyone who has a BPI would appreciate being approached simply because of their injury/disability without regard for how it would make them feel about it...it's a difficult balance to strike I think between letting the person know there are others in the same 'boat' and leaving someone alone who may not be happy about being reminded (even for the best possible reasons)about something that they may have not fully come to terms with even years later. Not everyone has a team of publicists and and P.A's to screen their mail.

I have problems myself striking this balance almost daily with the adult TBPI group. It can be a tough one.

having an OBPI does not appear to be a disability to Mr Sheen and I seriously doubt he would take offense to it,
just my opinion~
as someone pointed out he has positive activist traits and would probably welcome the nformatioon, in his shoes, I would-

Lizzy

I am trying to understand your point of view, which you are completely entitled to. However, I feel the need to share my view as well. I think contacting him is a great idea! I do not think it is by any means rude and I am sorry that you would be mortified if you were approached due to a birth injury. Famous people are still humans with hearts and compassion. I cannot imagine how someone would not be interested in learning more or possibly helping other people, especially innocent babies and children. This injury is devastating and a pure shame, and all of us need to unite to have a fighting chance of promoting change. Actually, I know of many famous people who take very active interests in social causes and issues close to their heart. They often feel it is a way they can give back and use their fame in a positive, productive way to help others.