Sample Proclamation letter

[hope16_05]

Many people are interested in writing to their senators to declare a proclamation for their states. Below is a sample letter that you can tweak and send to your state senator if a proclamation has not been requested as of now.

DATE HERE
YOUR SENATOR’S NAME HERE
SENATORS INFO HERE
Dear Mr./Mrs. SENATOR:

INTRO AS TO WHY YOU ARE SEEKING A PROCLAMATION
Brachial plexus injuries affect the network of nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, hand and fingers and can result in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms. This injury can occur as a result of trauma such as automobile; motorcycle or boating accidents; sports injuries ("burners" or "stingers"); animal bites; gunshot or puncture wounds; as a result of specific medical treatments / procedures / and surgeries or due to viral diseases. However, brachial plexus injuries occur most often during the birthing process. Approximately 2-5 per 1000 newborns are affected by brachial plexus injuries. Obstetrical injury can be prevented by careful monitoring of pregnant women exhibiting any or all of the documented risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus birth injuries; and the proper use of recommended maneuvers during delivery of a shoulder dystocia baby can help prevent the occurrence of these injuries. Changing positioning during the first and second stages of labor can dramatically reduce the incidence of shoulder dystocia, thus eliminate the resulting complications.
Persons affected by brachial plexus injuries experience pain in muscle, joints and ligaments; weakness, atrophy and numbness of the affected limb; and sometimes respiratory difficulties as well. Persons affected by brachial plexus injuries can experience secondary issues which may include sensory integration, learning disabilities, low tone (hypotonia), developmental delays, speech dysfunction, chronic ear infections on the affected side, possible hearing loss, nail bed dysfunction, weakness of the foot on the affected side, postural issues that may eventually lead to scoliosis and other secondary health issues. This injury is a cradle to grave injury and requires a lifetime of care and compensation on the part of those injured and their families.
Brachial plexus injuries present unique challenges for all those affected, including challenges related to having the full use of only one arm as well as the challenges associated with having a disability of any kind in our contemporary society. Those affected by brachial plexus injuries often experience delayed diagnosis and lack of access to information related to current and ground-breaking treatment options, including surgical procedures available that could enhance function of the affected limb. Early intervention by specialized physicians and experienced occupational and physical therapists is essential for optimum functional improvement related to a brachial plexus injury. The lack of information related to current treatment protocol and outcome expectations for brachial plexus injuries hinders government agencies in their efforts to provide appropriate benefits and services to those in serious need;
The brachial plexus injury community are requesting your Proclamation declaring the third week in October as Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week to help inform and educate the general public, the medical community, and individuals with brachial plexus injuries and their families. With this proclamation we hope to increase understanding, prevention and awareness of brachial plexus injuries and ensure hope of a better future for people affected. Awareness of this injury is the key to Prevention.
Thank you for your support Mr./Mrs. SENATOR.
YOUR NAME HERE
YOUR CONTACT INFO HERE


Check this web site for your state's senators name and contact info: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_i ... rs_cfm.cfm

I hope this helps all those that are willing to write letters to their senators for a state proclamation
Amy
Awareness Committee

[Carolyn J]

Thanks AMY!
I am going to try again this year. Your letter makes it easy for me.
HUgs,
Carolyn J