United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have asked myself this question many times in my life. Imagine two normal (and I use the term as a generalization) arms.
Would I be the same as I am today? A very self-sufficient person with many abilities and a positive attitude towards life. I show compassion and empathy towards others with or without BPI. I celebrate each and everyday above the ground. Moreover, I like whom I am as a person. I live a life that I only have known all of my years. Compared to TBPI, which, in itself is life changing. I have never known the gift of being able to be an athlete or just to be able to utilize both arms at 100%. However, throughout my process of adjusting to my daily my daily life, I have been very surprised at what I can do with ROBPI. There is a saying that a broken clock is correct two times of the day...so never give up on anyone.

Tony (ASC)
ROBPI/Adult

A positive outlook in life will bring many things to you. My daughter 16, robpi says she wouldn't change her injury. It has helped mold and develop who she is. She would likely give up the pain of course, but she is a strong, empathetic young woman with a bright future. I'm proud of who she is.

I strongly believe I'd be a 75 year old cranky Librarian and have beautiful teeth too.
Carolyn J
LOBPI/75+++++

Without OBPI, I would not be me. I am strong minded, determined, positive person because I had to be to function at all. OBPI children have two constant companions, one is challenge the other is frustration. From a very early age we learn to deal with challenges because everything we attempt to do is a challenge and we have to creatively conquer all obstacles . We deal with frustrations long before we are mature enough to handle them. I feel that is why so many of the adult OBPI have really good sense of humor. I would not change anything at this point in my life. Because I am OBPI I've met so many wonderful people, via UBPB, many who truly are dear friends today. My view of the world is broader and my compassion has no limits. Being OBPI was not the focus of my life. It did not stop me from anything I truly wanted to do, it limited me in many areas but everyone has limits. Because I am OBPI I attempted and conquered so many thing that others thought I would never be able to do. A positive outlook is very important. We could sit back and have pity parties or realize that everyone has challenges and we are no different.