United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

From Tom Iam a Master diver and I drive a semi.I have ERBS in my left arm and my left elbow was factured at birth to.Rule 1 parents should never think there not doing the best that they can for there child.Get all the information you can surgery or theophy Etc..than Rule 2 Find theophy that steaches the arm give your child a ball to grab and above all make the theophy fun to do even swinging on a swing will streach a arm and to grasp,the child will play and still get the exercise they need.Rule 3 never stop a child from trying to do things. sure there will be things that they are unable to do but in fact no one can do every thing.But the real joy for bouth parent and child is when you can find things that you can do. Im Tom and thats how I have lived my Life all you can do is try I am 52 ..GOD Bless

Thanks Tom! What wonderful advice!

Kim

Great advice Tom!! I am 31 wiht it in my left arm. I got an e mail today from a mom who's son had to put his baseball glove on his right hand then take it off to throw the ball. I too used to be that way. After lots of practice I eventually could catch with my left hand. Small gradual steps and we are all on our way to better usage!! I'd love to talk to you more. Let me know!! Take care and I want to learn how to dive also!! I love the water!!
Keep me posted!
Rachel (Montana)

Just for a interesting fact I saw a program on Pbs tv a time ago where a baseball team was made up by amutes and the only way you got to be on this team was one of your arms were missing.Everytime I see people overcoming a disibility there way it just makes me happy and it gust adds to my determination.Superman use to fly and now he trying to walk again which makes him more super.Water is one gift to a disabled person if you like to swim.I have dove many Islands and did over 200 dives.You go to a Dive shop they will get you in a pool to start.you use your one arm to swim speed means nothing in diving you only use the air in your tank faster.The instruction is at your pace and after you dive for awhile you dont even use one arm to swim thats a fact.Ive been on dives with people getting out of a wheelchair and dive.So its about determination and to over come a disibility your way just stay strong!..Godbless!

I tryed to E mail you but it didnt go threw so I answerd on the message board.