United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello,
My name is Ruby and I have Erbs Palsy in my left arm. I've had it all my like ( of course) and its been 16 years! But that doen't stop me from doing the things that i enjoy doing. I've been in Dance for 13 going on 14 years now. I perform all the time at my Performing arts High School as a Dance major, with my Dance school once a year, and with a small up coming Dance company. I've even recieved an award for "Best Dancer in Grade level" once!! That was AWESOME! I have also been playing the Piano now for 10 years recieving private lessons once a week, and participating in the annual recital. Erbs will not stop me from what I love to do because I know that I am no different from everyone else. It will not bring me down for I am proud that I am able to accomplish the things that I do! If you have a physical injury don't let it bring you down!!I am a 16 yr old senior in high school and I just want to say: "Do what you want to do, live life, have fun because life is short."
Peace and God Bless.

Ruby,

You sound like you have a great out look on life. I know that your family must be really proud for you to accomplish all that you have.

I also believe your as "limited" as you want to be. I am a 31 ROBPI. I know my limitations.

Wow! the piano. I wanted to play the piano, but my arm/shoulder/hands said no way!

Keep doing what your doing, apparently it works.

Take care,

Deanna

Hey Ruby,
I congratulate you on all of your accomplishments. I just wanted to let you know that you are totally right to be only s limited as you want to be. I am also a 16 year old with Erb's Palsy. I have never let it stop me. I have played softball since I was in the third grade. I will be a junior this fall. I was even in gymnastics for a year.
Any way If you want to talk more you can email me at hope16_05@hotmail--- or yahoo.
And if you have msn messenger mine is hope16_05
By the way my name is Amy and my erb's palsy is on my right side.

You all are so inspiring. I teach High School and was greatly encouraged to see people who are older "going for it" despite what others say and despite what their possible limitations might be. Hope 16 - My 4 month old ROBPI is named Amy too. Amy means "beloved". Her middle name is Lauren which means "victory." I hope she inspires others like you. Keep the spirit, Debbie

thankyou so much for posting,
it means alot to many moms I am sure!
Ruby, did you have any surgery?

Ruby - if you don't mind I will be printing off your post and saving it in a scrapbook for Maia. You have no idea how much it helps us to hear from people like you! It gives us so much hope for our kids! I hope we get to meet you some day.

Thank you so much!
big hugs,
francine

Debbie, that is neat to know that your little girl shares my name, which I found another meaning for--serene in spirit, a beloved friend--I like that one. My middle name also starts with L but is lynn. Any way Thanks for saying that, stuff like that is what keeps me going. I will keep the spirit. And always remember to tell your little Amy to shoot for the stars. She can do whatever she sets her mind to.
Amy