United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

We are having a support group meeting in Oklahoma City on October 25. My husband and I are so excited about this meeting. I have passed out some flyers to orthotist, therapist, local library posted. Any suggestions on how to contact more people. Any suggestions will be deeply appreciated about ideas for the meeting. I have some ideas of what we will talk about but all tips are appreciated. Thanks.

BRACHIAL PLEXUS AWARENESS
Birth injury
SUPPORT GROUP AND SHARE INFORMATION WITH OTHERS

Saturday, October 25, 2003
THE HUNT APARTMENTS CLUB HOUSE
10:30 A.M.
3016 SW 89TH STREET

Come meet other families affected by Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Share information that you may have to help others and learn from others about their own experiences.

Contact Teresa Sharpsteen at 405-692-1922 for more information.
The Hunt Apartments is not affiliated with this support group.
Call Teresa Sharpsteen at 405-692-1922.

Teresa:
ubpn is in the process of making support groups easier to set up. Although we will not be "sanctioning" support groups, we will be setting up a registry which will make it easier to find people in your area.
Here are some of the ideas I have for you:

1. you don't mention if kids are invited or not, you need to make that clear
2. you should not shoulder the entire burden of food, drink, etc. ask people to bring something specific (cups, lemonade...)
3. do you have a "professional" coming? or is it just families getting together? and by professional I mean an ot or pt or psychologist, not just a doctor.
4. do you plan to have a list of topics to discuss? surgery vs. no surgery, dealing with school, guilt or do you plan to have the families just talk amongst themselves?
5. until people get to know each other, it is probably easier to have a speaker or to use a universal topic like school. Surgery vs. non surgery can be very touchy.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

claudia strobing
Within Reach Chairperson

claudia thank you for your advise. To add to my message - Bring your family. I'm talking w/ a PT from SoonerStart, who may be able to attend.