United Brachial Plexus Network

A little background...Maia is on the drumline at school- she's in 3rd grade and was chosen out of 68 kids to be on the drumline after a long audition. She's been playing drums as part of her group music classes since she was a toddler (kindermusik/musik garten).

Well this weekend, she has a gig! They will be playing half time at the Harlem Globetrotters game in Philly at our huge Wachovia Center. And she's playing her xylophone one-handed with two bongers because she's casted now (serial casting) for elbow contracture.

I'm just so excited for her. Who would have thought - I never would have believed in the early days that Maia would be a multiple instrument musician and be so successful. (she plays piano, cello, xylophone and regular drums).

I remember crying at a July 4th event when I saw two kids playing ball - that Maia would NEVER be able to catch a ball... boy did I cry. She was just over a year old and I was deeply depressed and didn't know what the future would bring.

I am posting this because there seem to be a few new mommmies here now and I just wanted to let you know that the kids can do anything they want - even if they only use one arm. It is what it is and sometimes the best is not what you expect. Maia's best is actually one-armed and boy is she successful at it! I can't wait for this weekend!

Just let your kids do whatever they want to do and have fun!

Way to go Maia!!!

That is one positive I have taken from this injury - the ability to appreciate the things our children do, that in some cases other parents take for granted.

Way to go Maia, you area strong little girl....you go girl !!! GAYLE And a Harlem Globetrotters game...wow, I am jealous !!!

Awww, that is so awesome! Take lots of pics to share with us. You are going to have tears rolling down your cheeks! What a great opportunity for Maia! Enjoy the show.
~Krista~

WOW!!! Francine that is so great you must be one of the proudest moms in the whole drumline. Congrats Mare

WOW Congrats to Maia - that is awesome!!

Congratulations Maia!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck to you and go out there and have a ball!
Francine, see all the hard work and efforts you and Maia have done have benefitted
Enjoy the show, the Harlem Globetrotters are a great show to see!
Elisabeth Mahoney


Message was edited by: tweetybirdkim

Yea Maia!!! Good luck this weekend, I'm sure you will be great!! We want to see pictures!

Mazel Tov!! What an accomplishment for Maia, being able to play so many instruments!

Yes, if we can't do things with both hands, we learn to do it with one. In Junior High and High School gym classes I shot baskets from an over-the-shoulder position with my non-injured arm, while the other girls were only allowed to use a chest shot. I couldn't have done the chest shot to save my life, but sometimes I made that basket with the shot that I could do.

Maybe Maia will be "discovered" at that game. You and Maia would be able to do so much towards awareness in the general community.

Joanie