United Brachial Plexus Network

its been a long time since i've posted here. a very long time but i felt a need to post because i can remember all the support i got from this message board in the past and i wanted to post a message of hope for all the new families that are going through this...i know its hard. marlin, is 9 now. she's had 6 surgeries and will likely need another at some point in time, but she is fine...her c5,c6 were ruptured and c7avulsed. a pretty serious injury...some are better and some are much worse...i am so thankful for all the doctors at texas children's hospital, most of whom are no longer with us, but the pioneered the treatments that she recieved and were a blessing to everyone who is now going through this ordeal...if it weren't for them, i'm not sure if she would have the positive outcome that she's had.

also, its important for the parents to understand that all the hard work and the research really does pay off in the end...challenge your therapists to try new things, don't give up, be persistant and pat yourself on the back from time to time...without your love and unwillingness to give up our children wouldn't have these amazing chances to have function of their arms...i feel so blessed that she is the child that she is today...some of the obstacles have developed her into who she is and some of the benefits she has recieved from treatment will help make her the person that she wants to be.

marlin is just a regular kid...plain vanilla, happy and healthy...so for all of you who worry about your children...keep fighting but know that they will find their way...they will gain something from the experience that they are going through and it will make them stronger...

peace and love to all of you in this holiday season...