United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I see alot of picnics being scheduled in the east. How about the central part of the states? It is way too far for us to travel east even though I would love to just to be able to meet up with a few of you. Any plans for the central states yet?
Paula

Paula,
I'm interested in the same thing. There is one in Chicago in September, I believe. I'm in northwestern Wisconsin - where are you?

Also I notice that the emphasis with the picnics is on evaluations and that Dr. Nath is usually the surgeon on hand. It's wonderful that he's so willing to travel and participate, but has anyone ever contacted any other surgeons?

Personally I'm most interested in the social aspect of a picnic - meeting other families and sharing experiences.

Julie

We are in Kansas. The social aspect also is what I am most interested in as well but the evaluation won't hurt!!
We are about 13 hours from Houston and we will be going down there in about 3 weeks to have Aaron evaluated in person. It just seems that there are more people with BPIs in the east I guess that is why there are more picnics there?
P-

Just an FYI for clarity and perception purposes.... (not meant to start anything and certainly not meant in a negative way)

Private people or local (and independent) bpi groups are setting up the picnics/gatherings. They can invite whoever they want to invite...including all sorts of speakers, doctors, etc. But it's up to them.

Also, I think it's important to be reminded that these events have nothing to do with UBPN - they are just being posted on here as a way to get the word out to the community.

If you'd like to see certain things, speakers, doctors, etc at the gathering you want to attend - then contact the picnic coordinator directly and see if it's in his/her plan or possible.

For those of you who don't have a gathering close by - maybe this is the year to do it in your area! I am sure that any of the "seasoned" coordinators will be happy to step you through the initial planning, etc.

-francine

the other point I wanted to make is that I believe it's REALLY important to have gatherings JUST for the social aspect. There is SO MUCH value in just meeting the community - especially for the kids who need to know that there are others out there like them. (without the draw of having an evaluation).

Good point, Francine. I understand the picnics are arranged independently. Didn't mean to get any negative stuff going again! I'm thinking about trying to organize something in my area.

I do think it would be interesting to get three or four BPI specialists together on a panel to compare notes on some of the ongoing issues, like the timing of certain procedures, effectiveness of newer therapies, comparing the results of different techniques, etc. It's so difficult for parents to wade through the research, find the specialists, make educated but non-expert comparisons of the differences of opinion.

I so agree with ytou Fran, I love to see picnics and just nice gatherings where parents and kids can connect! That is a really valuable thing, connection!

Paula,

I e-mailed you!

Nancy

I think getting something in the central states would be wonderful. We are in Missouri and it is hard for us to travel far distances. I would be interested in helping get something started. I can be reached by e-mail: kzdunning02@aol.com or my phone is: 573-651-6250

Kimberly )