Our daughter, Nadia, was born with a birth palsy to her left arm and has undergone therapy from the time she was two weeks old to current. We were told by our first pediatrician that nothing was wrong with her arm and to give it two months. Feeling very frightened and worried about our newborn not being able to move her arm at all, we went for a second opinion. We were told by our pediatrician that Nadia needed to begin therapy, but nothing about the type of palsy or the effects it would have on her life or even if she would gain use of her arm.

Thankfully, Nadia is now two years old and has made tremendous improvement. This past May 2007 we were told that Nadia reached her maximum potential use of her left arm. She had 80-percent usage with tightness in her elbow. All along we have been researching her Brachial Plexus and have read things on the internet. The facts state that one out of 10,000 births are effected by this palsy, but non of the professionals, including specialist, we seen would tell us much about Brachial Plexus. We were frustrated and running out of options. Then we were told about University of Michigan Brachial Plexus Clinic and decided to take Nadia for an evaluation this past May.

The doctors at the University of Michigan Brachial Plexus Clinic told us about her palsy and showed us detailed diagrams of what muscles and nerves that were exactly effected. Just from three months of being part of the program, Nadia already has 90-percent usage of her left arm by the use of casting and splinting techniques used by her Occupational Therapy, Denise Justice. I really wish we would have known about this program when she was born. I strongly believe Nadia would be even further along. We see two occupational therapists that are so helpful and knowledgeable about Nadia's palsy. Their passion for what they do is reflected in every visit. We even took part in a the making of a DVD that is being made for medical professionals and patients that will explain Brachial Plexus. As well as common feelings, concerns, and continuing care that will aid in the awareness of these birth injuries and resources for educating the lives that are effected. I am very thankful for the clinic and will continue to take the one and half hour commute so that my daughter gets the care she needs to live a life with the maximum use of her arm. My only wish is that the clinic will be able to continue its efforts to educate and reach more lives that are effected by Brachial Plexus.

- Anonymous

Kudos to you and your staff for creating such an excellent video! Loryn is willingly and independently doing her exercises daily. I noticed an unexpected benefit that came with your instructional video. Loryn is taking responsibility upon herself to make sure she is doing her exercises. This is a huge step for her emotionally. It appears to me that for the first time in her life she has gained some independence and control over her disability rather always being the patient. THANK YOU!

The Brachial Plexus Group at the University of Michigan has helped us tremendously in learning about and understanding Colin's conditions. First off, the team approach to the initial clinic visit is wonderful -- all of the specialists in one room -- all with an intimate knowledge in Brachial Plexus! I often say that I wished that Colin was born here, instead of San Francisco. Colin follows with Lynette Rasmussen, OT, who has helped us tremendously in learning how the nerve damage has affected his specific muscle groups, and what we can do to increase the mobility in his right arm. He does stretching, core strengthening and weight resistance training once a week. She also put together a home program that we use every day.

I can't say enough about this wonderful group of folks. I have learned so much from them and am so thankful that I moved to Ann Arbor.

We wish to thank you for all the medical assistance and treatment given to our son at the UMHS. It was a great experience to have our son seen by all the doctors at one time. The clinic has educated us tremendously on providing us with ideas and information on dealing with our son's palsy.

We look forward to learning more about brachial Plexus as the information that was given to us by your staff was very helpful in dealing with our son's disability. He has met all of his goals, and is still improving so much from the treatment received from your staff at the UMHS. The custom brace he received as well as the Botox Treatment Injection was highly effective; and proved to be more than what we expected. We hope to continue receiving exciting news on the latest procedures that UMHS has to offer.