United Brachial Plexus Network

This October, I’ll be running the Marine Corps Marathon and raising money for the United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN). I was born with a brachial plexus injury during a difficult delivery, which left me with only one functioning arm.

I’ve lived with it my whole life, and while it’s had its challenges, I’ve found ways to adapt and keep doing the things I love—whether that’s sailing, cycling, or chasing my 6-year-old around. Training for a marathon is a new challenge for me, and it feels like the right time to take it on.

UBPN does incredible work connecting people with brachial plexus injuries, sharing resources, and building a community where people can learn from each other. If you’re able, I’d be grateful for your support.

Aiming to raise money for a organization that’s support nerve palsy an conditions I grew up with and will have my whole life

In the face of a staggering setback, the need for compassion has never been greater. There was a partnership agreement between a large benefactor and UBPN, and the benefactor did not fulfill their agreement, thrusting the United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN), a wholly volunteer-led nonprofit, into a profound crisis. This harsh reality jeopardizes a vital lifeline for children battling a brachial plexus injury - our 2024 camp in Potosi, Missouri.

Imagine the life of a child affected by a brachial plexus injury. From the moment they enter the world, they face challenges most of us can scarcely comprehend. A simple wave, a gentle embrace, the ease of tying a shoelace - tasks we take for granted are mountains they must climb daily. These children confront not only physical barriers but also emotional ones, often feeling isolated in their struggles.

Since 2001, our camp has been more than just a retreat; it's a magical place where these barriers dissolve. Here, children with brachial plexus injuries find a community that understands and embraces them. They engage in activities tailored to their abilities receive therapeutic support, and most importantly, they connect with others who share their journey. It's a rare chance for them to feel unburdened, to laugh, play, and simply be kids. Our camps are held every other year.

But now, this sanctuary is at risk. We need to raise $25,000 by July to keep the dream of this camp alive. Your donation can be the difference between isolation and community, despair and hope for these brave young souls. UBPN is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as a lifeline for families grappling with the consequences of brachial plexus injuries, which can lead to partial to total paralysis of either arm. This condition affects 2-3 in every 1000 births, a statistic that underlines the urgency and importance of our mission.

You have the power to be the hero in these children's lives. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a beacon of hope. It sends a powerful message - that they are not alone, that their struggles are seen, that their joy matters. If you cannot donate, sharing our story can also create ripples of change. Every act of support, no matter how small, contributes to a larger narrative of compassion and resilience.

Let's not let these children face their challenges alone. Join us in this heartfelt mission. Be the hero they look up to. Together, let's turn this adversity into an outpouring of love and support, transforming these unexpected lemons into the sweetest, most nurturing lemonade.

With deepest gratitude,

UBPN Boad of Directors and the Brachial Plexus Injury Community