Greetings!

This month, I would like to tell you about Peggy Ferguson, who currently holds the position of UBPN's Vice President. She has also served as the Within Reach Chairperson, as well as serving on the Board of Directors. Peggy hails from Belfair, Washington and is the co-founder of a local support group called Helping Hands (Greater Northwest Brachial Plexus Injury Support Group). She has been inspired to help those families affected by brachial plexus injuries since the birth of her daughter, Emma, in March of 1996 and has been volunteering doing just that since April 1997. She is married to Steve, and has two children: Joel (shoulder dystocia birth in June of 1994 with a transient neurological injury to the left arm) and Emma (permanent BPI to the right arm--Erb's and Klumpke's). Peggy obtained a BA in Industrial/Organization Psychology. She has worked for various government contractors doing technical documentation, but finds that her most rewarding work comes from helping families obtain the information and support needed for brachial plexus injuries.

Peggy is always full of energy and ever ready to lend a helping hand. I can see why she named her local support group "Helping Hands" because I think that describes her personality so well. Whenever we need someone to pitch in and fill in for someone at the last minute or in a tight spot, I know we can rely on Peggy.

Thanks Peggy, for all you do for our community!

I'd also like to use this opportunity to alert our community to an organization called SNAP Special Needs Advocate for Parents. SNAP's mission is to provide information, education, advocacy and referrals to families with children with special needs, of all ages and disabilities. They have created a unique program to assist those who are having problems with their medical insurance providers in obtaining the services and equipment they need for their children's injuries. This program is called the Medical Insurance Empowerment Program. Their website is www.snapinfo.org and their phone number is 888-310-9889.

Best wishes,

Nancy Birk, President
UBPN, Inc.