For More Information Contact:
United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.
1-866-877-7004
Website: www.ubpn.org

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The United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. (UBPN) and its Awareness Committee are pleased to announce the [number] Annual Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week, to be held on [date].   Members of the brachial plexus injury community from around the world will be participating in the week-long event, the goal of which is to increase general awareness regarding brachial plexus injuries: traumatic injuries that can result in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms.

Brachial plexus injuries often occur during the birthing process. Availability of brachial plexus statistics varies widely, but where figures are available the general consensus is that brachial plexus injuries occur in 2-5 out of 1000 births. More children suffer from brachial plexus injuries sustained at birth than Down Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy – yet information on this disability is not so readily obtained.

Other causes of brachial plexus injuries include: automobile, motorcycle or boating accidents; sports injuries ("burners" or "stingers"); animal bites; gunshot or puncture wounds; as a result of specific medical treatments / procedures / and surgeries or viral diseases. Adults who incur traumatic brachial plexus injuries often suffer from severe and chronic pain and struggle to find support, information and adequate medical care.

Events planned for Awareness Week include local and regional gatherings around the world, official state and local proclamation presentations, bell-ringing ceremonies to "ring in awareness," candle-lighting ceremonies to "bring brachial plexus injuries to light," extensive distribution of informational materials to members of the general population as well as the medical community; local and national media campaigns; and outreach efforts in schools, workplaces, and places of worship.

To learn more about the [number] Annual Brachial Plexus Injury Awareness Week, please visit: www.ubpn.org or call them toll-free at 1-866-877-7004.