Story submitted by Kasey Anderson on September 29, 1999 at 15:36:38:
Kasey Anderson is 37, from Converse, In USA.
Family:Husband, Cary 38 Cory 11 Kyle 9 and Kegan 5
It was my father-in law's urging that led me to this website. You see, My oldest son, Cory was born with a severe brachial plexus injury to his left arm. So I have lived with this reality for 11 years. I have sat here glued to the computer, tears flowing freely all afternoon as I have read story after story of people just beginning their journey of dealing with BP injuries. Cory was born July 17, 1988 weighing 11 lbs. The delivery was induced, and my doctor had told me that he would probably do a c-section because the baby was huge, and he didn't think I could push him down. Anyway, after 2 days of induction, he was born. He was blue and life-less, and was taken away immediately. He was 4 days old before I ever got to hold him. We knew immediately that there was something wrong with his left arm. He was diagnosed with Erbs Palsy and Horner's Syndrome which affected his left eye. We began therapy and shock therapy right away. We were told that he would be fine in 6 months to a year. But this was not the case. We were referred to Dr. William Klieneman at the Hand Center in Indianapolis, In. He has since performed 2 surgeries on our son. The first was a "Hoffer transfer" which gave Cory shoulder function where there had been virtually none before. The second wasn't as successful, but was also a transfer to aid in finger extension. To this day, he can only open his hand partially and only with much conscious effort. Needless to say, we began pursuing legal action against the DR. that delivered him. At first we went to a large law firm in Indianapolis. We were told by their "expert" that we didn't have a case. We were discouraged, but decided to focus our efforts on our son's welfare. Well, before the first surgery, we met with a family from Ft, Wayne, In. whose daughter had had the surgery already and it was a great success. They, not only encouraged us to have the surgery, but they also gave us the name of their lawyer who was pursuing their malpractice case for them. To make a long story short, although it took years to settle, we settled out of court the week before the trial was to begin for the maximum amount allowed at that time in malpractice cases. And now, at least financially, our son is set for life. Cory is a great kid who makes straight A's, plays football, on a traveling soccer team, basketball, and yes just made the all-star team last year in little league. He also runs cross-country and takes great pride in never having lost in a grade school meet. He has never once complained or asked why me? He does anything he wants it just may be a little different than everyone else. One of his favorite expressions is "Nobody trains for second place". One big plus for him is thay we live in a very small town and he has gone to school with the same children since he was 3 years old, so there has never been a problem with name calling. He is very popular and has a very positive outlook on life. He makes us so proud. So for all of you parents out there who are just beginning your journey with bpi, even if they never regain full function, it will be okay. Just encourage them to do what they want, don't make excuses for them, and don't let them make excuses for themselves. If you could meet Cory, you,too would be inspired by him. I am his mother and he inspires and amazes me everyday. By the way, my second son weighed 11lbs. 2oz. at birth and the doctor made me quit pushing and reached inside of me and snapped his collar-bone in half to get him out. My third son weighed 11 lbs. 14 oz. at birth and I demanded a c-section with him. Otherwise, I feel I woul have had 2 sons with bpi. Anyone out there who is pregnant and suspects that you are carrying a big baby, demand to know!!! It could save your baby's life. Anyone interested in our lawyer's name or who wants more information, please feel free to e-mail me at corya@nxco.com P.S. Everyone will be happy to know that shortly after Cory's delivery, the Dr that delivered him quit
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