I asked for a state proclamation from the Governor of Massachusetts

[richinma2005]

And it was easy to do!

Hi Richard,

On behalf of Governor Patrick, thank you for your proclamation request. I have put your request in our queue and will touch base with you in September.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Have a great day,

Mary Kate



__________________________
Mary Kate Feeney
Office of Governor Deval Patrick
State House, Room 280
Boston, MA 02133
Office: 617-725-4005
Fax: 617-727-9725





From: Richard Looby [mailto:richard@ubpn.org]
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:07 PM
To: Services, Constituent (GOV)
Subject: Proclamation Request

Dear Governor Patrick,

I am writing to request that you proclaim the week of October 19th-24th 2008 as Brachial Plexus Awareness Week in the state of Massachusetts. Your proclamation would be in conjunction with other cities, states and countries around the world to promote awareness of brachial plexus injuries.

Brachial plexus injuries often occur during the birthing process (Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Injury or OBPI). Availability of brachial plexus statistics vary widely, but the general consensus is that brachial plexus injuries occur in 2-5 out of 1000 births, yet information on this disability is not so readily obtained. Other causes of brachial plexus injuries include: vehicle accidents; sports injuries; animal bites; gunshot or puncture wounds; as a result of specific medical treatments 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.

My daughter Kailyn suffered a brachial plexus injury at birth that resulted in paralysis of her left arm and hand. She underwent surgery at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, MA and has continues to receive physical and occupational therapy 11 years later. There are many other children like my child throughout this state and in the world who will participate in awareness activities the week of October 19th-25th 2008.

The United Brachial Plexus Network is planning various activities across the country to promote awareness of these injuries during Awareness Week. Your proclamation of Awareness week will provide many others the knowledge that there is a place to receive the information they need.

Thank you for your attention in this matter, Governor Patrick. We would be honored to have your support.

Enclosed please find the format for the proclamation. Additionally here is a link to our Outreach magazine to give you an idea of our organization. This publication is mailed out to almost 4000 families: http://ubpn.org/SP2007.pdf

Sincerely,
Richard J. Looby
President of UBPN
Reading, MA 01867

[Tanya in NY]

I sent in my request for NY State, today! Hopefully I'll have a great response from our Governor, David Paterson as he is well aware of what is like to live with a disability (he's legally blind). Thanks for the inspiration Rich.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 5 years old

[Kath]

Tanya
I read Rich's letter and thought I should get one off for NY. Glad to see you are on top of it. Let's hope he signs it.

Kath robpi/adult/NY

[mamaofsix]

Great letter! I will be sending one off for Missouri!

Rich, would you send me a copy of the proclamation format so that I can include it with my letter? stlbpi@yahoo.com


Message was edited by: mamaoftwo

[Tanya in NY]

http://ubpn.org/awareness/A2002proclamation.html

Proclamation format

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 5 years old

[mamaofsix]

OK! I called and got the proclamation request guidelines from the Governor's office and it was easy! They wanted it to be emailed, I emailed it, and now we wait! I will give an update when I hear from them.

[richinma2005]

Super Job!

It's easy and raises awareness! WHo is going to do it for their state next!!!

http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Governors.shtml

[brandonsmom]

I got Illinois, getting ready to work on it right now !!!
GAYLE
Zion, Illinois

[JamieMarie'smommie]

I just sent an email to the gov of New Hampshire asking for one.

Amanda(mom to Jamie 3yrsold ROBPI in nh)

[brandonsmom]

Rich,
Can I copy and paste your letter to your governor and change as needed for our request to Illinois? I am feeling LAZY TODAY !!!

GAYLE