WYN INSPIRES
HELLO FELLOW BPI | ERBS PALSY STRONG WARRIORS!
My name is Wynnikka Matthews and I am a 26 year old Author, Writer, Advocate, Peer Mentor, Speaker, Community Healer & so much more. I am passionate about continuing to raise awareness for BPI | Erbs Palsy through advocacy, education, fundraising and sharing my own story. I self-published my memoir "Brighter Days Ahead" during BPI Awareness week 2018 to share my story and further raise awareness!!! Through book sales I was able to donate and give back to Organizations like the United Brachial Plexus Network. I want to continue to learn more about BPI | Erbs Palsy and share my knowledge with others. My ultimate goal is to connect with other BPI Strong Warriors, inspire and be inspired while continuing to raise awareness for our disability.
MY OBPI STORY
HELLO FELLOW BPI | ERBS PALSY STRONG WARRIORS!
My disability is a result of a birth injury where the C5 to T1 Nerves in my Brachial Plexus were completely ripped from the source causing permanent damage that cannot be reversed even after undergoing surgery. My right arm and hand suffered the most damage and is significantly smaller than my left and turned inward. I also lost fine motor movement. There’s lack of circulation and I find my arm to be cramped up and in pain most days even with stretching and BPI exercises. The pain often radiates in to my shoulders neck and back. Because I overcompensate with my left arm, my left side tends to be in pain some days as well.
My parents had no idea after I was born about this birth Injury so they felt much alone as parents raising a child with OBPI and learned most things on their own. There was no moral support around to help them through it. My parents tried their hardest to treat me like any other ordinary child and allowed me to do some things trying not to put any physical limitations on me, though I was already limited as long as I wasn’t putting myself at risk of hurting myself.
Growing up I’ve always felt alone with my OBPI because I knew NO ONE with the same thing as me. I felt like an outcast being the only one and my bullies never failed to remind me of it everyday, especially in elementary, taunting and mimicking me for being different than they were. I have struggled with self-confidence, self-esteem and learning how to ignore the words and actions of others who are ignorant and still make fun. As I grew to love myself more and accept my disability, I realize that people will love me for me. I know that BPI | Erbs Palsy will always be a part of me and anyone who rocks with me will have to accept that as well. Those who make fun must be uncomfortable with difference and their own self. That just exposes how much they need to mature and grow up. I've met so many bomb individuals living BPI | Erbs Palsy and they've inspired me as well with the incredible things they are doing in life and how they get through daily challenges that I can resonate with. Seeing the community has helped me to feel less alone and I want to help others feel the same.
Keynote speaking, advocating for others with special needs and joining BPI support groups or blogs has really helped me in finding support and connecting with others who are like me and understand what we go through, though we all have our own unique journeys.
