Tolani Ajayi founded The Brachial Plexus Care Foundation in 2014, in an effort to provide support for families that have been impacted by brachial plexus injuries. As a newborn, she sustained a severe brachial plexus injury to her left arm. However, she was able to undergo multiple necessary surgeries that contributed to her ability to live successfully with her injury. However, she realized that this is not a luxury everyone has access to and made a promise to herself that she would do anything she could to help those in need of corrective surgeries, occupational therapy, and emotional support.
A Word From Tolani Ajayi
Having sustained a brachial plexus injury at birth, I understand the necessity for support as these injuries have not only physical implications but also mental implications. My initial prognosis was not hopeful. My parents were told that my injury was severe and was expected to worsen overtime. As a child, I did not understand what was going on because my arm was always the same to me. Children are extremely resilient, but imagine the feelings caregivers must have when they wonder how their child’s quality of life will be as they grow older. I want to do everything in my power to alleviate the stress related to financial costs, highlight the importance of support in all realms, and inform others about brachial plexus injuries with hopes of reducing their prevalence.