Erb's Palsy, Volleyball, and Marriya Mobley

I met Marriya, a young lady from Philly, after I sent out a mass email to the incoming freshman at Harcum College. I am the volleyball coach and was in need of players for the upcoming season. Mar introduced herself at the tryout and explained that although she loved volleyball she did have a physical limitation. Her right arm couldn't straighten completely and had limited range of motion. I was surprised she was trying out for a college volleyball team, but I gave her a chance. She couldn't pass well; or set at all. Mar was aware of her skill level, but she wanted to be involved. Desperate for players, I gave her a jersey. She was ecstatic. I told her she would only play in 1 or 2 games. She didn't mind, she had gotten her dream. Weight lifting was a problem. Mar couldn't physically do the lifts. I inquired about her arm, but Mar didn't really know. Erb's palsy was a disease her mom assumed she had after watching a TV show. Online I found information that was disheartening: Erb's Palsy is a paralysis of the arm caused by injury to the upper group of the arm's main nerves. One or two of every 1,000 babies have this condition. It is often caused when an infant's neck is stretched to the side during a difficult delivery. Most infants will recover both movement and feeling within six to twelve months of delivery. The injury rarely leaves permanent damage. I could not find sites related to Erb's Palsy for Adults. Mar was a hard worker. We developed a different passing style and adjusted her serve. She has a champion attitude. Many talented athletes would be great if they had even half of the heart that she has. Mar played in her first game on September 11, 2010. We won and Mar made 2 digs! On a bus ride, Mar explained through tears her parents wanted her to quit. She wasn't playing much and they figured a job would give her extra money for school. Mar doubted her value to the team but I reassured her of her importance. She was a true example of sportsmanship. Mar played in 17 of our 39 games; including our Regional Tournament (we won for the first time in our school's history). Many times opponents seemed to be humored at Mar's efforts. I don't know if Mar noticed, but I did. It made me angry to see these perfectly built and talented young women snickering about the sweetest and most hardworking player I've had as a coach. Mar deserved recognition beyond her skills. After the season I asked Mar over for breakfast and for her permission to share her story. She told me more about her life's adversity; explaining that her "dad" is her uncle and her mom is his second wife. Her biological parents died when she was two from AIDS. Her uncle adopted her and raised her with his first wife, but they divorced. She lived between both homes until she was taken away from her mother to live completely with her Uncle. He eventually remarried to his current wife. Mar is one remarkable young woman, please do her the honor and share her story.

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[aburdzel]

My son had nerve bypass surgery at Texas children's hospital

[Bourgo22]

that's great that your son was able to get that help! I hope he is doing well from it!

[UnholyMexican]

I have this in my right shoulder and trust me....it fucking sucks. I've become so self concious now and my left arm is becoming bigger which makes it worse.

[Bourgo22]

It can be so difficult at times to struggle with something that not many people can understand - I hope you can get physical therapy and support from family and friends! Don't let it define you - you are more than just your arm - keep striving toward your goals in life!

[Sonia Kozlowski]

thanks for the video. my child is almost 7 months and has erb's palsy following difficult birth. we are doing lots of physical therapy. 4 times a week plus excercises at home. his case did not need any surgery. i had hard time accepting his limitation and when i finally did i was convinced that my child would have something more than kids with no limitation. Mar confirmed what i thought for my little one. thanks for sharing.

[Bourgo22]

thanks for commenting - it is great that you have gotten physical therapy for your son!! I hope that he continues to grow and do wonderful things with his life! With a mom as caring as you, he is sure to do great things!

[Bourgo22]

awww so glad Mar can be an inspiration for you! She is a wonderful girl with a great heart :) I was her coach - we adjusted some of the weight lifting and exercises for her - so there is always something to do! One thing she noticed was that she got better range of motion the more she worked out - so keep up the good work, stay active, and always go for your dreams!!

[ahernandezstorck227]

love this video(: im 15 with erbs palsy in my left arm and i play foorball basketball and weightlifting. this shows that anythings possible! good job! keep it up.

[Bourgo22]

thank you!! Mar is a sweet girl :)

[caileyparkinson]

That was very inspiring (:

[Trish Dudley]

I am 35 and have Erb's in my left arm. I played sports but never volleyball. She has a great attitude!