Nerve Transfer Surgery is a Success for Logan

“He’s perfect the way he is"

Even though Logan’s family drives over 15 hours from Virginia Beach to Cincinnati Children’s Brachial Plexus Center, they can’t imagine being anywhere else. Logan has been treated since he was 3 months old by Roger Cornwall, MD. When Dr. Cornwall came to Cincinnati from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Logan’s family decided to make the switch with him.

“We fell in love with Dr. Cornwall when he first treated Logan as a baby,” says Cory, Logan’s mother. “Now we love the whole Cincinnati Brachial Plexus team.”

Having a group of interdisciplinary specialists was new to Logan’s family. “When we first came to Cincinnati Children’s, I was surprised when so many people came in the exam room,” says Cory. “But now I think it is awesome how each team member addresses different aspects of Logan’s needs.” 

For example, Allison Allgier, OTR/L, communicates regularly with Logan’s local physical therapist to explain the team’s therapy plan for Logan. “Everyone on staff looks out for Logan,” Cory says.

“Another reason we chose Cincinnati Children’s is to support research on brachial plexus injuries,” explains Cory. “This is really important to us.” The Brachial Plexus team is involved in several research studies, including one that examines how nerve injuries affect muscle growth.

Logan was born with a severe brachial plexus birth injury that left his right arm limp. With the help of two nerve transfer surgeries, consistent therapy and a positive attitude, he doesn’t let it slow him down at all. “He figures out a way to do everything he wants to do,” says Cory. “He didn’t crawl, but he scooted around. It was the cutest thing.”

Cory and her husband, Mike, remember feeling scared at the beginning of their journey with Logan’s injury. Now they feel relief because they have seen the progress he has made over the years. “He is doing awesome,” says Cory. “He has finger movement and he can put his arm up over his head really well. He runs, jumps and wrestles with his Daddy. He doesn’t let his injury stop him at all.”

Despite the challenges they have faced, Cory says having a child with a brachial plexus birth injury has only made them stronger. “He’s just a regular child—always playing and having fun,” she says. “He’s perfect the way he is. If I could go back and do this over again, I wouldn’t change anything.”

Logan's Mom Gives Advice for Other Families

Cincinnati Children’s Guest Services is a helpful resource for out-of-town families. “Guest Services often has discounts on hotel rooms and free tickets to area events, such as the Cincinnati Children’s Museum,” says Cory. “We try to make the trip a little vacation by having fun while we are here.”