I first learned about AMCSI and its annual conference in the summer 2013, but I was unable to attend. It was only a week before that I learned about it, so I started making plans for the following summer. To think that I had only seen one other person with AMC prior to turning 50 years old then to discover this organization. Life-changing to say the least. Now, I have connected with AMCers throughout the USA as well as with others in different countries. What a blessing that AMCSI has been to me. Meeting others. Sharing experiences and ideas. My times at the different conferences have been heartwarming, fulfilling, and humbling.
My name is Dajha Smith and I just recently had my 21st birthday and I have had Arthrogryposis my whole life. I am currently a junior in college studying Child Psychology, Business Administration, with a minor in pre law, and I just graduated with my Associates in Child Development. With all of that I want to open up a boys and girls for handicap children and be a Child Psychologist for them. I am just here to say that you can do ANYTHING you put your mind to and if you have children with AMC please don't downgrade them let them know that they can reach for the stars just like a normal person. If they have something that they want to try please just let them even if they fail at least they can say they tried. I know its hard not to do things for them but you have to let them be independent and make mistakes. I was in band in high school, theater, hero society and more because I never let anyone tell me I can't do something. And the most important thing to remember is to ALWAYS KEEP GOD FIRST because at the end of the day he has the last say so.
My 3 year old son has Arthrogryposis, and this support group has been wonderful for our family. We have attended two conventions where we were able to meet with hundreds of other families with members who also have AMC. This condition is very rare, so it is vitally important to be as educated and supported as possible - and we have learned to much and have so much comfort in knowing we are a part of this support group and are connected to all the other families.
This organization has been my saving grace. Last summer, I became the mother of a child with a mild case of AMC. Through this support group, I have had my hope renewed, and many, many questions answered. This group has shown me that children with AMC can thrive, and become well adjusted adults living close to "normal" lives. It has shown me that people with AMC don't have a disability, they have a "diff-ability". AMC'ers can do just about everything a 'typical' person does... they just may do it differently!
I don't even know where to start! AMCSI owns a major part of my heart! My daughter Bailey was born with AMC August 21st 2008, we were un-aware of any complications before birth so when she was born with AMC my Husband and I were very shocked and scared. Doctors were telling us of the thing's she wouldn't be able to do, the affects, the therapies and doctors she would need to see.. etc. It was a very overwhelming expierence and we were very frightened. We found AMCSI through an internet search when Bailey was a few months old and it was the BEST link I could have ever clicked on in my entire life. They took my family in like their own, offered support and most of all friendship. They made us realize that it was not about what Bailey wouldn't be able to do but about what she WOULD be able to do! They squashed our fears and opened our hearts! I couldn't ask for a better organization to be apart of! I'm so blessed to know many warm-hearted people through this support group and I am thankful everyday for them!