2016 Ms. Wheelchair Washington
Nicole Martini
Pierce College
Center of Independence
Last week I was a guest speaker for a conference being held at the Center of Independence in Lakewood, WA. The conference was for youth with disabilities transitioning into independence. There were about 20 youth present at a conference table, so I made the presentation like an intimate conversation, rather than talking at them. I shared my own struggles with my disabilities and the barriers of acceptance, employment, and resources that I have faced. I also shared my victories and successes. I implored all of them that they all have dreams and talents and as they take their talents boldly into the world, it opens the doors to their dreams. One topic that came up in the group discussion was their own fear of showing their talents to the world. I encouraged them that if they take a leap of faith and try even though they are scared, that great things will happen for them and they will be successful. My time with the youth was mutually inspiring!
Ms. Wheelchair Washington Fundraiser!!!
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Where do I even begin? I just arrived home from the most eventful, life changing week of my life! Last week I spent 6 days in Houston Texas competing for the title of Ms. Wheelchair America. The 6 days were packed with fun, workshops, making new friends and learning new tools and resources for disability advocacy. Some of the highlights of the trip for me were our day trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, dinner and dancing at a country BBQ, and all of the amazing workshop speakers that poured out knowledge and inspiration for all of us state title holders to be better advocates for people with disabilities. I had the privileged of hearing the stories of strong, independent women who use wheelchairs for mobility. I made friendships that will last a lifetime!! The last 2 days of the pageant consisted of our platform speeches and the crowning ceremony. I shared my platform of “Inclusion Revolution.” “Everyone has gifts and talents regardless of the body we have been given to live in this earth and when we take our talents out into the world, it breaks down the walls of discrimination.” During the crowning ceremony they announced the top 5. I was in the top 5 but my name was called last, so I was sweatin’ it. After the top 5 were announced each one of us gave our speeches again and were asked 2 questions by the judges one serious and one funny. My first question regarded healthcare for people with disabilities and my second question was “Tell us a funny story about being in a wheelchair.” I told the hilarious story of when I ran over a little boy on the first day of kindergarten. The audience was laughing. Then….. drum roll, was the announcement of fourth runner up, then 3rd runner up, then second runner up, and first runner up, which as the lovely Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee, then the defining moment, Ms. Wheelchair America is….. Ms. Washington!!! My heart lept with joy!!! I was given flowers, and my crown and sash. I was filled with joy and awe and my eyes filled with tears. I cannot wait to go into the U.S. this year and share my story and help the american public see that having a disability is cool!! My goal and mission is to visit all 50 states and make the Ms. Wheelchair America Program a household name
My fundraising efforts start immediately. If you are inspired to give to my travel fund. Please click on the donation button next to my blog. This is a safe Paypal link. Thank you all so much for your support and love!!! My life is forever changed!
Off to the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant
Preschools
I have had the opportunity to make 2 preschool appearances as Ms. Wheelchair Washington in the past 2 weeks. This was a great way to kick off “Ride the Wave” for the summer!!! The kids were a joy as always!!! I shared my story of my dreams come true in a preschool version, and encourage them that they too have dreams that can come true. I have each child share their dream, which for preschoolers can be both inspiring and comical. After they share their dreams I tell them they can help each others dreams come true through good words and kind actions towards one another. Then I have them tell me ways they can help each other’s dreams come true. My interactive demonstration for them was a puppet show, with Gerriss the Giraffe and a cardboard wave and a surfboard. The Giraffe shared his dream of being a surfer and rode the wave of his dreams. The kids love Gerriss! He inspires them to “riding the wave of happiness too their dreams.” Then I sang my original song “Ride the Wave” with a dance and hand motions. Not only is it fun to see the kids react too the presentation, but the teachers get really into it too. I had one teacher tell me he loved my lesson plan because he is a surfer and he knows the exhilaration of riding a wave. I am looking forward to more opportunities to speak too kids this summer!!
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Diversity
In the past few weeks I have had the privilege of being a guest to several diversity committees as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. The first was the Elma Diversity Committee. Elma is a very small town and has very little diversity, but the people on the Elma Diversity Committee really have a passion to open the minds and lives of the youth in Elma to more experiences with diversity. We spent the meeting brain storming ways to bring guests into the schools and taking the youth on trips to new and more diverse locations. The goal is to expose the youth to new experiences and people in order to press them past their comfort zone and set them up for success in interacting with the world. Elma School District has plans to have me as a guest speaker in the Fall. I was also a guest at the Tacoma Diversity Committee. It was so refreshing to hear the plans and efforts to celebrate diversity in Tacoma from advocacy efforts for the disabled and to education effort in the Tacoma Schools. I shared my story, my Ms. Wheelchair Washington platform and my future dreams with everyone in the committee. After the meeting ended I had several invitations to speak at events coming up this summer. Lastly, I attended the Pierce Transit Council meeting regarding the upcoming route cuts in public transportation. In order to give a voice to myself and others who rely solely on public transportation, I made a public comment “public transportation is the back bone of a community and we need to make every creative effort to salvage the Pierce County Transit system.” The committee later referenced my comment during their meeting which was a big victory! I feel so privileged to have this platform and the opportunity to have a voice in advocacy efforts in my community!
Ride the Wave
As Spring transitions into summer and schools are wrapping up the year, it is time to think and plan for some summer fun!!I have created a summer youth program called “Ride the Wave,” which will an extension of my platform as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. I will travel to summer camps all over Washington sharing my story and teaching youth the power behind positive life choices and relating the message to analogies of waves of creativity, inspiration and purpose. My “Ride the Wave” presentations will also consist of song, dance and interactive games. If you have a summer program you would like me to attend, please email me!
Ms. Wheelchair America Fundraiser
The fundraiser for me, Ms. Wheelchair Washington, was amazing!! All the money from the fundraiser goes towards sending me to the national competition for Ms. Wheelchair America. The competition will be held in Houston, Texas from July 15th through the 21st. The fundraiser was so magical. I was really anxiously awaiting this event all week. Family and friends gathered together to support and celebrate the accomplishment of being Ms. Wheelchair Washington. I felt so loved!! Everything flowed beautifully. The first hour people slowly filed in a mingled, I flitted around like a butterfly saying hi and taking pictures. Then dinner was served. While the guests were eating dinner they were entertained by vocalists and dancers and I went backstage and changed into my dance outfit. I was so self-conscious in my outfit at first. I’m not use to wearing dance clothes. I’ve been a closet dancer for years and this was my first live dance performance. I was so nervous, but once I got on stage I felt magical energy coming out of me! It was a thrilling experience to dance! I’m forever changed. After my dance performance my dear friend Rob and MC for the night filled the audience in on my platform and our friendship story as I went backstage and changed back into my dress, crown and sash. Then I came out and shared my vision as Ms. Wheelchair Washington to change schools with the message of “The Power of Words” and to start and integrated arts program called Pure Expressions. Then I sang “Thank You for the Music” to share my gratitude for their support. Then we finished off the night with dancing!!!! When I left the event I felt like I was flying! I am so excited to go to nationals!!
Peninsula High School
Jeremiah Gibbs Fundraiser
Lowell Elementary
Seattle Adaptive Sports Fundraiser
This event was just pure fun!! It was a fundraiser for Seattle Adaptive Sports. There was an auction and a basket ball game between local students and the Seattle Sonics Wheelchair Basketball team. Of course the Sonics totally creamed the local students
I sang the national anthem for the game and got to meet and inspire guests to give to a worthy cause.
Eatonville High School
Disability Awareness Day happens every spring at Eatonville High School. I spoke for this event last year, being there for a second time was incredible! More so because I could see how far I have come from the last time I spoke there last year. I was there for the whole school day. For the large assemble I spoke on “Creating and Environment of Vision.” I am learning the power of vulnerability, so I shared my personal experience of reaching my goals as a motivational speaker through positive words and support from friends and family. I implored them that they too could help each other reach there dreams and discover their purpose through positive words and actions. I also sang an original song that was inspired by the students and their hearts to be excellent in diversity awareness. Then I went into 6 different classrooms and shared my story in a small group setting. I split the students up into small groups and asked inquisitive questions about their perception of disabilities and how to respond to people who are disabled. The small groups were so amazing and the students really responded to the questions and peer interactions positively. I also had the privilege of meeting with the Teaching Academy students who’s sole purpose in meeting is to prepare for a future working in education. We had an amazing conversation about incorporating the inclusion model of education into their visions. I also visited the special education classroom. I came away from the day with a greater resolve to advocate for the inclusion model of education, which would include students with disabilities in the classroom with mainstream students through support from staff and peers.
Ravishing Women's Conference
I am Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2013!!!
This past weekend I had the great privilege of participating in the 2013 Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. It was a magical day full of opportunities to connect with amazing people! Not only was it an incredible day connecting and collaborating with like-minded people, but I was also crowned Ms. Wheelchair Washington!! This is a dream come true! As Ms. Wheelchair Washington my platform is “The Power of Words.” I will be taking the message of the anti-bullying campaign that I started called “The Power of Words” too the youth of Washington State. I started this campaign through my motivational speaking business, SHIFT. The “Power of Words” campaign is already in motion as I have already spoken at several schools this year. In my presentations I share my story and experience with bullying in school. I also share the healing experience of positive support from my friends and family. Through my story and inspirational admonishment, I empower students with the message that they too can built each other up through positive words and actions. The Ms. Wheelchair Washington Title opens up so many new doors of opportunity to take “The Power of Words” to the greater area of Washington State!!! I also have a passion for the arts; singing, dancing, and acting. When I was in school I had many opportunities to be part of the arts through school stage productions, but when I entered the adult world my disability impeded me from being included in mainstream theaters’ productions. Fortunately, I recently got involved with an integrated dance group called Light in Motion, in Seattle, which is an inclusive group, incorporating able bodied and disabled persons in art of dance. Being part of this group has been empowering as I have had the chance to be part of the arts again! As Ms. Wheelchair Washington my vision is to start an inclusive arts program in Tacoma, where people of all abilities can dance, sing, act and SHINE! I am so honored to carry the platform of “The Power of Words” as Ms. Wheelchair Washington, for the State of Washington!!!
Farewell Speech 2010
I have many personal goals that I still want to accomplish including making the H.O.P.E.S. Foundation a successful organization. H.O.P.E.S. stands for Helping Others Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually. The goals of the H.O.P.E.S. Foundation are the same goals that drove my best friend, Tony McCane, to be the advocate that he was. He passed away from a lung infection less than two months into my reign as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. My entire year was dedicated to him.
If there is anything that I can leave all of you with, it is that just because people have disabilities, does not mean we have limits, and together we are stronger when we empower, encourage and support one another. Limitations need not be an obstacle, yet instead be seen as an opportunity. We all have challenges in life, and it is how we choose to face those challenges that define who we are.
I am looking forward to working with and getting to know the next Ms. Wheelchair Washington! I am so blessed to be permanently involved with this wonderful group of women!
Thank you to everyone who has helped to make my year as Ms. Wheelchair Washington a success that will never be forgotten!
Blessings,
Krystal Monteros
Words of Encouragement
Just because you have a disability does not mean that you have limits. With the right mindset and support of those around you, you can go as far as your heart can take you. I am a living example of this. I have gone through many ups and downs. Yet with God’s help, I have been able to come out of each one of those ups and downs, a stronger person. God has allowed me to accomplish and experience many things.
Aside from all of my accomplishments, I have had many setbacks as well. I am a strong believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason. I believe that all my setbacks and trials that I have been faced with were only to make me stronger than I was before. Therefore, there is no room to complain about anything. Each heartache or unexpected circumstance played its role in making me who I have become. It is because of the pre-judgments, wrongful stereotypes, lack of inclusion and misunderstandings of people living with a disability that I am so passionate about the work that I do to advocate for people living with disabilities. If I had not personally experienced all of these things, I would not have had a reason to work so hard to make a positive impact in today’s world.
With all of that being said, it is important that everyone take their times of trial and turn them into an accomplishment. Anyone has the ability to do that! We can overcome anything!
I hope all of you continue to be encouraged by the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program!
Aside from all of my accomplishments, I have had many setbacks as well. I am a strong believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason. I believe that all my setbacks and trials that I have been faced with were only to make me stronger than I was before. Therefore, there is no room to complain about anything. Each heartache or unexpected circumstance played its role in making me who I have become. It is because of the pre-judgments, wrongful stereotypes, lack of inclusion and misunderstandings of people living with a disability that I am so passionate about the work that I do to advocate for people living with disabilities. If I had not personally experienced all of these things, I would not have had a reason to work so hard to make a positive impact in today’s world.
With all of that being said, it is important that everyone take their times of trial and turn them into an accomplishment. Anyone has the ability to do that! We can overcome anything!
I hope all of you continue to be encouraged by the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program!
Nina's Thoughts
I Had To Say Thank You
We parked in the designated disabled parking with the no parking zone on the side in order to alow the van's ramp down. It was the only spot we could use. We parked one night and noticed someone had parked in the marked off area and was blocking us from getting back into the van and leaving. We had plans set for that day so I told the office that it needed to be moved within an hour. And it was moved without delaying our plans for the day. Because our issues were mostly with the no parking zone, I suggested that they repaint the lines to make it more dominant. When I made the suggestion it was 11pm. I left the hotel room at 8am the following morning and the lines were already repainted.
Aside from the parking situations, when Torrance and I were first checking in, they told us that the accessible rooms were all slightly different. They allowed us to view all of our choices of rooms and pick which one would fit us best. While looking at our choice of rooms, we noticed that they had shower benches in all the bathrooms but the way they had the shower chairs would mean that the person's back would be to the knob that turns on the water. This would be a very dangerous obstacle for a person to have to transfer in and out of the shower while the water is running... Therefore making everything more slippery and easier to lose control and fall. If they only changed the rooms in which they placed the shower chairs, in order to allow the hotel's guests to actually face the direction of the shower head and knob while taking a shower, the problem would be fixed. Before our stay at the hotel ended, the chairs were moved to the proper rooms that would allow them to be safely utilized.
Every single problem Torrance and I had while staying at this hotel was fixed almost immediately. It really made us feel like we were valued guests. Whereas many times when a person speaks up about these types of things, we get ignored or put off to the side. I wanted to write this article to give them as many props as possible. They deserve every ounce of it. I want to say Thank You to them for making my stay with Torrance at their hotel, one that I will never forget because of their great hospitality. I would recommend this hotel to anyone living life on a wheelchair! Thank you to all the employee's at that hotel!
Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant
A Personal Story
I developed an infection after the initial corrective surgery. Even though I was under the care of the most respected specialists in Orange County, no one could figure out where the infection was coming from. I started to loose a lot of weight because I could not hold any food down anymore.
Although I was just a child, I live with the physical and emotional scares and pain from this experience every day. My back did not completely close after the HBO treatments. I still have a 1-inch hole on my lower back that never closed. The original surgery, scheduled for January 2, 1995, turned into an experience that would impact, and remain with me, for the rest of my life in an unbelievable way. I have now turned what most would consider a traumatic experience, into a reason to keep going and be a mentor and advocate for all those living with a disability. Always remember, everything happens for a reason! I am a living testimony of that. Even though you may not see it now, as long as you keep the right mindset, there can always be a life changing, positive outcome in every situation. Be encouraged!
Varilite Models
Center For Independence
New State Coordinator
TiLite
Blue Path
New Mobility
Annual Get Together
Paraplegic News
All American Girl Pageant
On February 27, 2010 I was invited to attend the All American Girl Pageant in Marysville, WA. It was such an honor to be a judge for this wonderful program. It was an experience that I will never forget. The talent within all the young girls was truly breath taking. All the girls were filled with so much positive energy! Like the Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program, the All American Girl Pageant does not focus on beauty. Instead, the program focuses on poise, personality and stage presence. Aside from the contestants, I had the chance to meet a large number of caring women who are dedicated to enriching the lives of, not only the participants of the pageant, but people everywhere. These are definitely friendships that will help me to continue on my mission to advocate for people with disabilities. Thank you to everyone who made it possible for me to get involved with the All American Girl Pageant!
Tony's Memorial
Kiwanna's Club
On March 3, 2010 I was invited to speak at a Kiwanna’s Club meeting in Kent, WA. I enjoyed this engaging group of people very much. They were indulged in everything I had to say and welcomed me with open arms. They are all so friendly and made me feel very comfortable from the start. When I finished talking, they all were still interested in learning more about what I stood for and who I am. I had a very nice time with the Kiwanna’s Club and would be happy to go back any day!
FAMILY
Up until now, I haven’t really bothered to talk much about my family, where I come from, or how I grew up. Well, I was born and raised in Anaheim, CA. My mother is Native American and Spaniard. My father is Mexican and Native American. I am unbelievably happy that I grew up in the Hispanic family culture! The Hispanic culture is such an authentic culture. I am blessed to be born into a culture with so many different values and ways of life.
The one thing that I absolutely adore about my culture is the strong sense and meaning of “family”! To us, family is the most important thing in the world! You only have one family. Nothing can ever change who your family members are. Family is the one thing that you have from the start to the end of your life. Sure we get mad, upsetand annoyed with each other. But there are always those special family barbeques , birthday parties, and surprise family reunions. No matter what happens, family is the only thing that will never go anywhere. There is no such thing as being alone with no family around you. In my family, you never leave your family for any reason. Whether we are your full blood family, half blood family, in-laws, step family (brothers, sisters etc.), adopted family, or close family friends… We are all still a FAMILY! No matter how big the family is, it is always your responsibility to make sure that they are all happy and have everything they need to survive, no matter what we have to sacrifice. I would never trade my family, culture and upbringing for anything on this earth! It is what formed me into who I am today. And today, when it comes down to it, I have absolutely nothing to complain about! I have been blessed with a family that can never be replaced!
I know for a fact, if it wasn’t for my family background and culture, I would not have the heart that I have. I have a heart to help people. Any place that I see I am able to do something to help, I’m there! No questions asked. Being Ms. Wheelchair Washington is giving me so many wonderful opportunities to lend a helping hand to a lot of different people. It may be just speaking motivational words. It may be just being in the same room. It may be just a phone call. It may be helping promoting or putting an event together. No matter what, I know I am contributing to changing someone’s life for the better. And that is what I live for!
HOPES Update
Thank you to all who came out to support me and the HOPES Foundation last weekend at the Destiny Classic Festival. We had a tremendous outcome! We had wheelchair basketball games, food, music, games and vendors. I got the chance to meet so many people who showed me nothing but encouragement in everything I choose to embark on! So many people came out to learn more about the HOPES Foundation, how it originated and where it is going. We are doing big things! Together we can go as far as God will take us! I am so unbelievably blessed to be such a big part of the formation, promotion and management of the HOPES Foundation! If anyone wants to get more information about the HOPES Foundation, please go to www.hopesfoundation.org. Thank you to everyone who has shown any form of support for the HOPES Foundation! It is greatly appreciated my so many people!
1 Year Anniversary!!!
Where to start… Where to start… Where to start? Well, I have always been very up tight about the men I choose to date. I am currently coming up on my one year anniversary with my boyfriend, Torrance. The thing that is cool about our relationship is the fact that we both utilize wheelchairs for our mobility on a daily basis. I was born with Spina Bifida and I am paralyzed from my knees down. My boyfriend had a snowboarding accident at the age of 14. He crashed into a tree and it left him having to depend on a power wheelchair for his mobility.
At the end of the day, when both of our situations tie into our relationship with each other, we have many advantages and challenges at the same time. One of the challenges that we’ve faced is accommodating two wheelchairs in a limited disabled sitting area. For example, we wanted to go to a long awaited night out together. We decided to catch a movie. The theater only had two spots for wheelchairs to sit within the selected disabled seating area. By the time we arrived, there was already one man who used a wheelchair in the designated area for wheelchairs. In order for us to be able to even sit near each other on our special night out, we had to figure out how to fit three wheelchairs into an area designated to fit only two wheelchairs. Luckily, the guy who was there before us was a very nice man and worked with us to figure out the best way to solve the problem. It took some creative thinking (that really should not have been necessary) but we were able to enjoy our movie together in the end.
Of course, with every challenge comes its advantage. One of the best advantages that I have in my relationship with Torrance is the fact that no matter what the situation is, I don’t have to be scared or embarrassed of any issue I face. Anything that comes up, I know Torrance will be there to support and encourage me though the obstacles. This isn’t just because he’s my boyfriend and I know he loves me. It is also because he knows exactly why I’m frustrated. He knows why I’m mad. Why I’m sad; why I’m confused; why I’m relieved, thankful, excited, accomplished or proud. Many times, even though I have other people that I know also love me, they don’t see what Torrance can see in me. But its not their fault. They don’t live with my challenges, so they can’t be expected to completely understand my emotions regarding them. Torrance has not experienced my exact challenges either but he has experienced some of the challenges that I have to a different degree. Therefore, he understands me and why I’m so happy that I finally figured out how to get the box off the top shelf.
I am so grateful that Torrance has come into my life! I am looking forward to the next year of our life together and all the new things it will bring! I LOVE YOU TORRANCE!!!!
I'm a Nina!!!
The other thing that I’ve been thinking about is… My twin sister is pregnant! It is her first pregnancy and I am so excited to go through this process with her. I have gone to every docter’s appointment with her so far. I just found out, I’m going to be the baby’s Nina! For those of you that don’t know, in the Hispanic culture, a Nina is basically the same thing as God parents. Often times the Nina is a member of the family.
I have so much fun with my youngest niece now. I cant wait to have another baby around that I can develop my special bond with. I cant wait to be a Nina!
Staying Healthy!!!
At the age of nine I was diagnosed with scoliosis. The docter said I had to have immediate surgery to fix the problem because it was leaning towards my heart. What started as a two week stay for one surgery, turned into a 6 month stay for 16 surgeries. The entire process left me on bed rest for 9 months once I was discharged from the hospital. I had to wear a back brace 24/7 for a year, every time I was not laying down flat. In the end, all the strength I had built up from my dad doing exercises with me since birth was gone. I had to start from the beginning.
I began physical therapy twice a week for strength and balance training. Because I worked so hard, as a kid, with my dad to get my physical independence, I couldn’t just give up. I was determined to get it back. It’s because of this time period that I developed a strong passion for working out, sports and staying healthy. I got into horseback riding, track n’ field, wheelchair basketball and weight lifting. I began to attend the JAWS camp on a regular basis. I now have participated in many three mile walks for a variety of different charities and organizations.
I have always loved strength training, working out and boxing. For the past year I have been working on so many different projects, that I found myself forgetting about my health and fitness. I started working with my best friend to open a disability gym. After a lot of ups and downs, the disability gym is on its way here. If I am going to represent this disability gym, I have to lead by example. As of June 1, 2010, I made a pact with my twin sister. We are both going to support each other in our missions to stay healthy. We are going to the gym together three days a week. Although its not a disability gym, with my sister’s help, I am able to get a very good work out into my system. At the same time, we have a good workout into my system. At the same time, my sister and I have a good reason to get together and hangout in the midst of everything we have going on in our own lives. We are getting back on track to a better life together, physically, emotionally and spiritually!!!!
Prestijess Adaptive Apparel
While being in attendance at the Los Angeles Abilities Expo, I met many new fabulous people! I started going around the different booths because I wanted to find a booth that was selling hats. I approached the Jarah Ala Menn booth and began to converse with the founder of the company, Latrice Anderson. Before I knew it, I was looking at all her clothing products, meeting her family and exchanging numbers with her. I am so glad that I got the chance to meet Latrice! She is such a great woman who is going to high places! I look forward to doing further work with her to help promote her wonderful mission filled adaptive clothing business! Look out for my future work with Jarah Ala Menn Women’s Adaptive Clothing Line!
JAWS Camp
Social Networks
My first social site was www.myspace.com. It was weird because I didn’t even want to join MySpace. A friend made me a profile and I didn’t even use it for a good four months or so. Once I became active on MySpace, everything began to change! I had the desire to meet other people living with a disability. That is exactly what happened! I now have an account with, not only MySpace, but Facebook, Pushrim and Holdin’ out for a Hero.
I use my MySpace account mainly for family now. My Facebook account is the one that I use most frequently. Facebook has been absolutely wonderful for keeping up with my church family and all my advocacy for people living with disabilities. Pushrim is a fairly new social network that is aimed towards people who utilize wheelchairs and their families. This social network has been such a blessing to me in the way that I have been able to meet an enormous number of people, not only who face the same issues as myself, but have goals, visions and dreams for themselves. I have met people from all over the world who are doing a variety of things to advocate for people with disabilities. Everything from starting their own organizations, rap groups, comedy, students, broadcasters… Anything you can possibly think of is on Pushrim! I met up with an old friend because of Pushrim. If you haven’t already done so, please check out www.pushrim.com and make yourself a profile!
I heard about Holdin’ Out For a Hero through the Spina Bifida Association of Washington State. I am fairly new to the site and haven’t had the chance to explore it like I would like to. Holdin’ Out For a Hero is dedicated to people living with Spina Bifida. I look forward to continuing my membership with Holdin’ Out For a Hero. I think it is a wonderful idea to meet people who not only know what its like to live life sitting down, but have the same issues to face due to the onset of their disability.
In the end, I am a complete supporter of joining every social network that has a positive purpose behind it. If you join a social network with a negative purpose or no purpose at all, you will probably get a negative outcome. I have had nothing but success with the social networks I’ve choose to join. Sure I’ve had my share of awkward situations but when you have a mission to accomplish, you won’t let anything stop or distract you. I simply ignore the awkward situations and push forward in reaching for my goals, advocating for people with disabilities and encouraging everyone to live their lives with no limits. So always remember, life is what you make it! Its up to you to make your life worth living!
HOPES Fundraiser
Ms. Wheelchair America!!!
I can’t stop thinking about the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant! It’s on my mind all the time! I can’t wait to meet the other wonderful women out there that are doing something to advocate and prove that there are no limits as to what you can accomplish. All of us can go anywhere our hearts lead us to go with the support of each other! We have to continue to help each other physically, emotionally and spiritually. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a few of the other women representing their state’s with the Ms. Wheelchair title for this year! I can’t wait to meet and get to know everyone else! Let’s do it ladies!
Cookie Lee
As I reported before, I have gotten an incredible amount of support from everyone around me. I just wanted to thank one more person, Lee Ann Tuohy! I met Lee Ann at the All American Girl fundraiser for Sami Schubert a few weeks ago. She is a wonderful representative for Cookie Lee. She was helping Sami raise the funds to attend her national pageant to compete for the All American Girl by selling Cookie Lee products for her. We started talking and Lee Ann offered to do the same for me to raise the funds to get to the national competition to compete for the Ms. Wheelchair America title. We have everything straightened out and Lee Ann will be at Tacoma Christian Center selling her Cookie Lee products on May 30th and June 6th after both services. Come out and get some awesome new jewelry and help me get to the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant on August 8th in Grand Rapids, Michigan all at the same time! First service is at 9am; second service is at 11am. Thank you Lee Ann!!!
Nationals With Klarissa
Church Family Support
In order to get to all my speaking engagements and the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant, I have been doing a lot of fundraising. Thank you to everyone who has donated! It is greatly appreciated beyond what you could ever imagine! I would not be able to do it without you! Special thanks to my church family at Tacoma Christian Center! You all have helped me so much in every way! Thank you for supporting me and never leaving my side! Since joining this spirit filled chirch family, back in 2006, I have grown so much in my relationship with Christ, as well as my mental and phsical health. Thank you for everything Pastor Harris for leading and guiding me to a better life with my Lord Jesus Christ! There is truly no one eI love my church family so much! I don't know where I would be without you Tacoma Christian Center! I consider myself extremely blessed to have found you.
Walk N' Roll Update
All American Girl Fundraiser
On May 12, 2010 I went to an All American Girl fundraiser for Sami Schubert. Just like I am working to raise money to get to my national competition to compete for Ms. Wheelchair America 2010, she is trying to raise money to get to her national competition to compete for All American Girl 2010. There was a Cookie Lee representative there selling jewelry to benefit Sami’s fundraising efforts. Everyone there had an awesome time! It was so much fun! I was able to get some great pieces of Cookie Lee jewelry to wear at my national competition! I want to say “thank you” to Beth , Sami’s mom, for not only inviting me to attend this fundraiser but helping me get there as well. Good luck Sami!
Traveling Challenges
As luck would have it, we looked at our room and it was not the accessible room that we had requested and reserved. We could not even fit into the door of the bathroom! We kept talking and realized the only accessible room they had was already taken. It would not be available for another four days. They tried to work with us the best that they could and offered us a bigger room for the same price. With the new room, we could at least get into the bathroom and use the toilet and sink, but the layout and size of the bathroom made it impossible for my boyfriend or myself to use the shower. At that point, there was nothing else left that we could do to better our situations. So we just accepted it and went to bed.
For four days we had to brainstorm ways to shower. Instead of having a van to enjoy our vacation time together, we had to find ways to get where we needed to go. I had responsibility to attend the Abilities Expo and Ms. Wheelchair California pageant. My boyfriend and I rolled through West L.A. for 45 minutes each way to get to and from the Expo. My brother drove on his days off from Whittier to Los Angeles to take us to the Expo. Then he traveled back to Santa Ana to take the van back that we could not use.
After Torrance and I met with Tammy (Ms. Wheelchair Washington Program Coordinator) and Meg (Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2008), we all got together to confront the company that wouldn’t give us a refund. After some explanation, we were completely reimbursed for the van within a couple of days. Even though we got our money back, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the complication from the van took away from our planned time away from home. We did end up getting into the only accessible room the hotel had eventually. We were rolling around to Mac Aurther Park, the Convention Center and the local stores. We took the bus to Disneyland and the Subway to Hollywood! So it was still a great time together!
A lot of the time, people don’t think about how “little” things like wider doorways and hand controls can change things. We got through it, but when it comes down to it, we really should not have had to go through it. There is no reason as to why a hotel cannot have more than one accessible room. Or for an accessible car dealership to have more than just one van with hand controls. The only reason why is because the law only requires that they have one van with hand controls and one accessible room. Why cant the country raise their standards? Why can’t businesses start thinking more about pleasing those with disabilities, rather than meeting the very least regulations required by the government in order for them to continue making their money?
It’s situations like the one that I recently experienced that make me so passionate about being an advocate for people with disabilities. Things will never change unless we get more people who are willing to stand up and say something about the challenges we face. What may be difficult for you, does not have to be the same way for the next person. So why not, not only stand up for your rights as an American, but help your fellow “high roller” to not have to face the same struggles that you have faced?
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