Some other photos from PVA trip in Spokane

Here are some other photos from the trip to the National PVA games and all the events I attended

VISIT TO THE SHRINERS HOSPITAL – JULY 14TH, 2009

Both Tammy Wilber (State Coordinator) and I are former Shiner's patients, and I was so pleased to see how far research has come to help children and their families heal. Your tireless efforts to help children are selfless and beautiful. I am so glad you will be able to continue your work. The tour of the hospital with Doug from Rocklyn Medical, Tammy Wilber and myself, was enlightening and thank you so much for your time!

Rocklyn Medical Fulfills Jannette's Dream of Riding on a Harley

To Doug and Robin and the folks at Rocklyn, thanks for the wonderful welcome lunch. Your staff was amazingly welcoming and food, well, the chicken salad was the best. You are truly a company who puts the customer first and promotes independence. The Harley ride was a dream come true, it was better than I can ever imagine running to be. The countryside was beautiful and the bike....WOW!

ROCKLYN MEDICAL SUPPLY, INC. HOSTS LUNCH FOR MS. WHEELCHAIR WASHINGTON- JULY 14TH 2009

I was invited by Rocklyn Medical Supply, Inc. to come and speak to their staff about my role as Ms. Wheelchair Washington. Tammy Wilber, the State Coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Washington works for Rocklyn Medical Supply, as the Northwest Sales representative and it was so great to meet who she is working for.

Rocklyn Medical Supply, Inc. is primarily a disposable medical equipment and supply company that has been based in Davenport, Washington, since 1999. They service customers nationwide, and also internationally. They are a company that prides themselves on the personal service they give to all customers, and the CEO and founder, Doug Nachitgal, has a spinal cord injury. I truly believe in supporting companies owned by other with disabilities, because they understand the community they are serving!

Contact them at 1.888.378.2206 or visit their website at http://www.rocklynmedical.com/

PERSONAL MESSAGE TO THE NORTHWEST PARALYZED VETERANS ASSOCIATIONTo

Dave and Ernie of the Northwest PVA, I am truly grateful for your friendship and invitation to the games. You have both been nothing but generous to me since I was crowned at the PVA in February. Ernie, I appreciate your warmth and humor and Dave, like I said before, great opening speech I am sure everyone was moved like I was by your sincerity. To Matthew, thank you including me in the opening ceremony, your work and efforts on behalf of the Vets did not go unnoticed. I am sure Colorado has big shoes to fill at the 2010 games.

NATIONAL VETERANS GAMES OPENING CEREMONY- JULY 13TH, 2009

The opening ceremony was moving and made me swell with American pride. Veterans, you sense of independence and victory was felt by every onlooker who came to cheer you on. Even the National Anthem held fresh meaning for me as it played. You march into the convention center is what freedom is all about; in spite of numerous obstacles you have pressed forward and demanded nothing but the best from yourselves as veterans and as Americans.

VETS EXPO- MS. WHEELCHAIR WASHINGTON VISITS SOME GREAT COMPANIES– July 13th, 2009

TILITE WHEELCHAIRS
I truly enjoyed meeting and greeting veterans as the families fromand veterans stopped by the TiLite both. I have loved my Tilite wheelchair for years, and it was an honor to make an appearance at the TiLite booth and meet the wonderful people who work for TiLite. Thank you to Marty, Chad and Todd for graciously allowing me to befriend the Vets as they checked out all the merchandise and mingled.
http://www.tilite.com/

MAGIC WHEELS
I have never tried out Magic Wheels before, and just loved them! Jill at Magic wheels, thanks for your patience and I hope to outfit my ride with your awesome wheels. You kept me smiling.
http://www.magicwheels.com/

NATURAL FIT HANDRIMS
To Ron Boninger at Natural Fit Hand Rims, I am looking forward to outfitting my TiLite with rims that truly made getting around easier. I noticed a HUGE different pushing around with the demos I tried out. It will make a huge difference with my hand and wrist pain. Thank you!
http://www.3rivers.com/NaturalFitGateWay.php

MS. WHEELCHAIR WA, JANNETTE ATTENDS NATIONAL VETERANS GAMES IN SPOKANE, WA- JULY 10TH TO 13TH-

During the week I am privileged to spend the work day as a Mobilization and Deployment Specialist for the US Army at Fort Lewis, Washington. I see Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Middle East. They willingly separate themselves from their families and friends all for a cause and a call of duty. Often, I see Soldiers as they return at the deployment cycle's end happy to be on American soil and prepare for a homecoming often full of love, joy and the lives they left behind. Recent involvement with the Paralyzed Veterans has opened my eyes how far the arm of service reaches and takes hold of the image we hold dear: the image of the self and how we perceive it and use it to change the world. Over four days in Spokane, I marveled at the strength and humor and determination of service members who rose to the challenges of disability and displayed amazing athletic ability and patriotism. During the Expo, I enjoyed meeting veterans and smiling for pictures with America's finest heroes. To the Vets I greeted, thank you for sharing your stories. You make me proud to be an American and an American with a disability. Your years of struggle have cleared a path for individuals with disabilities who desired a place of meaning and significance in this magnificent country. Your supportive friends and family deserve recognition as well, the community of people with disabilities would not have progressed without your courage. So many veterans asked for a photo with me, I have to admit I was befuddled. I felt instead, that I should be asking for a photo with you; my real life, flesh and blood heroes.
My four day journey in Spokane was unforgettable. I am so proud to be a Washington girl who showed pride for her country, state and community this last week! There are so many people who desire to make difference in the world. It takes so much courage to look beyond the challenge held in our own reflection and yet, still, use our challenges to change the world. Thank you to all of you.

LUNCH WITH LOGAN MAGAZINE- JULY 11TH, 2009

To Logan, of Logan Magazine. Girl, you are the definition of beauty, humor and grace. Your magazine has inspired so many young women with disabilities to strive and reach for the stars. Your magazine is a gem and has been a long time coming to our community. You are an angel, let's meet again soon!
http://www.loganmagazine.com/

How Ms. Wheelchair WA spent the 4th of July

The Parade Toward Independence (photo is of Jannette's family)

I was born and raised in Washington and every Fourth of July has shared one commonality: the Steilacoom parade. Steilacoom is a small town that played host to military families for many years. As a civilian employee (at Fort Lewis), and Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2009, this year’s Independence Day parade held special significance for me. I sat on the sidewalk and observed Soldiers and Families from Fort Lewis’ I Corp, proudly presenting the colors and honoring the Prisoners of War who rode in decorated Hummer behind them. A wave of emotion swelled in me as people clapped and cheered. I considered my position. Many of these individuals have approached me; paperwork in hand prepared to travel overseas entrusting friends and family with the care of their beloved children. The Service Members’ sacrifice goes far beyond family separation ultimately represents a plight for independence and freedom. Observing the parade I was struck by something, the multifaceted concept of independence. On July Fourth, it is recognized as the day the United States declared itself a sovereign nation, separate from the United Kingdom’s rule. On any other day, what does independence mean? I believe it represents a profound ideal so intimately tied to our great nation’s history. Many who have proudly served, have returned home wounded not always prepared for the war they would face at home on familiar shores. Numerous men and women struggled for equal rights and opportunities while balancing the impact of life with an acquired disability. As a community, people living with disabilities have made profound progress thanks in part to our tireless veterans.

In closing, I offer up another view drastically different definition of independence. If you are reading this entry, may I ask you a question: have you been watching the parade of life pass you by, enjoying the accomplishments and accolades of others? Or, have you boldly joined in, awaiting a bright hope and purpose? Living with Cerebral Palsy has challenged my thought process and ultimately my personal concept of independence. The most profound obstacle I have faced has always had its inception in the confines of my mind. I frequently doubted my own potential because I gazed only the present obstacle not daring to look into the powerhouse of my untold, miraculous independence story.Whether you are able bodied or live with a physical disability may I challenge you to grasp life’s potential beyond the obstacles you face. Be so bold as to join the parade. A parade that finds it’s culmination in the avenues and byways of tomorrow. Take action by challenging the personal thoughts and practices that have for so long kept your fingertips from taking hold of something greater. Join in and press forward, if you need a little encouragement; look beside you. There are so many clapping and cheering you on; including me. Although it is a little late, I wish you a Happy and Independence Day and more importantly a joyful and fulfilling life. Come join me, life is waiting for you!

Jannette Saxton,Ms. Wheelchair WA 2009