Farewell Speech 2010

This past year as Ms. Wheelchair Washington has been one of many challenges and accomplishments. I was able to challenge myself to go to places and do things that I had never done before. Being given the ability to put my passions and dreams for people living with disabilities into action is something that I will cherish forever. Winning the title of Ms. Wheelchair Washington enabled me to jump start my life journey as an strong advocate for people living with disabilities.

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!

Nina's Thoughts

So... I told all of you a couple months ago that I was going to be a Nina. Well, my twin sister gave birth to her healthy baby boy on November 6, 2010! I am having the time of my life being the Nina (God-Mother) to Lil' Johnny IV! I have always had an indescribable love for children, but to be able to know that I have the privilege to be a strong influence on this child's life from beginning to end is something that I will forever be grateful for. Being able to have that precious baby boy in my arms, and see that adorable smiling face is worth every sacrifice that I will ever have to make for him. I am ready to be there for Lil' Johnny when he needs that one person to just sit by his side in order to help him get through every troubling situation. And simply remind him that he can get through any situation with Christ our King, because he is more than a conqueror through Christ. Thank you Lord, for bringing Lil' Johnny's love into my life!

To Lil' Johnny: I give you my heart's promise that I will never turn my back on you. I will love, support, guide, motivate, encourage and protect you until the day I die. I love you Lil' Johnny IV!!!!