The Last Dance

For my last official event as Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts, I got to attend the Abilities Prom at the VFW in Plymouth. I had the chance to speak about my experience as MWMA, as well as my life experiences. But most importantly, I got to party it up with two of my friends, Liz and Jonah and a lot of really great kids. I guess this is my final curtain call, as I retire my crown tomorrow. But I will say that I stayed true to who I am, especially at this event because I can't dance to save the band, but I had one heck of a time trying. For now, until my final farewell, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Visions Conference

On March 7th, I had the chance to attend the Federation For Children with Special Needs Annual Visions Conference in Boston, MA. I played my own role in this. I got to speak on a panel of young adults about what it means to transition from high school to college, from college to life. I for one can tell you that these transitions are not easy. They take a lot of strategic planning. I am thrilled to be able to pass my experience on to others. I feel as though people can learn from your experience, in order to not make the same mistakes. Even as MWMA, I am far from perfect. I may get through college by trial and error and I think that is one of the biggest lessons that I could impart to the parents attending the conference. It would not be a complete conference if I did not have my mom come and speak with me. The reason that I do this is because I think she has parental ideas that I could never understand, but luckily, I turned out well, at least I think I did. So, she must have done something right. I want to thank Michael Yudin for moderating our panel and Mary Castro Summers for having me. They are both fantastic people. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Bling It On

On February 28th, I got to meet with a wonderful group of girls, between the ages of 12 and 17. I was able to speak to their parents about what it means to become more and more independent, as you age with a disability. I think this is really important because many parents feel as though it is better to put their child in a bubble and hold their hand throughout life. But in my opinion, and it is just mine and not law, I feel as though it is important to teach your kids to understand their disabilities from a very young age and in turn this will make them stronger and independent young adults. I am very lucky that this is what my mom did for me and I hope I could impart this wisdom on to the parents at the SBAGNE at Bling Camp. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Back to Rehab?!

On February 17th, I got to go back to a place that I called home for two grueling weeks. This is not something that I typically talk about, but I had surgery for the Baclofen Pump in order to decrease my spastic tone. I am happy to report that it is so far working nicely. After surgery I was admitted into Spaulding Rehab Hospital on the Cape for physical rehab. I was invited back by the care team to a follow up rehab visit to see what other types of rehab were offered there besides those that I was familiar with. I believe to be a good Ms Wheelchair you need to be up on the latest research as far as physical disabilities is concerned, so that you can be a wealth of knowledge for others. This was the purpose of my visit back to rehab. Until nest time, Advocate, Educate and Empower. 

January was Hockey Month!

For my two events for January, mainly because was still recovering from surgery and was on sporadic bed rest, I was advised by the doctors to take it easy on my events do something that would not require a lot of movement. I went to two separate hockey rinks that I am a fan of because of the great amount of accessibility that they have. They ramps to the stands and this is something that they did not have when I was cheering my brother on at his hockey games. I had to be carried up to the stands. So this shows how far accessibility has come, thanks to the ADA. Now anyone who uses a wheelchair can cheer on their favorite player, just like the fan next to them. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

He Tipped It In!

On December 21st, I attended the Pembroke Youth Hockey game at the Hobomock Ice Arena in Pembroke. I always love a close hockey game. I think it teaches sportsmanship and a competitive nature. Adaptive sports or not, I am still not the athletic type, so I love to cheer from the stands. This was a close game and decided by one goal in the third period. You can not beat more action than that. I am very proud of those kids that participated and I promise because I was in crown and sash, I was on my best behavior. No yelling at refs today. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Hijacked SANTA! on Dec. 1st

I attended the SBAGNE Christmas Party at the Marriott Hotel in Newton. I had the pleasure of being able to do this with my State Co-ordinator, Santara Sen and I know for a fact that this was perhaps the most comical event that I have attended, mainly because my lovely sidekick, Santara, hijacked Santa's big entrance for all the little children. You see, Santara had left the ballroom and a few minutes later an announcement was made that somebody very special, wearing red would be appearing at the door. The kids were expecting Santa, but instead in rolled Santara in a red sweater. This perhaps by far takes the cake as one of my most favorite MWMA memories. Santara and I have a friendship beyond the organization and I can assure you she will not live this one down for many years to come. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.