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.

7th Grade CCD

On November 5th, I got to do something that is very near and dear to my heart. I got to speak to another CCD class. This time it was at Holy Family School in Rockland. I discussed what it is like keeping the faith despite having a disability. But ultimately, I do these for personal importance because this is my year to make of it what I will. My Grandmother was one of the most religious people that I know. Holy Family was her parish. This is where my Mom went to CCD class and well as where she got married. So for me, it is a testament to my family and the strength that they gave me. To be able to do my events at places with personal significance is one of the greatest gifts that MWMA has given me. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Hear the Music?!

On November 1st, we joined Greg, Caroline, and Morgan from Minutes for Memories at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It was a great event to be able to see such talented musicians entertain us for the afternoon. Joining us was supposed to be a child with a disability, but unfortunately, for health reasons, he and his family were unable to make it.  However, we did get to send him autographed pictures, well wishes, etc. It was humbling to know that we could make one child's day by doing something this small. I want to extend my greatest amount of gratitude to Greg and the rest of the crew for allowing me to be a part of their organization and to spend the day with such great people. Until next time, Advocate, Educate and Empower.

Spookyween

On October 31st, I got to go back and act like a kid at a Halloween party held at the Independence Mall in Kingston, MA. No one, not even MWMA would give up the chance to dress up and eat candy.  I wanted to be a positive role model on kids and show them that despite having CP, I can let loose, just like they can.  What did I dress up as, you ask? Perhaps the best and most powerful super hero that I know, My Daddy, Army style, circa 1968. The sad part about this is, I actually fit into my father's uniform, post camp, because he refused to eat army food and lived on saltines.  I guess that is where I get my picky appetite. Until next time, Advocate, Educate, and Empower.

HOLY HOCKEY

On October 20th I got to root on the players of Whitman-Hanson youth hockey.  People often ask me why I take the time to do non disability in the community, and my answer is very simple.  My brother was a hockey player for twenty five years and to me it is very important to remember where you came from.  If I did not spend weekends at the hockey rink, I would not have such a close bond with my dad and my brother.  Both of these men have been greatly supportive of my MWMA year and I feel like these kids are starting off where my brother was at one point.  So, if I could be one extra voice to cheer them on as they score a goal, then I did my job.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

Mom Strikes AGAIN!

On September 22nd I got to attend family day put on by Family Ties of Massachusetts.  We had an extremely fun day.  We got to dance, we had a scavenger hunt, and we did a walk to raise money.. I met some really good people who are fantastic family support for their family members with disabilities.  It was at this time that I thought it most important to share the spotlight with my mom as she has done a great job in keeping me positive as I grew up.  I can tell you my experience as a child with a disability but what I cannot do is speak speak from a parent's perspective and those words are priceless.  I am extremely grateful to my mom who has a fear of public speaking, who was willing to take one for the team and share her pearls of wisdom.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

EXPO Time

The Abilities Expo is like no other.  It is a adaptive playground.  No one really knows what they are going to get when they turn the corner.  It is like a wheelie kid in a candy store.  Not only did I have the pleasure of hosting a booth with the amazing Autumn Grant, but I also got to take pictures with my fans, which is still weird.  I got to meet Ms. Massachusetts whose platform revolves around disabilities, as well as getting a candid shot with Auti Angel from the TV show Push Girls.  All in all it was a fantastic day and one that will never be replaced.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".
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Danielle is in BEANTOWN!

A lot of people told me before nationals that this was a sisterhood and you will find women that will change your life.  That sounds lovely but I did not really believe it until I got to Texas.  I carved out a bond that is beyond explanation with Ms. Wheelchair Illinois, Danielle Austin.  I had the pleasure of being able to host her for a four day visit so that she could advocate with me, but mainly I was selfish and wanted a good excuse to see my twin of twins.  You see Danielle and I have the same disability, in fact we have the same disability, the same challenges, and an overall love of hockey even though we cannot account for her taste being a Blackhawks fan.  I love this girl more than words could describe, so to be able to spend some time with her was extra special.  We did everything from touring historic Plymouth, to visiting my elementary school and seeing less than flattering pictures of me from 1989.  We also painted pottery at my favorite shop with Ms. Deanna and we toured downtown Boston and attended a rally for dogs with disabilities because we need to support our 4 legged friends too.  I will never forget these 4 days that I got with my Danielle.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

YAY MDA

On August 29th I got to join in a national tradition.  I got to attend the kickoff party for the MDA Telethon Boston.  Not only did we get to dine with some Channel 5 news anchors, we also got to be a part of history continuing for years before I was even born.  Although I do not have any form of Muscular Dystrophy, I think it is important for Ms. Wheelchair to show solidarity for my counterparts with disabilities of any kind.  It also did not hurt that we got to hang out with some really cute firefighters from the Boston Fire Department and show our muscles to stomp out MD.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

Is This Thing On...

I had the opportunity on August 20th to co-host a radio segment about Ms. Wheelchair Mass. on WBSM radio in Fairhaven.  I never thought I would actually be on the radio.  I do not especially like my voice on tape, but I will do anything for advocacy.  I got to explain how I got involved with Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, what the organization means to me and what my platform is meant to do for the thousands with disabilities.  One segment that meant a lot was explaining how I gained my personal strength, and as many of you know this was through my grandfather who had a disability as well.  I am really pleased with myself that I got through this without ruining my mascara, but at least it was not on TV instead.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

Barbie is my date

 When you  come back from Ms. Wheelchair America you make everlasting bonds that you never thought you would and I was a lucky enough woman to do so.  There is a woman involved with the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation who literally changed my views on what it means to be a woman with a disability.  She was always that friendly smile before judging to take the edge off and was there for a good laugh on theme night.  This woman for me is Barbie.  I am blessed enough to have had the opportunity to spend the day with her and her sister as she came up to visit her in Plymouth.  We ate some really good seafood, but more importantly we bonded over what MWA means to the both of us.  I would not trade this day for the world.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower"

Hey Another VA

After a successful ADA day, I was lucky enough to visit another VA hospital.  Because my dad is a veteran of the Vietnam War, it's always humbling to spread my platform of empowerment to true heroes. If my message can make them feel as though their sacrifices has done good for me to become what I am despite my C.P than as a titleholder my event and job is done I want to extend my gratitude to the Patients and staff of the VA hospital in West Roxbury for hosting my visit and brightening my day.

Until next time,

"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

Happy Birthday ADA

On July 26th I had the honor of manning an event at ADA celebration at Boston City Hall.  Not only was this a great meeting of people with disabilities, it was a time to honor the history that we have been through as individuals with disabilities.  The highlight of the day was being able to meet with the mayor as he attended the event.  It is humbling to me that many people say that I have played a role in disability history because of my title.  I believe that I am one of many who champion for disability rights.  However, it is great to be in such good company.  The downfall of the day, however, was the windy nasty Boston rain.  We figured that mother nature would realize how important the ADA is in all of our lives, but I guess not.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

Yall its MWA!

This was the week that I was waiting and preparing for.  Ms. Wheelchair America was here, the pressure was on and it was time to do my state proud.  To say I was nervous was an understatement.  I was competing against the best of the best for a title I really wanted.  The truth of the matter is I may not have come home with the crown, I might have been second runner up but I got some of the greatest gifts that I will ever receive in my life.  First and foremost, I got the hospitality of Texas from the minute I set my wheels on the ground.  I got to see my best friend of seven years, and she was one of my companions for this journey which was priceless.  I made incredible friendships that will never be broken, including my sisterhood with Ms. Wheelchair Illinois, which I would not trade for the world.  I love the girls that I met and each of them are an important part of my journey.  I went into MWA thinking that I was going to bring it home for Beantown, but even though I did not I gave them the best of who I was that entire week.  I will never forget the memories made, the people who touched me, and the scariness of the onstage questions.  All in all a great success.  

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".

My Old Classroom....

It's really funny how Ms.Whelchair Massachusetts makes you come full circle in your own life.  On July 11th I spoke to the summer CCD classes of St. Thecla's Parish Pembroke Mass.  I have always chosen to do events that have significant meaning in my life.  This one is no different.  I taught CCD there for twelve years in a row so I grew up with a lot of these kids and how the parish itself structured its education.  This was my perfect opportunity to mix religion and advocacy to teach these kids about my relationship with God and what that means for my my disability.  As many of you k now I come from a religious family, so spiritually towards ,my disability has always played an important part in my identity as a disabled woman so it is important to show the next generation how much religion can impact your attitude towards struggles in life.

Until next time,
"Advocate, Educate, Empower".