Going to my first event as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts emanated feelings of both excitement and nervousness. My first event was at Faneuil Hall in Boston to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in their “fill the boot” fundraiser. Upon arrival, I met a friendly Boston firefighter named Dennis. Dennis was shouting “Help us fill the boot!”. I waited to meet Kate McTighe, who was the coordinator of the event, to find out how I could help. The weather was perfect—sunny and warm. There were streams of people continuously flowing toward Faneuil Hall. In these tough economic times, it seems hard to be able to fundraise since everyone is watching every nickel and dime. But, to my surprise, they were many people who came up to Dennis and I to donate. It was a testament to the generosity of people.
Kate arrived and told me to help out with whatever I wanted. I started off at the table with Dennis but slowly moved over to the antique fire engine where the little kids raced to be the next one to put on a fire fighters jacket and get in to “drive”. I brought my dog, Jackson, as an ice breaker to meet people and start a conversation. It worked and many people approached me to ask me questions. I try to be as open as I can so I shared my story of being diagnosed with MD and how it has affected my life thus far. The event seemed to be a success and many people were able to give to a great cause. I hope to work with Kate and the MDA again.
My second event happened to occur the next day. I traveled to Boston again to the Children’s Museum and their “Access Ability” exhibit. I met with Ellen Thompson who brought me up to the exhibit and showed me around. The exhibit was fantastic! There were all kinds of sensory and interactive ways to learn about people with disabilities. My personal favorite (and maybe I’m biased) was when kids could sit in a child-sized wheelchair, wheel up a ramp, open a door, and then try to retrieve something on a shelf. Kids seemed to have fun with this but also experienced first hand what it’s like to be in a wheelchair. I met many kids from all over—North Carolina, Virginia, even Great Britain! The kids were so enthralled with the exhibit and seemed to gain knowledge about people with disabilities (even if they didn’t realize it!). Ellen also explained that this exhibit would be traveling the country to give other museums an opportunity to expose kids to the experience. It was a great event and something that is very important to disability awareness.
As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I am grateful to be able to participate in such great events. I look forward to seeing you all at the next one!
Ashley
