I am very saddened by the loss of Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2009 Ashley Speicher. She was a wonderful young woman and advocate and lived her shortened life to the fullest. She was very kind to me the day of the pageant as she escorted me to my judging sessions. We spoke on the phone the other day and she gave me some encouragement and advice about my reign and competing in the nationals.

On May 23 I was invited once again to sing at another Triangle Gala. This time it was their Employability Employee of the Month award dinner. It was held at the Putnam Club at Gillette Stadium. I sang with Richard Mirsky again. I also sang a song from my band's album with my husband's guitar accompaniment, "The Way I See It." You can see additional pictures of this event on my fan page at www.facebook.com/MsWheelchairMassachusetts2012.

Wednesday night, June 6 is the Massachusetts Hospital School graduation ceremony. I will be making an appearance there. Ahe former Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2011, Megan Mamaty, will be making a speech. She is an alumnus of the school and I'm very proud and honored that she invited me to attend. That is where the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2012 Pageant was held as well, so it will be a walk down Memory Lane for me!

The National pageant date, August 6-12, is fast approaching. I sent in the first part of my application along with half of the fee. I am still short of my goal for the entry fee and hotel accommodations fee. If you would like to donate and have your name in the pageant program as a sponsor please go to www.paypal.com. I am really looking forward to meeting the other contestants and learning and sharing. Not only is it pageant week but it is also a week of leadership and advocacy workshops. I am also eager to meet Ms. Wheelchair America 2012, Josie Badger.

Within the next several weeks I am going to begin posting some YouTube videos talking about things of importance to me. I will post the link here once I start. I think it will be an interesting way to get the word out about the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Foundation as well as the Ms. Wheelchair America Foundation. It will give you an "inside view" of what it's like to be Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2012. Feel free to comment under the videos as they are posted.

Remember, life has plenty of opportunities for you to exercise Creative Perseverance!