Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Expenses

It’s official! I’m now a part of the Ms Wheelchair America family, as I’ve been crowned Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2020! Although it sounds like a beauty pageant, it’s actually an advocacy, education, and leadership-based program that focuses on raising awareness about disabilities, celebrating the accomplishments of women who use wheelchairs, and educating society about architectural and attitudinal barriers that affect the disability community. Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. allows for state delegates to choose their own platforms. I chose to call mine “Sudden Impact.” The title represents a moment’s potential to impact every aspect of a persons life and the lives of his or her family, because suffering a spinal cord injury affects more than physical ability. A person’s routine begins to revolve around infinite doctors appointments, medication schedules, and home health care hours. Finances become tighter and accessing the community becomes a chore. Most significantly, relationships with friends and family, the way others see you, and the way you see yourself change. The primary goals of “Sudden Impact“ will be to educate, support, and encourage spinal cord injury survivors because in moving forward despite these and other challenges, their stories can suddenly impact the lives of strangers as well. Here’s why I need your help: During my 2020 reign, I’ll be traveling the state to visit places such as hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and schools to promote my platform. In addition, I’ll be competing in the National competition in Little Rock, Arkansas this summer. Because I’m on a fixed income, money is already tight without adding traveling expenses. Any donations and shares would be greatly appreciated! Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2020 Laura Sykes