Susan Rotchy Ms Wheelchair California 2007

Ms Wheelchair California 2008, Shannon Coe

2008-03-24T01:15:00.000-07:00

Shannon Coe, Ms Wheelchair California 2008, lives in Davis with her husband. Shannon was born in a devastated post-war Vietnam and was afflicted with polio as the result of a broken immunization infrastructure. Fleeing the political aftermath of the war, Shannon’s parents lovingly carried her as a four-year-old child on the dangerous journey from refugee camp to refugee camp until they were sponsored by a church to immigrate to the United States.

In the U.S. Shannon received her first wheelchair and grew up to appreciate international affairs and advocacy for disability rights. In 2000, she received a BA from U.C. Berkeley in Mass Communications. Shannon also studied abroad in England where she was successful in having a Member of Parliament spend a day following her around campus in a wheelchair to understand the barriers that confronted students with disabilities. Shannon continued to advocate for disability rights issues in the U.S. where she interned with the ADA section of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C, and also with the City of Berkeley.

After graduation, Shannon was selected to attend the Beijing +5 UN Declaration and Platform for Action conference to evaluate the progress of women with disabilities under the UN Convention and the National Youth Leadership Network conference. Shannon later worked as an Acting Program Coordinator for the Fulfillment Fund Teen Access Program, a non-profit organization that provides mentors and educational resources for teens with disabilities. She has also been a mentor for young women with disabilities for the Youth Empowerment Project, and a trainer for Mobility International USA.

From 2004-2006, Shannon served in Paraguay as a Peace Corps Volunteer, working with NGO’s and the Paraguayan government on projects to improve basic disability rights for Paraguayans with disabilities. Shannon has also twice raised sufficient funds to travel to developing nations with Joni and Friends (a nonprofit organization) to distribute hundreds of wheelchairs at a time to some of the world’s poorest people with disabilities.

Shannon will be studying for a Masters degree in international affairs at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS) in the Fall. Her personal and professional passions have taken her to 41 countries, and with the help of a merit scholarship to attend MIIS, Shannon intends to specialize in human rights for people with disabilities both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Wheelchair California is available for speaking engagements, master of ceremony events, parades, photo opportunities and other community events. All events will be considered, and if deemed appropriate and scheduling allows the Ms. Wheelchair California Program will do its best to accommodate your request. Please Contact: Ms Wheelchair California 2008 directly at hyshannon@yahoo.com or call (530) 204-7628. Please visit her http://mswheelchairca08.blogspot.com/ for the advocacy she will be doing for the State of California.

Shannon will compete for Ms Wheelchair America 2009! The Pageant will be held on Monday, July 21, 2008 through Sunday, July 27, 2008 Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Executive Meeting Center 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland, United States 20852-1699. To help sponsor Shannon's trip to Nationals please contact Shannon or come and cheer her on!!

First Runner Up Ms Wheelchair California 2008 Camisha Grandberry

2008-03-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

Camisha Grandberry

seec@live.com

(909) 693-6867

March 8th Ms Wheelchair California 2008 Pageant

2008-03-24T00:11:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful evening our California State Pageant was held at the Respect Ability Conference in Los Angles at the Marriott hotel. It was a full house of excitement for the crowning of the new Ms Wheelchair California 2008. We had two quality contestants Shannon Coe Ms Wheelchair California 2008 and First Runner Up Camisha Grandberry.

Please check out Shannon Coe blogspot. http://mswheelchairca08.blogspot.com/

I will post bio's on them soon!

Thank You! For Sponsoring us with Mary Kay Products Susan Chandler (Barnhill)

disAbility Advocate and Easy Access & California Disability Rights Treasurer

Why not join CDR--check out the CDR website http://www.disabilityrights-cdr.org/ for details on how to join! Also, CHECK OUT SUSAN'S COLUMN at http://www.lila.ucla.edu/!

Wonderful evening! Great Job Ruthee Goldkorn

Executive Director, Ms. Wheelchair California Pageant
Ms. Wheelchair California 2001

knowbarriers@yahoo.com

March 5th 2008 Susan Rotchy says Goodbye

2008-03-23T23:04:00.000-07:00

It has been an incredible year! It is time to pass down my title to the new Ms Wheelchair California 2008. I have made life long friends all over America and in my home state. I have seen the impact one person can make to bring awareness to the accomplishments of people with disabilities and educate the public on the physical barriers one faces everyday. I must thank my husband and my sons for their support they have given me throughout the year. I could never have accomplished so much without their encouragement and the time they were willing to give up as a family since most of my appearances were during our family time.

I will continue to be an advocate and will be moving on to a new chapter in my life. I will continue to support the incoming Ms Wheelchair California as well as the pageant. I will also continue to support all the programs that bring awareness and achievements to people with disabilities including products that make our life easier and to bring awareness to the activities that promote are achievements that one has accomplished. Thank You Everyone for your SUPPORT!

Susan Rotchy

Ms Wheelchair California 2007

December 29th Tournement of Roses Appearance

2008-03-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

Tournament of Roses appearance in Pasadena was a lot of fun and it brought awareness to the titles we serve for advocacy. We made quite an impression that the Kiwanis asked that Ms Wheelchair America and Ms Wheelchair California be on their float for 2009!!! Please check out their website http://www.kiwanis.org/. It was great to see Kristen Ms Wheelchair America 2008 and Lily First Runner up for Ms Wheelchair California.

December 11th-13th Moving forward in Stem Cells at UC Irvine

2007-12-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

The Research for Cure team went to Irvine to celebrate the start of clinical trials in sub-acute spinal cord injuries. This was a magical evening and the next day we shopped until we dropped and went out to dinner with Karen Miner and friends and toured the lab the following day.

December 6th A Workshop on Disability at Solano Community College

2007-12-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Today, I spoke at Solano Community College on advocacy for people with disabilities. I was a part of Annie's presentation from Opportunity House which is a women's homeless shelter. The group as well as the class will all become great social workers and I look forward to working with them at Independent Living Resource in Solano County. I had a wonderful time and the students went away with a great understanding of a day in my shoes with no task one can't overcome.

Solano Transportation Meeting December 4th

2007-12-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Tonight, our community was heard on behalf of people with disabilities at the Solano Transportation Meeting in Fairfield. I and the In-home Support Service Advisory Committee as well as other county agencies spoke up of the ongoing issues of public transportation including the window time of pickup for Para Transit. I do believe our voices made quite an impact to the City Council. Thank you all that attend this meeting! Our voices were heard in behalf of people with disabilities.

The New Ms Wheelchair America 2008

2007-12-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007, 2nd Runner Up Ms. Wheelchair America 2008
Kristen McCosh, "Leading By Example"
Boston, MA, United States
Kristen was chosen as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007. A gifted speaker and writer, she is currently finishing a Women's Fiction novel series featuring women with disabilities as heroines. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in English and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and has studied toward her MPH at Boston University School of Public Health. Kristen is employed as the Editor In Chief of "Solutions" e-magazine, published by Hire Disability Solutions, LLC - www.hireds.com. She also works as an Early Intervention Program Consultant with newly-injured SCI patients at Spaulding Rehab Hospital. Kristen sustained a C6 spinal cord injury (SCI) in a diving accident at the age of 15. She lives in Boston and Falmouth, Cape Cod, with her husband.

http://mswheelchairmass07.blogspot.com/ http://www.mswheelchairamerica08.blogspot.com/

Alana Wallace say's Goodbye

2007-12-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

November 22nd Ms Wheelchair America 2008 Alana Wallace has resigned because of philosophical differences with MWA about how best to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities. Alana Wallace is a great advocate and I wish her well in everything she does in life.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2007-11-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

I have been working hard at work and very busy with bringing awareness to the accomplishments of people with disabilities but during my month off I wanted to take a moment to bring thanks to all the wonderful people that I have met through my reign as Ms Wheelchair California. I have made such lasting friendships for years to come and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of everyone's lives. Next month will be busy and I will keep you all updated on appearances.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Susan Rotchy
Ms Wheelchair California 2007

October 20th Ability to Compete Together Games

2007-10-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

23rd Annual *ACT* Ability to Compete Together games
Blaze Sports Sacramento
Sponsored by City of Sacramento Access Leisure

ACT Games Mission Statement
"Challenge Me, I Will Succeed" The A.C.T. Games contribute to the physical social and psychological development of children, youth and teens with physical disabilities. The A.C.T. Games provides many opportunities for growth. Each athlete is given the opportunity to improve physical fitness, learn new skills, experiment with challenging new sports equipment, express courage and make new friends.

I was honored with the "Honorary Games Director" for A.C.T. Games
Thank you! "Access Leisure" for the plaque and reminding me of "Why! I entered the Ms Wheelchair pageant." I had the most wonderful time to be a part of the children's experience of their year and being reminded of the impact that I make on everyone that I meet.

October 19th Disability Awareness

2007-10-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

Today Independent Living Resource Center in Contra Costa county celebrated Disability Awareness month. We had a barbecue and invited several county guest to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities and to bring awareness to the barriers one has with disabilities. We had a great afternoon!

October 12th Hawaii at the Hilton

2007-10-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Fairfield Suisun Community Action Council Presents an Indooor Luau & Fudraising Event at the Hilton Garden Inn on October 12th. Community Action Council is a nonprofit that provides Basic Needs and Safety Net Services directly to the public, that is emergency-food, clothes, rental assistance, employment services, life-skills classes, literacy sessions and homeless prevention services all free of charge. Their client base is the working poor, low-income, senior citizens, disabled, and homeless population living in and around the Fairfield/ Suisun area. Their website is http://www.fairfieldcac.org/ check out their next event.

October 5th-7th Yountville Days Parade and Festival

2007-10-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

I had the honor of riding in the Yountville Days Parade that honors are Veterans. The parade started at the Nelson Holderman Hospital (Home for are Vets) through the town of Yountville. Yountville is located in the beautiful wine country in the Napa Valley.
Yountville is located in the heart of Napa Valley the premier world famous wine growing region of Northern California, just off of Highway 29.
In 1999 the area around Yountville was approved an American Vitacultural Area (AVA), a unique area for growing grapes. Its boundaries were primarily established by those of the other existing or proposed AVA's in the large Napa Valley AVA-Oak Knoll district on the south, Oakville on the north, Stags Leap district on the east, and Mount Veeder on the west. The Town of Yountville takes its name from George C. Yount (its founding father), who had a large land grant in the Napa Valley and who was the first to plant grapes there. The Yountville AVA is warmer than the Carneros AVA, but cooler than areas to the west and north of it. The area encompasses about 8,260 acres with not quite half of that planted to vineyards. Chardonnay is the dominant of varietals, especially in vineyards to the south where it's coolest. Merlot and Cabernet Franc do well here, as does Cabernet Sauvignon in the AVA's northern portion.
Visitors will enjoy its small town atmosphere, renowned work-class restaurants, luxury hotels and inns, premium wineries and shopping. http://www.townofyountville.com/index.html

North Bay Stand Down October 2 - 4

2007-10-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Veterans and a Community Helping Veterans
"A hand up, not a hand out!"
All veterans in need, and their families, are welcome!

What is Stand Down?
Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings; California Department of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security benefits counseling; and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.

Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between CDVA Veterans Services Division district offices (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego), the VA, the California Employment Development Department, California Association of County Veterans Service Officers, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless, including the members of the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies.

The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by Vietnam Veterans of San Diego. Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless veterans, reaching more than 200,000 veterans and their family members nationwide between 1994-2000. http://www.northbaystanddown.org/

I have participated in the past few years at the North Bay Stand Down as a Benefits Specialist. Thank you! Everyone for helping out!

September 15th Granting a Wish

2007-09-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

This evening I witnessed a wish for Muffin Latham a 71 year old senior that requested a wish to hit a pitched baseball. Twilight Wish is a foundation founded in 2003 in Bucks County, PA, Twilight Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Their mission is to enrich the lives of elders that have served others. Through wish granting and group celebrations, they give our seniors unexpected "thank yous" for time devoted unselfishly to their families' welfare, charitable organizations, and the communities they all share. Volunteers serve as wish granters, fundraisers, special event organizers, and in numerous other functions. To learn more about Twilight Wish please visit their website http://www.twilightwishfoundation.org/

Afterwards I watched the children play baseball and cheered them on at the River Cats Independence Field. Children, Adults With Disabilities Have Their Own ‘Field of Dreams’ River Cats Independence Field is now Open With Kids Playing Baseball, Some for the First Time WHAT: A “field of dreams” for thousands of people with disabilities in the Sacramento region featuring the inaugural first pitches and many more being thrown and caught by the stars themselves – children with disabilities.

River Cats Independence Field is surfaced with a rubberized, track-like material that makes it easily navigable for individuals in wheelchairs and walkers. This is believed to be the only baseball field for people with disabilities in the nation that features the rubberized surface throughout the infield and outfield and is the size of a regular 200-foot Little League diamond.

WHO: • Mike Ubaldi, chair of River Cats Independence Field Advisory Committee. • Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo and City Council Member Bonnie Pannell. • Art Savage, CEO of the Sacramento River Cats Triple-A baseball team, which made River Cats Independence Field its “legacy project” as the host of the 2005 Triple-A All-Star Game in July. •

The real stars: Dozens of children and adults with disabilities, many of whom couldn’t play baseball before because regular playing surfaces were too hard to navigate and often too dangerous for play. WHERE: Samuel Pannell Community Center, 2450 Meadowview Road, Sacramento. Fields are located adjacent to the center at Meadowview Road and 24th Street.

Read more about the playing field
http://movemedia.org/IndependenceField/IMPROVEMENTS/IF_IMPROVMENTS.html

September 9th A Dinner Fundraiser for Joni and Friends

2007-09-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight I attended a fundraiser event given by Shannon and Dakota Coe on behalf of “Joni and Friends”. This dinner was a 10-course meal and all the money raised this evening will support a team of professionals along with funding to bring people with disabilities the wheelchairs they need to Cuba. Shannon will be going to Cuba October 26th-November 4th to deliver the wheelchairs to the recipients, making sure each recipient has a wheelchair that fits their disability and need.

September 6th USA Tennis Tourment at Donner Lake

2007-09-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

View this article http://www.sierrasun.com/article/200770906023

Athletes compete in Truckee on way to Beijing

Tournament draws wheelchair tennis players from around world

By Greyson HowardSierra Sun, ghoward@sierrasun.comSeptember 6, 2007

World-class wheelchair tennis is rolling into Truckee this weekend.Starting today (Friday) and running through Sunday, the 22nd annual Tahoe Donner International Wheelchair Tennis Sectional Championship will be held at the Tahoe Donner Club. Athletes will vie for points toward the U.S. Open Championship in San Diego, and the Paralympic Games in Beijing.“It’s a pretty incredible event,” said tournament director Robbie McClendon. “They are tremendous athletes.”McClendon said about 60 athletes will compete, arriving in Truckee from all over the world. Competitors will include residents of Canada, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Germany Chile, Mexico, Japan, Australia and South Korea.The tournament’s founder, Bonni Sue Hickson, said this year’s tourney has attracted a record number of open-class women players. McClendon attributed the sport’s draw to how well tennis lends itself to athletes in wheelchairs.“Wheelchair tennis is a pretty large sport; you don’t really see wheelchair baseball,” McClendon said. “It’s a great sport for them because they can basically play as normally as an able player could.”Good fitHickson agreed that tennis is a better fit for athletes in wheelchairs than other sports.“It’s one of the fastest-growing sports; it’s not like you need a team like in basketball,” she said, adding that being in a wheelchair adds to the sport. “It’s like two sports in one; you get the maneuvering in the chair, and the game and skill of the sport.”Athletes use special, quick-turning wheelchairs, and a two-bounce rule allows them more time to get to the ball, McClendon said.Eric “Dyno” Daniels was a Truckee-Tahoe resident from 1989 to 1995, when he was paralyzed in an accident. He lived in the area again from 1997 to 2000, and will be among this year’s competitors.Part of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, Daniels says he was frustrated when he tried adaptive skiing, but found a new niche in wheelchair tennis, winning the U.S. Open in both singles and doubles in 2003.

August 29th A day with the staff at the Oakland A's Game

2007-09-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

I am the Program Manager at Independent Living Resource in Fairfield . Today all the offices met for a day of fun and relaxation and to cheer for the Oakland A's.

Independent living Resource is a non-profit organization serving Contra Costa and Solano counties (California), under consumer direction. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to: Control their own lives. Provide advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities to live independently. Create an accessible community free of physical and attitudinal barriers. Visit are site http://ilrcoco-sol.org/default.aspx

Special photo's of my family and friends

2007-09-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

Family photo Alex(18) to the left of me and Gary my husband with my son Joey(15) at the right. In the other photo's is Michelle and Stephanie taken the day of the benefit.

August 26th A Benefit for Research for Cure

2007-09-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Karen Miner, Dr. Hans Keirstead, Fran Lopes and Susan Rotchy presenting the check to the Reeve-Irvine Research Center.

Research for Cure is a nonprofit tax exempt organization whose mission is to raise funds for scientific research to cure neurological diseases. All net monies raised at this time benefit the Reeve-Irvine Research Center. The center named after Christopher Reeve and Joan Irvine is part of the University of California, Irvine. The Reeve-Irvine Research Center is on the forefront of the latest in cures for spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and many of other neurological conditions.
The Research for Cure Team is staffed with a growing number of volunteers. A majority of the volunteers are wheelchair warriors and their family and friends. Research for Cure does not pay salaries or rent space everyone works out of their homes. Our expenses are limited to the cost of putting on our fundraising events. We raise funds by holding golf tournaments, dinner/dance and bringing a speaker from the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to the events. Research for Cure brings knowledge not just to the injured but to the whole family and gives hope to find cures to lessen the health risks we all endure from our injuries. Research for Cure has raised over 300,000 dollars for the Reeve-Irvine Research Center in the past seven years please check out our website to see when clinical trials will be beginning. It really is a “Rat Race!” http://www.researchforcure.org/index.htm

Reeve-Irvine Research Center website http://www.reeve.uci.edu/

August 25th The Night before my benefit Research for Cure

2007-09-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Michelle, Ellenie, Stephanie and Susan

This night was very special I had three great friends one flew in from Florida and another traveled 2 hours to come to my benefit on August 26th. This evening we went out to dinner to unwind and afterwards we relaxed on our sailboat. You ask yourself how did I get on the boat since I am paralyzed hmmm? My husband carried me on the boat which was not an easy task I might be light but the boat does rock. In this photo I am sitting with all my friends in the cabin it was a great evening.

August 22nd A Fundraiser at the River Cats Game

2007-09-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

This evening I spent it with Leisure Access which is a program that provides activities for people with disabilities.

August 22nd A day at the Capitol

2007-09-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today we are advocating at the state capitol for AB1113 (Brownley) Extends and increases eligibility for the Medi-Cal California Working Disabled Program which is supported by AARP. The Governor even came out of his office to support are cause. I was on the front lines to take a great photo of Arnold our California Governor.

August 18th Evening Banquet

2007-09-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Evening Banquet supporting the USA Wheelchair Tournament

I just wanted to let everyone know the USA Tournament this past weekend in Napa was fun and there is a great article on line and with a slide show of the event. The wheelchair tennis players are having a couple more events that are coming up. One is at Standford and at Donner next month. We need to show our support to all these great players and cheer them on. We really need to bring awareness to the achievements of people with disabilities and programs that are available.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2007/08/19/sports/local/doc46c7e9c269673268314003.txt

August 18th USA Wheelchair Tennis Tour

2007-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Morning of the Registration for the USA Wheelchair Tennis Tournment

Great turn out! Let's thank the "Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network"

Big thanks to Jeff and Lynn

August 17th Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network

2007-09-08T18:11:00.000-07:00

Last Chance to buy a raffle ticket from the Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network to win a Classic 1981 Mercedes Bez 380 SL Convertible the drawing will be held on September 2nd at the Symphony on the River in Napa.

August 10th Fundraiser

2007-09-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

Fundraiser at the River Walk in Napa
Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network

Their mission statement Empowering persons with spinal cord injuries through peer support, advocacy, and education to maintain health and independence, to achieve the highest quality of life.

Services that they offer are Information, Education, Resources and Referral. Their focus is on the return to family and the community through group discussion on the anxiety of being discharged, as well as the expectations that one may face living with a spinal cord injury.

The Peer Support Group meet the last Friday of every month from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. At the Community Outreach and Educational Center
3448 Villa Lane, suite 102
Napa, CA 94588

August 3rd ALL WORKING FOR THE SAME CAUSE

2007-09-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Raising Funds for the Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network in Napa

July 29th Saying Goodbye at the Pageant

2007-09-08T15:59:00.001-07:00

This morning we are rushing around in are room and we need to pack and make it downstairs to the Queen's Breakfast. I am hurrying to get my belongings ready so my husband can pack them up when we get back. Today, the elevator chose not to operate again this has been the most frustrating detail of our trip for the whole week. There are three elevators and I don't remember all of them operating at the same time and of course today was no exception except everyone is checking out at the same time. This is the only time I believe my husband spoke out about anything during the week that wasn’t positive. I was stranded upstairs in the elevator alone for one hour because my husband chose the stairs to give someone else room that could not walk downstairs. By the time I arrived Alana was giving her speech I was disappointed to have missed part of her speech because she is a powerful speaker. After the breakfast I chose to go to the lobby down one floor and wait for my husband to get the luggage (I didn't dare go up to be stranded again). This is when are real adventure began.

Ms Wheelchair America 2008

2007-09-08T15:50:00.000-07:00

Alana Wallace of Chicago, Illinois, was crowned Ms Wheelchair America 2008 in Bethesda, Maryland.

Alana founded Dance>Detour in 1995 to develop and promote artistic collaborations between artists with and without disabilities working together to explore dance movement as equals. She works to expand the concept of what dance is and who can be involved. Wallace, an African-American woman who contracted polio at the age of five, has always believed she was born to perform. She has found that the wheelchair is a beautiful accessory that affords her a unique opportunity to embrace and express dance.

Alana has been featured in collaborative dance pieces with renowned companies such as Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Bryant Ballet, The Chicago Moving Company and MOMENTA. In 1998, she was featured in the Emmy Award-Winning PBS television documentary “Dance From the Heart” hosted by Ben Vereen. She conducts movement workshops with ArtsConnect, and lectures and performs nationwide. Thus, Alana proudly displays her artistry in dance, (as well as in singing, and acting) – as a testament to the talents and abilities of performers with disabilities. Adding to her creative endeavors, Wallace has recently launched CRIPmark Cards –- a glittering greeting card line that showcases images of people with disabilities that are positive and beautiful!

We wish Alana a wonderful year!

July 28th is the Crowning of Ms Wheelchair America

2007-09-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Today, I am exhausted physically it has been a long week with very little time to rest. I work full-time as a Program Manager and sit on several boards and I believe this week had pushed my physical strength to its limit. This morning all of the contestants met for the Crowning Ceremony Rehearsal and lunch was on our own. Ms Kentucky and our spouses ventured out together at the Mexican restaurant next door recommended by the Ms Wheelchair America Board. They had mentioned earlier in the week that the food was good I do agree that the food was very good until you had to use the restroom (wish I hadn't drank all that water). The restroom was not accessible and when I mentioned this to the restaurant staff they said "really maybe I can help you get in. We haven't had any complaints". I had to explain to the gentleman that I can't walk or stand and even if you could get my wheelchair in the door I would not be able to use the stall. So, I excused myself from the rest of the group and went back to the hotel to use the hotel bathroom. After lunch I went to have my hair and make-up done by professionals this was an option that was provided for the contestants and I am so happy that I chose to have my hair and make up done rather then doing this myself. The hairstyles and Make-up Artists did a fabulous job on all the ladies that chose this option.At 5:00 all the contestants lined up to go on stage we were escorted by Navy Officers and the top five contestants were announced. Alana Wallace, Ms Illinois who acquired her injury of polio as a child at the age of 5. Jackie Bartels, Ms Texas who acquired her spinal cord injury as a child at the age of 13. Kristen McCosh, Ms Massachusetts who acquired her spinal cord injury as a child at the age of 15. Jennifer Biggers, was born with spinal bifida. Heather Grossman, Ms Arizona who acquired her spinal cord injury from a gunshot wound featured on "48 hours".

Top Five

Ms Wheelchair America 2008 Alana Wallace
1st runner up was Heather Grossman
2nd runner up was Kristen McCosh
3rd runner up was Jackie Bartels
4th runner was Jennifer Biggers

Ms. Congeniality - Jackie Bartels, Ms. Wheelchair Texas
Nicki Ard Achievement Award - Heather Grossman, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona
Todd Mullins Courage Award - Buddy Hayes, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia
Spirit Award - Amanda Baker, Ms. Wheelchair Florida
Bouquet Award - Lorraine Cannistra, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas
People’s Choice - Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland

July 27 Ms Wheelchair America Pageant

2007-09-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today was the last of the interviews and if you were not interviewing we were in a workshop given by Juliette Rizzo entitled "Women's Health". Juliette was Ms Wheelchair America 2005 she is unbelievable and is the whole package. She is educated, charismatic, lights a room as she enters and all you can say is WOW! She is the most photographed Ms Wheelchair America ever if you Goggle Ms Wheelchair America her name and photo comes up immediately. When I first heard of the Ms Wheelchair America pageant I did a search and Juliette came up and she was an advocate before her reign and continues to be an advocate today for people with disabilities. Juliette is a true role model for people with disabilities and to have had the pleasure of meeting her I can see why she was the most photographed Ms Wheelchair America she is beautiful inside and out. She is a true advocate for people with disabilities not just at her state level but at the national level.

July 26 Ms Wheelchair America Pageant

2007-09-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

Another day of interviewing and this morning I waited in the conference room before my interview. I chatted with Ms North Carolina Jennie Martin she is so sweet and her accent is so southern. She is married to a wonderful man you can see the flame in both her and her husband's eyes. She is Miss Social Butterfly she knows every one's story and is whole heartily interested in every contestant and hanging on their every word and is spinal cord injury.

Ms North Carolina
I wheel to the other side of the room and observe my husband enticed in a conversation with Ms New York. As I approach I realize that Ms New York is a BIG SPORTS FAN I can identify between a basketball and a football team but Ms New York has knowledge of the players and the positions that they play. WOW! How cool is that! She even has a wheelchair designed as the stripes of the America flag. I am impressed! She is a great advocate and represents people with disabilities by sitting on several boards in her community and her state.
Ms New York
It is time to get ready for the "The ADA and You" workshop I sit with Ms Kentucky Sherry Hixembaugh during this workshop Sherry makes light of not having an accessible room and what the team of attorneys think is accessible. The team of attorneys offer to fly to our home states to assist in making our states ADA compliance at no cost to the titleholders. This was very soothing to know someone cares so much to make changes all over the United States and at no cost to the titleholders. I personally added to the conversation that I was able to make a difference without suing the community college and the city that I resided in at the time. I believe you can make a change in numbers and with grace and only file a lawsuit as last resort. One of the attorneys replied later that he had never seen a city comply without suing. I was impress with myself if I had accomplished this and he had not ever seen it done. I did mention that he may want to walk over and glance at my scrapbook with all the articles from the newspaper on the work I had done in the community.
Ms Kentucky
It is time for the Comedy Night this evening was a lot of fun most of the young ladies were dressed up as their favorite comedian and some contestants preformed skits on stage with their husband and care providers. Ms Illinois Alana Wallace and her husband did a skit from "I LOVE LUCY" and they were absolutely fabulous.

Ms Illinois

Part of comedian night was for the contestants to tell a joke on stage and my joke was about the conversations of a married couple. I thought this was appropriate since I was married and I would never say these statements to my husband (he picked out the jokes). This night I was next to Ms Washington Sigrid Laegreid and she just captured my heart. She is a full time employee at my favorite store which is Nordstrom and works in their corporate office. She gave out really nice pins of the space needle from her home state. She acquired a spinal cord injury from a drunk driver and is advocating to make a change in her state. During the joke presentation Ms Washington's phone was ringing ever so lightly and I would look her way and she would be smiling and pretend not to notice and she did this with grace and a straight face. We both laughed afterward and from then on we became great friends. This night was a great evening we all danced after comedy night.

Ms Washington

July 25 Ms Wheelchair America Pageant

2007-09-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

This was the day the interviews began and believe it or not I was very relaxed right before the interviews and after the interviews. When I rolled into the elevator that morning I met up with two of the Ms Wheelchair America judges. Both of the judges were wearing Ms Wheelchair badges and at that moment I realized that they were the judges and I said "Oh my God you’re the judges and they laughed" I didn't know at the time but they were husband and wife and they were judging the pageant and Matt the husband was the head judge and Tracey his wife was also a judge. When I rolled into the first interview I saw Denise who was the hostess the night I arrived was I shocked! I said “Denise” and she just smiled. Denise was so comforting to me the night that I arrived and I was so excited that I don't even remember what I said to her. Gosh, I hope I didn't show my silliness to her. One of the judges was Jill Caruso she had the most striking eyes I had ever seen. I learned later that day her 13 year old son had a crush on Ms Texas. Tracy Charlton O'Connor was one of the judges she came over to me, Alana Wallace and Ms Texas that evening to let us know that Jill's son had a crush on Ms Texas. How cute was that we even encouraged Ms Texas to dance with Jill's son that evening during Fifties Night. Ms Texas is Jackie Bartels she was injured from a fall at a young age and received a spinal cord injury. She is another courageous woman that grew up with her disability. Jackie played
wheelchair tennis and received a scholarship to further her education.

During the interviews all the contestants appeared at the Dreams of Trade Show this consisted of a brochures of the Ti-lite chairs (I own a Ti-lite which is a great wheelchair) and the showing of costume jewelry that Ms Arkansas purchased for the night of the crowning. Ms Arkansas is the sweetest young lady I had met at the pageant. She was always with me before I entered the interview and after I exited an interview. Ms Arkansas is Jennifer Biggers and she was born with Spinal Bifida and grew up with her disability and she is truly an inspiration. She offered great peer support and provided encouragement during the interviews throughout the week.

July 24 Ms Wheelchair America Pageant

2007-09-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was "Fun Day" we made up a skit which I believed showed are personalities. Our skit consisted with a storyline about a pageant and the contestants trying to bribe the judges for their vote (this was great fun Ms Michigan thought of the idea).

Afterwards, we went out to lunch at Bennigan's and I had the honor of sitting with Ms Virginia Buddy Hayes and Elli her escort. Buddy is an outgoing individual despite her disability she is the "Bomb" she's was always smiling and making a jokes she even gave the chef a hand. Buddy's background is amazing she had a camera crew with her at all times doing a documentary about her. To learn more about Buddy please check out her website and see the advocating that she does for Virginia http://www.mswheelchairva.com/. Right after lunch we had a group photo of all the contestants this was quite a task for the photographer.We then headed back to the hotel to work on a quilt for the next Ms Wheelchair America 2008. One of my hobbies is quilting so this was a lot of fun for me. I received a blocked square to create a drawing of a block that would represent my state so I drew the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco using a pen. For the evening entertainment that night all the contestants exchanged a gift that represented their state and played name that country.

My state gift was given to Ms Rhode Island Kathy Leonard she has been advocating for over thirty years she is a graduate of Rhode Island College and the University of RI. She is a retired school teacher and librarian from the Pawtucket School Department. She volunteers for many organizations including PARI and Independent Radio.Kathy's personal motto is "If I think I can, I can" Please check out her website http://www.mswheelchairrhodeisland.org/.

I received Ms Ohio's state gift she is Janni Mitchell she was appointed by the Ohio Governors Council for People with Disabilities and has received recognition from the Internal Association of Assistance Dog Partners. She is a vital part of bringing awareness to her community. This was an amazing evening and it was a night to get to know the other state contestants.

July 23rd Ms Wheelchair America Pageant

2007-09-04T00:04:00.000-07:00

I had dinner with Ms Michigan, Shelly Loose and Heather Grossman, Ms Arizona.

Shelly received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Aquinas College and at this time Shelly suffered a C 5-6 incomplete spinal cord injury from a car accident. Shelly met her husband Ken who is also inspirational and their unique story is that they were married on “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” in 1993. Today, Shelly has a 10 year old daughter and went back to school to earn her masters degree in the art of teaching. She is a true inspirational and a great leader. Read more about Shelly http://www.maryfreebed.com/Secondary.aspx?channelpostingid=164

Heather Grossman is a very quite women very reserved and her injury is from domestic dispute. I never asked about the details I felt it was inappropriate to ask but she truly has a story of “Murder for Hire”. She is very beautiful and a lot like the other contestants we were all living the American dream before are injuries. Heather is on a vent like Christopher Reeves I listened to every word that she spoke of her children they are her pride and joy and her inspiration in her life. Today she speaks out on domestic abuse she is truly inspirational and has overcome more barriers then the other women here. Read more about Heather http://www.friendsofheathergrossman.com/index.htm .

National Pageant July 23-28

2007-09-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Upon winning the title of Ms Wheelchair California this honor qualified me to compete in the Ms Wheelchair America Pageant. There were 26 inspirational ladies from other states that were very accomplished women that were advocates. I flew out on July 22nd leaving California at 6:00am and arrived in Maryland at the hotel around 8:30 pm with a layover in Chicago. I was greeted by wonderful staff at the Doubletree hotel in Bethesda, Maryland. I was one of the fortunate contestants that were able to receive an accessible room. I was very grateful of this because very few contestants were able to receive accessible rooms. It is quite a task to accommodate all these beautiful ladies, directors of the pageant and three judges in wheelchairs with accessible rooms. The hotel staff really tried their best to accommodate us but I believe they were overwhelmed that Sunday night. I was very excited and that evening I had the honor of meeting Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts Kristen McCosh http://mswheelchairmass07.blogspot.com/ she is a beautiful women inside and out and a true advocate. She acquired a spinal cord injury very young in life she advocates at her state capitol for removal of physical barriers as well as fighting for people with disabilities to live independently in their home. She is also an advocate to encourage people with disabilities to go back to work and "Leads by Example." And she is truly an example of what she believes in and to be considered her equal as a state contender is a great honor.

July 18th Dinner at Bear Camp in Sacramento

2007-08-29T00:21:00.000-07:00

The City of Sacramento, Access Leisure offers a variety of adapted sports programs such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair softball, power soccer, Access Aquatics and even a cheerleading team. They also offer you information on where you can participate in wheelchair tennis, adapted waterskiing, white water rafting, dance, drama, the arts, adapted downhill or cross country snow skiing, and adapted weight training for adults. If you would like to receive their quarterly Access Leisure Ink newsletter from the City of Sacramento, please contact Steve Hornsey at (916) 808-2340 or visit their website http://www.accessleisuresac.org/

July 6th Spinal Cord Network in Napa

2007-08-29T00:03:00.001-07:00

Chef's Market in the Napa Valley raffeling a car for a great cause.

Unexpected Honor Mrs. California 2007

2007-08-29T00:00:00.001-07:00

Mrs. United States National Pageant is to pay tribute to the married woman with a pageant system that recognizes the intelligence, success, strength, beauty, and resilience of married women from every state and territory of the United States.

Tracie Stafford becomes the first African American to Win Mrs. California United States.

Tracie Stafford was the chair of the Hands on Sacramento Leadership Council, which promotes volunteerism; she is a past president of the National Association of Women Business Owners, chair of Sacramento City’s Small Business Board, and just appointed by Gov. Schwarzenegger to the California Small Business Board. If that isn’t enough, she is also on the board of the Black Chamber of Commerce, active with the Girl Scouts and on the Board of the Birthing Project, a national organization providing prenatal care and parenting support for women who otherwise could not afford it. Read more about Tracie at http://www.mmdnewswire.com/content/view/1533/

July 4th Independence Day Parade in Gilroy

2007-08-28T23:52:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time at Morgan Hill's Fourth of July Parade. Morgan Hill remains one of very few cities in the San Francisco Bay Area that continues to have all-day events on the Fourth of July. This parade is the oldest (1894) and the largest privately organized parade in all of Northern California! This is the official Santa Clara County 4th of July Parade. The route is Monterey & 4th to Main to Peak to Dunne & back to Monterey Street. Check out their hometown website. http://www.morganhillguide.com/Webpages/Events/index.htm

No Barriers USA Squaw Valley June 28-July 1

2007-08-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

Ms Wheelchair California Susan Rotchy Takes the Plunge
http://www.hsanjscuba.com/index.htm

No Barriers USA Squaw Valley June 28- July1

2007-08-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with friends!!!!

No Barriers USA Squaw Valley June 28- July1

2007-08-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

Learning kayaking!!!

No Barriers USA Squaw Valley June 28-July 1

2007-08-28T22:58:00.000-07:00

To Ride Again!!!!!!!!

No Barriers USA Squaw Valley June 28- July1

2007-08-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS!!!!!!
http://www.nobarriersusa.org/

June 21st "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" in Sacramento

2007-08-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

An Evening at the Rivercats Game in Sacramento
http://www.accessleisuresac.org/

Abilities Expo in Long Beach June 17th

2007-08-28T21:52:00.001-07:00

I spoke to Larry Bohanan about the benefits of a Quadriciser for more information visit their website http://www.quadriciser.com/index.html

Angela Madesen is going to row across the Atlantic Ocean in November see were she is at during her row from their website http://www.rowoflife.net/
What an inspiration!! I will keep you updated.

Abilities Expo in Long Beach June 16th

2007-08-28T21:38:00.001-07:00

I was their with Leigh Batoosingh for the unveiling of the Lego Wijit by SuperQuad, L.L.C. is a privately held company established to develop and market devices for expanding mobility and independence of disabled adults and children. The company’s Wijit® TETRA™ DBS™ is a retrofittable driving and braking system for use with manual wheelchairs. SuperQuad’s Wijit Voyager™ is the first retrofittable Driving and Braking system for kids and teens. For more information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.wijit.com/

Marc Buoniconti is an advocate for people with disabilities read more about Marc at http://www.miamiproject.miami.edu/.

I demonstrated the flexiciser at the expo and I was very fortunate that my husband bought me one for Christmas in 2005. Their website is http://www.flexiciser.com/

Abilities Expo in Long Beach June 15th

2007-08-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Abilities Expo/ Southern California
June 15-17, 2007
Long Beach Convention CenterLong Beach, CA
http://www.abilitiesexpo.com/IAEBrandManager/v42/index.cvn

The one show for independent and assisted living products and services. Abilities Expo remains dedicated to helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Only at Abilities Expo will you be able to spend hours on the exhibit floor, testing and comparing products and services offered by state of the art exhibitors. Abilities Expo also offers a full line up of FREE consumer and professional workshops, offered by leading individuals in the healthcare, education, and retail fields.

May 23rd Capitol Action Day in Sacramento

2007-08-24T01:06:00.000-07:00

Capitol Action Day is a Rally & March: Sacramento Convention Center to the Sacramento Capitol North Steps

Susan and Jean Riker

Susan and Derrick

DCAD is organized by a coalition, Disability Action Coalition, which includes various organizations from across the state that represent or support independent living, disability civil rights, equality, etc.
http://www.kintera.org/site/c.ifIPKVOzFqG/b.2639151/k.EC5D/2007__Disability_Capitol_Action_Day.htm

May 19th The 10th Anniversary at Shriner's Hospital in Sacramento

2007-08-24T00:38:00.000-07:00

It is the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children to :
· Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and certain other special health care needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment.
· Provide for the education of physicians and other health care professionals
· Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of life of children and families.
This mission is carried out without cost to the patient or family and without regard to financial need or relationship to a Shriner.

Visit their website at http://www.shriners.com/Hospitals/_Hospitals_for_Children/

Shriners Hospital-Northern California(orthopaedic, burn and spinal cord injury)

2425 Stockton

Blvd.Sacramento, CA 95817

916-453-2000

In the left picture is Nick Thomas the hockey player.

In the left picture is Miss Sacramento County, Danielle Feil is a 21 year old student at California State University, Sacramento working on obtaining her Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre and a Minor in Dance. Her platform is "Volunteerism Through The Arts." She is a dance instructor and artistic director at Placerville Performing Arts Center. She has over 4000 hours in community service, she loves to travel and she plans live for a semester in England to study Shakespeare.

March 31st In Napa cheering on the REDWOOD ROLLERS

2007-08-24T00:24:00.002-07:00

I spent the afternoon cheering the Redwood Rollers!

A Community Wheelchair Basketball Challenge was held at NVC Gym at 1 p.m. March 31. The Redwood Rollers took on the Mayor and City Council, Queen of the Valley Scrubs and City of Napa Firefighters with proceeds to benefit the Napa Spinal Cord Injury Network.
Read about it in the Napa Valley Register.

http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2007/04/01/news/local/iq_3890498.txt

Ms Wheelchair California 2007

2007-08-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

Susan Rotchy, Ms Wheelchair California 2007 currently resides in Dixon with her husband and two children. She was left paralyzed from an automobile accident 11 years ago. Since her accident Susan has become an activist for people with disabilities beginning with having a voice at the community college she attended and with that voice enforcing the college to become ADA compliance. Realizing, she had an aptitude to bring the disability community and the able body community together from this experience she proceeded straight to the capitol while completing her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Golden Gate University.
Susan wanted to move her paralyzed body again and realized that there was potential research being done for spinal cord injuries but there was no adequate funding for the scientists. In 2000 she helped pass the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act through her membership in Californians for Cures, which also took an active part in the passage of Proposition 71, the Stem Cell Research and Cures Act 2004. Additionally, she is one of the co-founders of Research for Cure, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which raises money for neurological diseases, which has raised 300,000 dollars for the Reeve Irvine Research Center at UC Irvine. For her continuous work on raising monies for research she has been thanked by the late Christopher Reeves and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Today, Susan sits on the In Home Support Service advisory committee for Solano County and is a board member of Independent Living Resource of Contra Costa County. She is an active member of the Napa Spinal Cord Network Group as well as vice president of Research for Cure. She is employed as Program Manager at Independent Living Resource in Fairfield. In her spare time she plays the flute and piano and her hobbies include quilting and cake decorating. Her platform is bringing awareness to the programs available for people with disabilities to live independent lives. Her motto is “United As One”.

Crowning March 3rd, 2007 at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Riverside

2007-08-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

Crowning March 3, 2007

It is with great pride and particular pleasure that the Ms. Wheelchair California Pageant presents the 2007 title holder, Susan Rotchy, a resident of Dixon and the First Runner Up, Lilly Simmons of Glendora.

Ms. Rotchy, 41, received her title at the
Ms. Wheelchair California Pageant, held Saturday March 3rd. at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Riverside in front of a standing room only audience.

Ms. Rotchy became a wheelchair user as the result of a crash in 1996 caused by a blown tire that caused her vehicle to roll over. She sustained a significant spinal cord injury resulting in her paraplegia.

Ms. Rotchy is married with 2 children ages 15 and 17. Ms. Rotchy graduated from Golden Gate University with a bachelors degree in business.

Ms Rotchy's disAbility rights advocacy have included numerous testimonies before various state legislative committees and being a member of a statewide Stem Cell Research advocacy organization. Stem Cell resarch is her primary platform.

The First Runner Up is Lilly Simmons of Glendora. Ms. Simmons,
age, 48, is married and has 2 adult children. Ms. Simmons is an author and works at data entry in her husband's business.

Ms. Simmons disAbility is the result of a congenital malformation of the blood vessels of her spine. Her disAbility advocacy activities include working with spiritual and medical organizations.

Ruthee Goldkorn
Executive Director, Ms. Wheelchair California Pageant