From Pageants (Ms. Wheelchair Virginia and Ms. Wheelchair Maryland), World of Possibilities Events, W.E.A.N. events and many of your outreaches in Richmond, 2010 has given me incredible experiences with the disability community. Each event educated and entertained, but most of all, provided a wider glimpse into the world of the disabled.
Most recent event was on board the Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas to the Eastern Caribbean. A 12 day adventure from Baltimore, MD to the ports of Labadee, Haiti, Dominion Republic, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Tortola, BVI and back to Baltimore, MD, and for me, back to Richmond, VA. This group of 25, which included many with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, blind and amputees left a lasting impression on the crew and passengers of this cruise ship.
Disabled does not mean Unable was the motto of this adventurous group. They put this able bodied aid to shame with their courage to experience new things. And for my sister, Cathy Porter, Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007, a dip in the San Juan ocean in a beach chair at a private beach with a private life guard! Add to this incredible adventure, a private bus tour of St. Maarten which included lunch at Sunset Beach, or better known as Airport Beach. A beach where HUGE airplanes fly directly over the beach to land across the road. Check out www.nancycarey.com and click on Royal Caribbean to enjoy some of the photos from the cruise.
May 2011 be a year of CURES of all disabilities worldwide. I leave you with a quote from a very special Ms. Wheelchair MD 2008 Rose Williams. When asked her final question at a previous Ms. Wheelchair MD competition, “If there was one disease you could cure, what would it be?” many thought Rose would say cerebral palsy, but she didn’t. Rose responded, “I would cure the frown, because if you can cure the frown, you can cure anything!” A wonderful quote that has blessed my life over, and over again.
Let’s make 2011 another memorable year for the disability community. Information is a valuable asset, and never runs dry. Send your resources and events to richmonddisabilityexaminer@
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