2010 was ADVENTUROUS

2010 was adventurous for my adventurous wheelchair angels; never a dull moment nor unmemorable event!

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@gmail.com.

Alex McArthur is the new Ms. Wheelchair America 2011

Congratulations to Alex McArthur, Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina!

North Carolina is making a splash at the Ms. Wheelchair America program -- it holds the title for 2010 and 2011.

At 22 years old, Alex is now Ms. Wheelchair America 2011. This lovely young woman with Muscular Dystrophy was diagnosed as a child and has been using a wheelchair for 3 years now, and is still getting used to the “wheelchair image.”

Alex is certain to bring her style to the program. A year of exciting memories begins!

Richmond Disability Examiner articles hits 4,900 viewers

Who would have thought the need for information was so great? Not me. I am amazed at the response from the Richmond Disability Examiner articles. The emails of gratitude have warmed my heart. 82 articles and 4,900+ readers since February 2010. WOW!

Since I began writing the disability resource and event articles in February, I have been educated with a wealth of information about the disability community. My knowledge has expanded beyond Cerebral Palsy. I wasn't aware of all the resources available until I had to research to find them. And what a gold mine I found.

Each article reminds me how blessed I am -- that I am healthy! I, as does the world, take our gifts for granted; the ability to see, talk and walk. It is not until we are face to face with a disability that we see ourselves for who we are. Either we have compassion for those less fortunate and do something about it, OR, we turn a blind eye to the disability and forget it exists.

I opt to see it and do something to help. I hope you feel the same.

The disability world is short of advocates, those who not only see, but have compassion to help. The rewards of "helps" is amazing -- it literally changes lives of both the giver and the receiver.

I leave you with this request: FIND a "helps" that matches your talent, than GIVE freely.

Life can be spent in constant personal enjoyment with no eternal rewards, or in constant personal giving that returns enjoyment beyond your dreams. The choice is yours.

Nancy

Richmond Disability Resources

As the Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond, my knowledge of disability resources have expanded.

It's amazing how many resources are available for those in need, especially those available from the state.

And, I've been amazed at how many resources are seeking volunteers -- have a few hours, there are many places seeking your help.

The disability community evolves around need and resource and a place to find the two. Check out the disability resources in Richmond at www.examiner.com/x-37348-Richmond-Disability-Examiner.

Connections 2010 Event

I had the privilege of attending the Connections 2010 Event in Richmond, VA on Saturday. An event offering an abundance of resources for the disability community.

Sixty+ vendors provided information about their specific resource to hundreds of attendees. As the Richmond Disability Examiner, I was amazed how receptive the vendors were to my offer of FREE PUBLICITY for their outreach. They were eager to share their resource with the Richmond community.

I learned a lot about resources and events since accepting the challenge of writing for http://www.examiner.com/. My scope of disability knowledge has expanded to include such things as Music Therapy.

I also learned a lot about ME during these past nine weeks of writing -- God is in control of my future. Through his leading, and my obedience to that still small voice, the 35 articles written have educated 2,135 readers in nine weeks! Wow.

What does my future hold as a writer -- GOD KNOWS, I'm just along for the experience!

Niki Swann Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011

WOW! I now have a new appreciation for judging. It is a serious obligation, and certainly not one to be taken lightly.

It was a learning experience for me; it stretched my comfort zones by miles. It taught me valuable lessons in seeing beyond the physical. These ladies were amazing -- totally amazing. The ROLLED through their fears and ROLLED into victory lane. All of them were winners in my eyes.

2006, four years ago, I walked through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Midlothian,VA as a volunteer. 2010 I walked through the doors of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center as a judge. Four years of incredible growth and knowledge in the disability community.

The Ms. Wheelchair America program has changed the lives of EVERYONE involved - from the contestants, to the volunteers, to the judges. NO ONE crosses their threshold and remains the same. If they do -- they left their heart outside the door.

I leave you with this motto: VOLUNTEER - it literally changes your life!

Nancy

New Title ...

Since becoming involved with the Ms. Wheelchair America Program, life has been an adventure.

For me, a new title ... Richmond Disability Examiner for www.examiner.com/richmond. I write about my favorite things e.g. resources and events for the disability community. Check out my website at www.examiner.com/x-37348-richmond-disability-examiner.

AND ... I am attending the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2010-2011 Pageant at the end of the month, but this time, not as a volunteer, but as a judge. Oh my -- I feel like I have graduated from a four year university. Four years ago I stepped across the threshold of the Ms. Wheelchair VA 2006-2007 Pageant as a volunteer. This year I step across the threshold as a judge. I was overwhelmed at the offer.

AND ... the sequel, The Adventures Continue, is close to going to press. Hard to believe it has been almost a year since My Sister My Hero Cathy Porter Ms. Wheelchair MD 2007 was released. Once again, we will release the sequel at the World of Possibility Expo in Maryland on May 14th.

Stay tuned for additional events -- they never end to amaze me at what the wheelchair users can accomplish.