Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. » On the Road

On the Road with Ms. Wheelchair America 2008

Kristen McCosh — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:40:49 +0000

One of the best things about becoming Ms. Wheelchair America was the “Ski for Light” winter sporting event for people with disabilities in Deadwood South Dakota. I heard about SFL from previous national titleholders, but nothing could have prepared me for the excitement and enthusiasm in this tiny Western town! In addition to skiing down Terry Peak, I hung out in Saloon #10, where Wild Bill Hickok played his final hand of “aces & eights.” I lost a little money in the casino, but gained a new group of friends! Special thanks to George Lee, SFL Director, who organized this trip and sponsorship for MWA.

Ms. Wheelchair America 2008 Kristen McCosh

My next adventure was the “Disabled Divaz” Fashion show in Tucson, Arizona – a fundraiser for the Aurora Foundation to empower women with disabilities. I gave the keynote speech, then joined the Divaz models onstage! It was a spectacular sight to watch these accomplished women strut and wheel down the runway with grace and confidence. Kudos to Stephanie Parker, Aurora founder and President, for her generosity and kindness during this trip….

Kristen in Washington DC

Next it was off to Washington DC with the American Association for Homecare. I shared my story as a woman with a disability who depends on homecare to remain active and healthy. I spoke about the need for quality, affordability, and choice in homecare providers – and about those who are forced to live in Skilled Nursing Facilities because of their lack of homecare. I spread this message on Capitol Hill to our Senators and Representatives the next day on behalf of the 52 million Americans with disabilities, and I will continue to advocate even after my reign as MWA is over. Thanks to NEMED for inviting me and sponsoring this trip.

My next big event was the Little League Jamboree in Virginia Beach in May. I signed autographs at the dance the night before the big game, and did the “Macarena” with the kids. On the field the next day, I welcomed the crowd and spoke about the importance of physical fitness for people with disabilities. The kids had a great time!

Kristen with Senator Clinton

Other events I participated in as MWA were the Abilities Expos in New Jersey and California, and fitness expos in Boston and Florida. I had the privilege of meeting Senator Hillary Clinton, a troop of US Marines serving in the Mid East, and attending the World Stem Cell Summit. It’s been a whirlwind year that I’ll always cherish…

Kristen with the U.S. Marines

2008 Rose Bowl

Kristen McCosh — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 03:43:42 +0000

Well, I recently returned from my first road trip as Ms. Wheelchair America, 2008, and I had an unbelievable time. I was welcomed to the “Golden State” by Ruthee Goldkorn (Ms. Wheelchair California 2001 and the MSWC State Coordinator). Then I was accompanied by 4 other Tiara Girls as I toured the 2008 Rose Bowl activities throughout Pasadena, California: Juliette Rizzo (Ms. Wheelchair America 2005), Susan Rotchy (Ms. Wheelchair California 2007), Lilly Simmons (1st Runner-up for Ms. Wheelchair California 2007), and Laura Williams, President of Californians for Disability Rights.

I had the honor of helping to decorate the Donate Life float along with one of their special guests who appeared in the parade in memory of her late husband.

I also met a local Girl Scout Troop and talked to them about the Ms. Wheelchair America program.

And I got to preview many of the floats in the 2008 Rose Parade! I had a wonderful time that I will never forget!

Kristen interviews Larry Maddick of Kiwanis about the Rose Float partnership *** (click for video) ***

2007 Rose Bowl

Autumn Grant — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 03:40:33 +0000

Happy New Year! Even with all the holiday festivities my duties as Ms Wheelchair America did not slow down in December. On December 2nd, I had the honor of handing out the trophies at Gaylord Hospital’s Quad Rugby Tournament in Wallingford, CT. The players were phenomenal. Midmonth, I had the privilege to speak at the NEMED (New England Medical Equipment Dealers Association) quarterly meeting in Nashua, NH. During my speech I mentioned that I still needed to raise money to attend the Rose Bowl Parade and by the time I left the meeting, the attendees had generously donated enough money to cover my flights! On December 29th, I flew out to Burbank, CA and was hosted by Ms. Wheelchair CA state coordinator Ruthee Goldkorn. We had the most fantastic time, visiting the Burbank Rose Parade float, meeting with the Rose Queen and her court, going to Santa Monica and attending the Rose Bowl Hall of fame luncheon. Thank you again Ruthee and the MWCA committee for a trip that I will cherish forever.

Virginia & Rhode Island State Pageants

Kristen Connors — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 03:39:33 +0000

Kristen had a very exciting March. She was honored to be invited to attend the Ms. Wheelchair Virginia state pageant on March 17th and 18th. Kristen enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and get to know the nine contestants who competed. Congratulations to Valerie Lewis on being crowned MWVA 2006. Kristen reported that the greatest memories of this year will be of all the wonderful women she has had the chance to meet and listen to at all of the various pageants she has been able to attend. You are all extraordinary!

Kristen and Stephanie
Booth, MWRI 2006

On March 31st, Kristen completed one of her biggest goals for the year - hosting the first MWRI Pageant. There were two wonderful contestants who impressed not only the judges but everyone in the audience. Congratulations to the new MWRI 2006, Stephanie Booth. Kristen would like all state coordinators to know she has a strong respect for all the hard work that goes into starting and maintaining a state program!

Congressman James Langevin
with the MWRI contestants and Kristen

Fun in the Snow

Kristen Connors — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 03:38:48 +0000

Kristen traveled to Deer Mountain, South Dakota for the 27th annual Ski for Light (www.bhsfl.org). More than 90 skiers with visual and/or mobility impairments from across the country participated in this event. Kristen even took a few runs down the mountain with her volunteer guide. After spending the days on the mountain, Kristen had time to mingle with all of the participants in historic Deadwood, South Dakota. There were fun activities every night. Kristen was the featured speaker at the Ski for Light awards banquet. After participating in this event, Kristen said she understands why so many former titleholders say this event is a highlight of their year!

Kristen with George Lee,
the President of Ski for Light, and
Vicki Kerkvliet, Ms. Wheelchair SD state coordinator

Kristen, on her sled with her guide,
getting ready to go down the
mountain at Deer Run

Kristen getting a tour of
the cross country ski grounds
at Ski For Light

MetLife - Local Inclusion Action Team

Kristen Connors — Wed, 04 Jan 2006 03:37:48 +0000

Kristen with Dan
Reilly, the head of the LIAT

In December, Kristen was invited to speak to a group of about 50 people at MetLife Insurance. Their Local Inclusion Action Team is committed to involving people with disabilities. This was a nice fit with Kristen’s platform of breaking down attitudinal barriers in the workplace for people with disabilities.

Kristen with a
MetLife employee

Ms. Wheelchair America was once again invited to attend festivities for the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. Hats off to Ruthee Goldkorn, the MWCA State Coordinator, for all she did to help with the arrangements. Unfortunately, Kristen was unable to attend due to a last minute family emergency. We have heard that Ruthee and the MWCA contingency braved the heavy rains, wind and raw weather on New Year’s weekend to participate in the events. Thanks again, Ruthee, for your help with this!