Wanted to say congratulations for being Ms Wheelchair Iowa. Look forward to seeing all of the wonderful ladies in Rockville! Even though we might be competing for the same title, it is not about the title but what we can do to promote our cause to all of the Nation! Good luck!

Hi Ashley- I just wanted to introduce myself since I won’t be able to meet you at the National Pageant. I am the state coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Washington Pageant. I was Ms. WC Washington 2006 and I had a great year. I also have a spinal cord injury and it is nice to see that you are helping out and doing awareness for people with disabilities in in Iowa. I am sorry I won’t be there to meet all of you this year. Good luck in all you do and have a wonderful time at the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. It was one of the best weeks of my life!

Best of luck!
Tammy Wilber
Ms. Wheelchair Washington State Pageant Coordinator

If you get a chance here is Ms. Wheelchair Washingtons website: http://www.mswheelchairwashington.blogspot.com/

I always found it fun to get to know some of the other contestants before I went to the National pageant. I found that the pageant is more about winning. It is about learning from all of the other amazing women with various disabilities around America. The friendships I took away from that one week of the pageant will last a life time. It is a unique opportunity to meet so many women with disabilities at one time. Again- good luck to you!
Tammy

Hi Ashley,

Best wishes to you at the National pageant.

We are all VERY proud of you & all of your accomplishments in your young life & look forward to what is to come for you!

We wish we could be there with you…we will be thinking about you & sending good luck your way!

Love you,
Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Dan

I wish you the best of luck!

Hi Ashley
Best of luck at the National Pageant. I will always consider you the daughter I never had, and everything you do, you do with enthusiaum & class. Go Get Them Gal.
Love Loretta

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you in advance to the great state of Maryland. I look forward to meeting you. I know that we will all have a great time during the week of Nationals. Good luck and most importantly have fun!!!

Ms. Wheelchair MD

My name is Angie Wilkerson: I was Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2005-2006, second runner-up at Ms. Wheelchair America 2006 and also was awarded the People’s Choice Award. To all contestants, congratulations! As you get ready for MWA I know you are probably very excited and nervous at the same time. I wanted to share these pieces of wisdom based on my experiences and advice I received. You will be glad if you do all of your preparation before going to MWA (prepare & practice speeches, etc.), once you arrive pace yourself- don’t wear yourself out- get your rest and eat well- take care of yourself, enjoy every moment of the experience, take lots of pictures, try to meet and spend time with each contestant- you will be so inspired and enriched by doing so, you are all amazing and special…don’t compare yourself to anyone else- just be the best you that you can be, think of your fellow contestants not as competition but rather as members of a team with the same mission as you. May you all support, encourage, educate, and inspire one another. Have the time of your life and congratulations again to each of you on your achievements.
God bless,
Angie Wilkerson
MWVA 2005-2006

Hi Ashley, I’m Rose, Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Are you geared up for week of fun as we compete? I look forward to meeting you. Have a safe and enjoyable rip.

Hi Ashley! Love the name
I’m Ashlee Allington Ms. Wheelchair Utah! I just wanted to say good luck! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us, and I look forward to meeting you!

Ashlee

HI ASHLEY,HAVE A GREAT TIME! AND GOOD LUCK YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THIS.

All the best Ashley! We’ll all be cheering for you inside of TK

Congratulations Ashley on becoming Ms Wheelchair Iowa and Best of luck to you at the National level!
Wish I could be there to watch you just know that Mom is very proud of you! You my dear daughter mean the world to me! You are truly my inspiration! I have watched you grow up to be a beautiful, smart, talented and gifted young woman, that believes in the saying… that “can’t” never did anything!
If any one can get the word across about disabilities that
would be you! Because you believe that just because you have a disability the world doesn’t stop there, you can move forward and yes there are all kinds of opportunities!
Ashley you have set your goals and achieved more than most people who do not have a disibility, most of all you have never stopped believing in yourself! You have proven that since the age of 3 when your accident happened. Being an advocate for and about Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and giving your testimonial at Safety Day camps, National Safe Kids Coalition, interviews with Radio, TV,Newspapers. President of ISU Student Disablilty Program, YLF and the list goes on. To being and striving to do your best in everything you do, taking a stand for what you believe in, making your goals a reality!
I am so very proud of you and to have you as my daughter is just the icing on the cake! I Love you Ashley! Never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars! Yes, Ashley they are within your arms reach….you just have to believe it!
Mom

Ashley- Congratulations on your title of Ms Wheelchair Iowa . You have a very busy and exciting week ahead of you in Rockville Maryland. Embrace every moment of this once in a lifetime opportunity and open yourself up to learning from all of the amazing women around you. Best of luck! I look forward to meeting you next week.
Autumn Grant
Ms Wheelchair America 2007
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator

Looking forward to meeting all you young ladies on Monday at the hotel. Have a good trip to Maryland

Deborah Barnes
Ms Wheelchair DC

Ashley! WOW! Amazing! What a wonderful young lady you turned into! I haven’t seen you since you were wee little!
Congratulations! Good luck at nationals! Wish you the best!

Hugs: Tracey

Ashley,

I wish you a wonderful week at Nationals, full of memories and meaning, with much to be happy about… Know this - you are all already winners, so just let your natural beauty shine through!

xoxo
Kristen McCosh, MWA 2008

Ashley, what can I say but echo the words of everyone else - You are an inspiration, a strong woman and role model with a huge heart. Have a great week, meets lots of new friends and cherish the experience. Grandma and I will be looking forward to sharing part of the experience with you! Love, A. Terri

Hello Ashley,

In five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, a year in the life?
This exact question from one of my favorite songs from the musical RENT began running through my head from the moment I recieved the title of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee. How would I measure this year? And now I know I am measuring it in every lesson taught and learned and every friendship made.

I am looking forward to a great week here at Nationals. Thank you for being a part of how I will measure this year.

Kasondra, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2008

Hi, Ashley! Grandma just became aware of this web site. Since she is going to Maryland she asked me if there was anything I wanted to say. You know me. I am a man of few words but I will say this for everyone to read, “I love you, and am so proud of all your accomplishments. Enjoy this experience and new friendships. You’re the greatest!” Love, Grandpa L.

Can’t think of a better person to represent our great state. You are an inspiration to all of us. You have never let your disability stop you from doing anything you set your mind to. What an example you are to all you come in contact with. We’re looking forward to hear more about your experience as Ms. Wheelchair Iowa from your Grandma Carole when she returns from Rockville. Good Luck to you.
Alan and Bess Tapper

Hi Ashley,
We were just thinking about you & hoping all was going well for you in Rockville!

We wish we could be there!

Sending tons of Good Luck to you!

Love you,
Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Dan!

Hi Ashley. My name is Donna and I work with your Aunt Deb Larson. You sound like a very special person. You’re doing great things and I wanted to wishs you luck in the pageant.

Ashley, all of us here in Alabama are thinking of you wishing you the best…

Hi Ashley

We are friends of your grandparents and have so enjoyed hearing of your accomplishments. Best of luck to you. Iowa is fortunate to have you representing our State. Dean and LaDonna Ricklefs

Hi Ashley,

I wanted to wish you good luck! We all are pulling for you. I’m a friend of your Aunt Deb’s from Alabama.

Patti O’Barr

HI Ashley, you have already accomplished so much that you can just have fun at this event.
Can’t stay and chat as I have to get back to the voting site. Dianne said! Good luck!

Hi Ashely,

We are so thrilled for you and wish you the best of luck. Of course you are a winner regarless but we think you can go all the way with this. What wonderful things you have accomplished and we are proud to be friends with you and your family. Thank your Grand Mother for giving us a heads up. Good Luck and Go Ashley

We are so proud of you, not just because you’re our daughter but for whom you’ve become and for what you have done.
You are a true inspiration and a wonderful example of internal fortitude and tenacious human grit.
Windows may close, doors may open, but the decision to go through can only be answered from within ourselves. We are so happy you chose to go through….
Though we can not be with you physically always, trust in the fact we are there both emotionally and spiritually. Always ready to catch our little girl if she stumbles,to dry a tear, share a laugh.
Our lives are truly richer with the blessing of having you and watching you grow into the strong, independent, caring young lady you are today.
Love Dad & Dianne
P.S. Frankie and Celso say “meow”
thats cat for… YOU GO GIRL!!!

Ashley, We wish you the best of luck, but you do not need that as you have been an inspriration to us all, and you will grab this title just like everything else you have ever done. It has been a long time since I have seen you, and we do all need to get together sometime and visit and spend a day just getting to meet each other again. YOU go with this with all your heart and you will do just fine. You are a beautiful young gal, and you are very strong and positive in all that you do. I know our whole family has always been proud of you and your accomplishments and never ever giving up. You are an inspiration to all of us. Keep doing what you want to do and do not stop!! Hope to see you sometime soon. Love you gal!
One of your many cousin’s… Beth and Family

Daughter of Kathleen, your grandmother Carol’s sister…

Hi Ashley,

Hope the judging went well yesterday!

I noticed your fan base is getting much bigger - you have new & old family & friends wishing you the best of luck!

That is the type of girl you are…you have stamped yourself on our hearts & minds forever…whether we have known you since birth, a few years or a few days.

Life will take you far!

Love you, Aunt Rhonda

Ashley,

We are thinking about you and wishing you the best. You are certainly one amazing girl!

Neal and Nancy

To our dear, sweet Ashley,
It is difficult to put into words all of the love and pride we are feeling for you. This week is yet another experience that will enrich your already accomplished life. At the end of the week, one person will hold the title of Ms WheelChair America. However, the true WINNER this week is anyone who has the privilege of meeting and getting to know you! You are such an amazing young woman, Ashley. Your are intelligent, caring, beautiful and a constant inspiration. We are all better people because you are in our lives. We wish we could be there with you to share in all your smiles. And we can only imagine the smile on your Grandma Carole’s face! She must be bursting her buttons - yet again - being there with you. Please know that every ounce of our love and prayers are being sent your way. We are thinking of you and look forward to hearing all about this latest adventure when you return home. We love you a ton. Daniel & Diana
P.S. Take lots of pictures! I know someone who would love to help make a scrapbook of your week!

Hi Ashley,
We wish you the very best of luck,but in our book you are already a winner. We are thinking of you and saying a few prayers.
You go girl!

ASHLEY;WHAT AN AMAZING FEAT . BUT OFALL THE THINGS YOU YOU HAVE DONE I WILL ADD ONE MORE . TO GET GRAMPA WAYNE TO WRITE HIS FEELINGS . YOU GO GAL .ALL THE BEST TO YOU. TAKE GOOD CARE OF GRAMMA UNCLE ART

Hi Ashley, Just wanted to wish you the best of luck. I am so proud of you and all of the things that you have accomplished through your life. Ever since the accident you have always excelled in every thing that you did never letting anything hold you back. You were always wanting to try what others thought you wouldn’t be able to do. Your mother Kim and your father David did a wonderful job in raising the greatest young woman that I know. Yes, our little girl has grown up to be quite a young lady. We all know that whatever your goal in life that you have set for yourself you will achieve it. You are a beautiful person inside and out and you always let that shine through wherever you are. Whether you win or not you will always be a winner. Love and God Bless. Grandma K

Ashley, We are so very proud of everything you do, You are an inspiration to all of us, to reach higher, do more, and be the best that we can be. Set a goal and beat it, make a plan and accomplish it, go above and beyond in all that you do. And aside from that you are an incredibly beautiful woman outside and in, you are already the winner to us. We love and admire you. Aunt Denise, Katie and Cameron.

Congratulations on your 2nd runner award tonight. It`s been our pleasure to watch you grow from a darling little girl to a beautiful woman. We wish you the best in all that you do. Don and Jackie

Ashley,

Congratulations on winning the 2nd Runner Up Award!

You are a WINNER in EVERY way!

Love you, Aunt Rhonda & Uncle Dan

Dearest Ashley, What a privilege it was for Aunt Terri & I to attend the Ms.WC America pagent and hear the messages of so many intellegent, beautiful, courageous, inspiring women. Congratulations on finishing as 2nd Runner Up in a tough field of accomplished women. Your family and friends all agree on how amazing you are. It’s nice to be backed up by a panel of judges who have just met you. What a great trip.(no pun intended!) I loved my time with you and Terri (and Steve!) Love, Grandma L.

A wonderful experience for a very special lady! Congratulations for doing so well, a wonderful accomplishment and we are very proud of you!! You go girl!!!
Love, John and Claudia

Congratulations Ashley..
Looks like you had a very busy week, and the video of you with your cowboy hat on.. wonderful. I thought that was a neat deal, and I have looked at all kinds of pictures, and they are all good. I will have to write Grandma Carole and tell her to post some that she took on the computer to us all also. I bet you all had a wonderful time. Take care and God Bless.
Love you,
The Franklins
Wilburn, Beth and Phillip

Ashley,

It was such a pleasure to get to know you this past week at Nationals! Congratulations on being named 2nd Runner Up, and please continue to keep up all of your great advocacy work in Iowa…

xoxo
Kristen McCosh
MWA 2008

The field of higher education is lucky to have you as an advocate, and the state of Iowa should be so very proud. You are articulate, poised and a genuine sweetheart. John and I are both so glad we got to share MWA with you.

Jaime Blanton
MWKY 2008

Ashley,
It was a pleasure meeting you. Congratulation on being 2nd runner up. Best wishes and good luck!
Nadia

Congratulations on representing your state in a great way! It was fun meeting you, and wish you best of luck in your future endevours.

IT’S BEEN A FEW MONTHS SINCE THE “NATIONALS”. MOST OF US HAVE GONE BACK TO OUR “OTHER LIVES”. I AM BUSY WITH THE DC SCHOOL SYSTEM. VISITING INACCESSIBLE SCHOOLS (SOMETIMES GETTING CARRIED UP STAIRS TO PROVE A POINT). SOMETIMES TEARING DOWN INADEQUATE BATHROOM STALL DOORS WITH MY CHAIR (POOR CHAIR) OH WELL… KEEPING BUSY. HOPE ALL’S WELL WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. TAKE CARE. IT WAS AWESOME MEETING YOU IN JULY