Ms. Wheelchair Maryland
2008 Denise R. Thomas
DETERMINED…
CARING…
REALISTIC…
FUNNY…
LEADER…
- Lives on her own in Rockville, Maryland
- Employed as a Program Director providing transportation services to individuals with developmental disabilities
- Volunteers on various state and county commissions/councils established to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities
- Received a Bachelor of Art degree in Business Management from St. Andrews College
- Disabled due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Enjoys traveling, and advocating for individuals with disabilities
- Self Perception: Determined, Caring, Realistic, Funny, Leader
Day 1 - Denise Arrives in Rockville

Day 2 - Funday!

Day 4 - Resume Judging and State Displays

Day 5 - Platform Speeches

Wanted to say congratulations for being Ms Wheelchair Maryland. 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 Denise - 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 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!
I also wanted to say how great it is that you are Program Director providing transportation services to individuals with developmental disabilities because transportation can be such a huge issues, and I am sure you have helped so many people get out into their community!
Best of luck!
Tammy Wilber
Ms. Wheelchair Washington State Pageant Coordinator
As your Aunt I Want to say how proud I am of you as my neice, as well as you being Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and possibly Ms Wheelchair of America
You deserve so much and I know how hard you work for rights and priviliges for the handicap. I want to wish you all the success in the world. Will be cheering for you from here in Ohio
I wish you the best of luck!
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 Denise, 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 Denise!
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
You go girl!!!!!
You are the best inspiration that a person can look up to, thank you for being the person we all admire and look up to. Good Luck!!!
Denise-
You have always been a “Shining and Rising Star” in my book!! I wish you the best in this pageant and all your endeavors in life!!
Good Luck!! You’ve come long way baby!!
Cimone
Just wanted to say good luck to you. You have accomplished so much and I am very proud of you!
It will be wonderful to meet you, andI can’t wait to come to your great state. Good Luck
Denise- Congratulations on your title of Ms Wheelchair Maryland . 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 seeing you again next week.
Autumn Grant
Ms Wheelchair America 2007
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2006
Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts State Coordinator
Denise, I was elated to read that you are funny. I am not one to be high strung or act as someone I am not. It is going to be nice to meet you and learn more about your life and experiences. I am a single mother of three children and love to share stories. You have a great presentation of a very nice person. Will meet you soon
Denise,
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
Hello Denise,
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
Hey Denise! Way to represent Maryland! I might be a Tennessean now, but my heart is still in Maryland. It was great being part of Ms. Wheelchair Maryland. Good luck and show ‘em all a good time.
Denise,
It was such a pleasure to get to see you again this past week at Nationals! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, and please continue to keep up all of your great advocacy work in Maryland…
xoxo
Kristen McCosh
MWA 2008
Denise-
You are so accomplished, and a great advocate for all of us. It was a pleasure getting to know you. You represented Maryland extremely well, and should be very proud.
Jaime Blanton
MWKY 2008
Denise,
I am so proud of you!
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.
If you want to stay in touch please email me at reevepupandkittens@sbcglobal.net