I am so proud of you and amazed at all you continue to accomplish…you are such an inspiration. I wish you the best in the MWA and there is no doubt you represent NC well!

Brandy!!!! I’m so proud of what you have accomplished. I wish you the very best. You go girl!!!

Brandee!! i am so proud of you!! I hope you have a blast and don”t get nervous! you are such a blessing to me and i am so happy for you! represent NC well and know your Sunday school class is backing you all the way.

Yeah Brandee! Best of luck to you and congratulations on all of your accomplishments thus far!!

Way to go Brandee! North Carolina is honored and so lucky to have you representing us, you are awesome!
I am one of many that are so very proud of you, keep up the hard work and good luck at the pageant–MT

Well what can I say, it runs in the family… LOL Just kidding, it is an honor to say “Hey” that’s my cousin! You have so many special talents, but the greatest one that I am aware of is your ability to make everyone smile. You lift me up everytime I am around you. Your positive attitude is an inspiration to all. Good Luck, my prayers are with you.

Brandee,

You are such an inspiration to me. I know that when I am having a bad day, all I have to do is come and talk to you.
You have a way with bringing out the best in people. I appreciate your friendship and loyalty. I wish you the very best in the pageant. Love, Kara Bonura

Wanted to say congratulations for being Ms Wheelchair North Carolina. 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!

Congratulations! You have my vote!! I am so happy for you!

Brandee I am so proud of you! Congradulation on Ms. North Carolina. It is an honor to say that I know you, let alone related. You are such an inspiration to anyone. Your determination makes us all ashamed of ourselves that walk. You have taken nothing for granite. There is nothing that you won’t try to do. Your determination is far beyond many people. You make our family so proud. I wish you well in the pageant. You are our hero.

Congratulations Brandee, you have always been an inspiration to others. I am so proud of all you have accomplished and for the help and compassion you give to others

Brandee, I am so proud of you!!! You deserve everything in this life that is good. You are a wonderful friend and a great inspiration. You look absolutely beautiful in your picture. Good Luck & I know that you will do a wonderful job in the pageant. Congrats again!!! <3 Heather

Hi Brandee- 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!

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

Hey Brandee, this is so awesome and i am very proud of you. We have known each other since 2nd grade and I’ve always known that you are a very special person who would do great things in your life. You have a wonderful family and lots of great friends who love and support you in all that you do. Thank you for being such an inspiration to others with your wonderful personality, kind heart and love of God. I wish you the best of luck in this competition you deserve it!

It is great to see you on the web! and to witness your determination to follow a dream. We wish you all the success that can be yours and have a fun time in the journey! Bring home the crown!!!
Roxann Colwell, Ryan and Nicole Rotundo

Brandee,
We are so excited for you and wish you all the best. You are such a blessing and bright spot in all of our lives. You,re the best and we are so proud of you and all your accomplishments!
All our love and best wishes,
Laura, Lindy, Kateland, and Grant
Mcdaris

Brandee,
Best wishes in the upcoming pagaent! I can’t think of anyone who would be a better spokesperson as Ms. Wheelchair America. Congratulations on all you success and achievement thus far. You were always an amazing, bright, and optimistic student!

I wish you the best of luck!

Brandee,
I am so proud of you and so glad to be your friend. I couldn’t think of anyone who deserves this more than you do. I know you will hold your head high and be an example to all of the other contestants with that beautiful smile and amazing optimism. Know you are already the winner in our hearts!

Go Brandee, Wahoo. Your awsome Im praying that you win!

Hi

Brandee,
We met at Asheville Ford and then at a Family Support Network meeting. We are so proud to see you representing our great state. You are an amazing woman and we wish you the best of luck!
God Bless
Sharon, Mark and James Ball

Sharon and Mark Ball told me what an amazing young lady you were and I hope you win this pagent.It would be awesome to have such a wonderful person to represent N.C.
Take care and God Bless,
Sherry Barlow

Wow Brandy, I always knew you were a determined gal! Way to go!

Best of luck. I wish you the best.

Hi Brandee! Congrats on your title sister. I don’t know you personally but we have a lot in common. I went to Saint Andrews also. Class of 1991. I also have SB. In fact, I was the Executive Director for the state chapter for 10 years. I resigned in 2000 due to health issues. I am doing so much better now.

I might try to compete in the pageant for 2009. I was in the 2004 pageant and placed 2nd runner up. Kim’s a great friend of mine. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Pageant girls are like sorority sisters, here for one another forever.

Shelly Mendenhall

Brandee,
It is a great honor to hold the title! Enjoying every second of your “crown time”!
Good luck at national!

YOU GO GIRL!!

Congratulations, Brandee! You are already a winner!

Congratulations Brandee, all of us in Asheville and North Carolina are proud of you and best wishes

We are members at the club where your mom works and we were really excited to hear about the pageant. We wish you all the luck and just want to send you our prayers and good wishes. We’re proud to have you represent NC!

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

Brandee, congratulations on winning Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina 2008. You look beautiful in your photo and I know you are going to do great in the Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant. I am so proud of an Asheville girl winning the North Carolina Pageant and I wish you the best of luck in the nationals. Have fun and enjoy every minute of the trip.
Bill Gatewood

Brandee,
What a great representative for North Carolina you are and and inspiration for everyone. Best of Luck in Maryland, we will be pulling for you.

Ralph Damato

Dear Brandee,
You are already a winner! Your determination, your spirit of giving, and your faith in God are an inspiration to us all. We wish you the best in Maryland and more importantly as you continue in your community leadership roles.
Warmest regards,
Leigh and David

Brandee—Good Luck!! Have fun and enjoy yourself. Wiil be thinking of you and hoping for the best.

Brandee, you are not only an outstanding representative of North Carolina in the upcoming pageant, but an outstanding young lady. I have been so impressed outgoing personality and positive attitude. Good luck, I know you will do well.

Brandee, you are an excellant representive for NC & especially Asheville. Have a good time and go girl.Bill Carlisle

Dear Brandee,
You are an inspiration and winner already! Best of luck in Maryland.

Brandee you are BEAUTIFUL inside and out. Best of luck in all you do! Page

Good luck, Brandee. All of us are hoping you enjoy yourself at the contest.

Millie Wald

Hey Brandee! I & everyone else here at Asheville FLM are behind you 150%!!!!!!! Have a great time! Remember, just be yourself! We all lve you how you are - do not try to be who you “think the want you to be”. Be honest & true to thyself! Go North Carolina!!!!!

Congratulations on winning in North Carolina. Have fun in Maryland. We wish you the best of luck!

Brandee,
We wish the best of luck you are one special girl!!!

We are really proud of you, and we know you can do it. You are an inspiration! Bobbie and Brady

Brandee,
Congratulations and best of luck on this new wonderful journey you are undertaking-enjoy every minute of it. We are all pulling for you.
John and Andrea Sterritt

Way to go Brandee. We are rooting for you!!

Good luck in the contest; we voted for you.

Brandee,
Congratulations, you look lovely.
God truly shines through you. What an inspiration you have been to me.
Enjoy this journey and may God’s Blessings be with you always.
With Love your sister in Christ,
Karen Youncke

Brandee,
Congratulations and best wishes as you travel to Maryland to represent North Carolina in such an inspirational event.

Brandee,
All good wishes and many blessings as you continue on your journey.

Brandee, what an inspiration and roll model you are to everyone!!
I am so proud of you. When I look at you I can see such determination, but most of all I can see how Christ like you are. Thank you for being a blessing to me and everyone you come in contact with!! Love Kathy

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

Brandee, you already know how Tim and I feel about you. You are an inspiration to all. You deserve to win it all, whether you win or not! We love you and please warn us when you are driving on barnardsville hwy!

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

hey girl! good luck and safe travels. I know that you will have lots of fun and meet lots of wonderful people. Enjoy every minute!!

I am very proud that you represent out state and I wish you all the best!

Hi Brandee,

Congrats on your win in our state of NC and best wishes for another win at the national pageant.

John and Betty Ann Modaff
CCA Members

Brandee,
I’ve been a fan and admirer of yours for quite a while. I have kept up with your schooling, graduation and your van and license to drive, through your Mom. Now this award as Ms. Wheelchair NC is icing on your cake. Good luck in Maryland and best wishes as you continue toward your next goal.

Peg Adams

Dear Brandee,
Congratulations on the Ms. Wheelchair NC. That honor couldn’t go to a more deserving person. Good luck with the national competition. You will do well.

Brett Cannady

Hi Brandee!
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

Dear Brandee,

What an exciting and amazing experience. Congratulations Ms. Wheelchair NC. You will be in our thoughts as you move into the MWA competition. All
of Asheville is cheering for you!

Patty & Gary Coleman

Brandee,
Congratulations,ENJOY All the people and the experience in Maryland. YOU ARE ALREADY A WINNER!! Rob Baker

Dear Brandee,

Congratulations Ms. Wheelchair NC. What an exciting and amazing experience. We wish you all the best in Maryland.

Patty & Gary Coleman

Brandee,
Good luck and best wishes. Win or lose, this will be a wonderful and well deserved experience for you.

Dear Brandee,
Congratulations to you! I have never actually met you in person but know that you are a very special lady. I wish you all the best in Maryland.
God Bless You!
Robin B. Stickney
(Ann’s Daughter)

Hey Brandee
Good Luck You know you are a winner
already.
I am praying for you to take the
Title . I Love you
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
LOVE YOU
JUDY & HOWARD

Congratulations Brandee! We are all so very proud of you — not only for this achievement, but for all of the wonderful, courageous things you have done all of your life. What an inspiration you are to so many! God bless you always.
Barbara Gargiulo

Hi Brandee,
Congradulations on being Ms Wheelchair NC and good luck in Maryland. I was Ms Wheelchair of SC in 1992-93, I also judged the Ms Wheelchair NC Padgeant in 1993 in charlotte and enjoyed it very much. I competed in Ms Wheelchair America in Utah and got Ms Congeality.Wish I could be in Maryland with you as I lived in Aberdeen Maryland for 6 yrs. So good luck and just remember if you don’t win you are already a winner for getting that far.

Congratulations and we wish you the best in the upcoming pagenat.
Enjoy every minute of your journey.

Steve & Frosene

Brandy, you should really be proud of yourself, the rest of us are certainly proud of you. Good luck at the nationals. You’ll come home a winner no matter what, but double winner wouldn’t be bad! We’re pulling for you.
Jones Byrd, the elder

Congratulations, Brandy! Your friends at Catherine’s in Asheville are rooting for you and praying for you! Good luck and God bless!

Deanna, Rhonda, Zelma, Melissa & Courtney

Brandee, I met you at a Skyland Twirlers dance when you came with
your Grandmother Viriginia Ponder.
Best wishes and I know you will represent NC with your very best.
Ann Mathis July 14, 2008,6;24pm

Good luck and I hope you win!

Hope you have fun at this and know we are all cheering you on. Thank you for representing our state.
My prayers and God’s blessings go with you.
Donna

Brandee, I remember when you were born and have followed your progress throughout the years. What a woderful lady you’ve become. You are such an inspiration to everyone you meet. You have accomplished so much and are to be congratulated.
Best wishes in this competition. You’re already a winner!
Love and prayers,
Nancy Radford

Hello Brandee,
My friend, Virginia Ponder, sent me the web site about you. I enjoyed reading the nice thing your friends said about you. My daughter-in-law, Kristi McEwen Rogers, works at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and I will send the web site to her. I live in Laurinburg. Congratulations and best wishes Ms. Wheelchair NC.

Brandee,
Wow, I bet you can’t believe that the time to go to Maryland is almost here. I have read all of the previous posts and can certainly see by reading them how much people love and admire you. It makes me proud to call you a friend. You have blessed my life by that friendship and by giving me someone to pick on. Each of us at Asheville Ford are so proud that you represent us, all of Asheville and the great state of North Carolina. Hey and just think, we get to work with you each week.

Good luck in Maryland, God loves you and we love you. You will be coming back a winner because you are already a winner in our hearts.

Mike Robinson
friend and co-worker

Hi Brandee,

This is awesome, Congratulations on winning Ms North Carolina I know you will do Great in the Big Pageant. Your cousin Warren would be so very proud of you.
God Bless you! Angela Houston

WOW, Brandee, I’m so impressed!!!! Who would have thought that this special little girl that I have known all this years would be running for a SPECIAL TITLE. As far as I’m concerned, you have always had a SPECIAL TITLE. In North Buncombe Elementary School and at Mt. Sheba Baptist Church, you won my heart. You have always had a beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. You deserve to win this title. You have earned it by just being you. May our Father bless you, my dear FRIEND. I love you!

You are such an inspiration to everyone around you. We love you and wish you all the love and luck in the world.

Go get them “Hot Wheels”!!!

I couldn’t imagine anyone better to win! (especially the swim suit portion…)

Luv Ya!
J-Rod

Way to go. We are very pround of you.

Way to go. We are very proud of you.

Brandee, I have never met anyone like you! You are the most loving, compassionate, giving, sweetest and kindest person I have ever known! Your love for God is amazing and your testimony is awesome. I love you and I could never be more proud!

Keep on Rolling.Best of luck & have fun!
We all have your back. I’m looking forward to lots of pictures.

Brandee- Congratulations on your title of Ms Wheelchair North Carolina . 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

Brandee, We feel we know you very well. Your grandmother always tells us about your accompishlments. We are proud to have you represent our stae of North Carolina,We know you are a winner “now” with or without a crown from any of us here on earth.
Love to you Bonnie & Jerry

Brandee, We feel we know you very well. Your grandmother always tells us about you goals and accomplishments. We are so proud to have you represent our state of North Carolina. You are a winner “NOW” and always will be,in all our hearts.
We love you, Bonnie & Jerry

Brandee, We feel we know you very well. Your grandmother always tells us about your accomplishments. We are proud to have you represent our stae of North Carolina,We know you are a winner “now” with or without a crown from any of us here on earth.
Love to you Bonnie & Jerry

Brandee ~

I am so proud of you. I have known you since the day your were born and I am amazed at the young woman you have become. Your love for others and for our Lord Jesus Christ is so evident. Thank you for touching my life and being being such a wonderful friend.

I love you,
Donna Haney Liles

YAY Brandee!! Good luck in the Pagent! Put God first and you can’t fail…ha I read something in my devotional yesterday that you might like…”The men who have moved the world, have been men whom the world could not move.” I know you’ll do great. We’re prayin for ya! =]

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

Deborah Barnes
Ms Wheelchair DC

Hey Miss Brandee, WOW!Just look at where you are today. I still remember as if it were yesterday, you were just a little, beautiful, blond-haired baby girl with beautiful eyes & a smile that would melt our hearts. All of that still remains the same. Adding that you are representing NC in this pageant. Congratulations for this title & for what you are going for next. I am most proud of you for the lady that you have become. Hold your chin high & remember–You will have the best hair there!!!!!!!!!! Love, your sister in Christ & your Hairdresser, Jeanna

As the co-publisher of Asheville ONTAP Magazine, I have witnessed the strong impact that Brandee Ponder, Ms. Wheelchair NC 2008, has had on our community, region, and state.

I met Brandee in March as we were preparing the April ‘08 edition of Asheville ONTAP Magazine. From the first moment we meet, our entire organization felt compelled to support Brandee and her desire to become the next Ms. Wheelchair America ambassador. As our staff interviewed Brandee for her first of four monthly feature articles, we were impressed with her motivation, intelligence, compassion, humor, and her true desire to educate our community on people living with physical challenges.

Just this past week, we were extremely honored to personally witness Mayor Terry Bellamy of Asheville, NC, officially declare Thursday, July 17th, 2008, as “Brandee Ponder Day.” And, we were equally pleased to hear about her official proclamation announcement on local radio stations, seeing it on websites, and watching her televised local news story. Whether it’s young children, teenagers, college students, adults, senior citizens, people living with physical challenges, elected officials, or the media, Brandee has built an impressive network of people around her to support her and her dreams.

We have become great friends with Brandee over the past four months; and we look forward to a lifetime friendship with her. And, we pledge to continue working with Brandee through our magazine and community network to present federal legislation that would make adapted vehicles available to any school-aged student who wishes to earn their Driver’s in becoming an independent driver.

In closing, from everyone at Asheville ONTAP Magazine, I wish Brandee a safe trip to Rockville from July 21st-27th. We hope that your entire week is filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for being a true friend to our entire community.

Regards,

Christopher Tunstall
Co-Publisher
Asheville ONTAP Magazine

Brandee Lee,

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

You know how much we all love you and wish the very best in this stiff competition. Remember this, to all of us, you are already Ms.Wheelchair of the Universe!!Have a ball on this ride you are on, as that is really all that matters. Good luck sweetie.

Brandee,
You’re finally getting to show the world what “us locals” have known for years. Your determination from birth has been an inspiration to all who have ever had the privilege of knowing you. You are a most precious gift from God and I’m so happy to have you as my friend. Good luck in Maryland; but, you know, this is just icing on the cake! You’ve always been a winner to us here in little ol’ Weaverville. Much, much love, Pam

Hello Brandee Lee,

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

My Blessings are with you as you go this journey.

My Blessings are with you as you travel this journey.

Brandee, I have always looked up to you for your courage and detemination. You are a very special person and I feel that your are a great Ms NC and we are proud to have you. You have had to fight your whole life for things we never even think about, I am so Proud of you. You will always be a winner in my eyes Brandee Ponder regardless of it all. Good luck and have the time of your life up there, You deserve it more than anyone I know.

Brandee Your personality,determation and faith in God hve already made you a winner.You have already accomplished so much.Good luck my prayers are with you. Don’t forget to relax and have fun with the all the special ladies that you will meet.
Helen & Lee Williams

Brandee,

As past president of the Land of the Sky Shrine Club, you have been an inspiration for all of the Shriners in N.C. You are already a winner in our eyes and hearts. Have a great time and come visit our club soon.

Tommy Arakas

HI Brandee, Just wishing you all the best, we know what you can do!Hope you are having a ball!We are so proud of you.If anyone deserves it, you do.You are a true blessing to everyone’s life.WE love you.Pat& mike

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished! With you wonderful attitude and zest for life, you are a shining example for all of us! I am blessed to call you friend!

Hi Brandee, It seems like only yesterday you were a little girl just beginning to discover the world and now you’re a young lady with interest, talents and dreams all your own. But one thing hasen’t changed, how treasured and loved you are. God has blessed you with strength and ability to shine on his world.Always follow your heart- you can fly and you can soar.You can open any door, you can set the wheels in motion, because dreams come true if you just start by simply listining to your heart. Just dream and do, believe in you.Make a promise yourself, be true to yourself-to pursue your dreams and then watch as wonderful things happen.One seed can start a garden, one smile can lift a spirit, one candle can light a room,one conversation can start a friendship, and one person can make all the difference. That one person is you.I want to thank you for being such a wonderful granddaughter, for giving me so many reasons to smile, for our on the go fun times and times we just talk and relax for awhile. Thank you for all the memories I’ll keep with me always, for being a part of my happiest days. For inspiring my heart wth your dreams, for your hugs, your help, your humor and for letting me know you appreciate me. Thank you for showing me all through the years, I’m the luckest Mammaw there could be. Success, achievement,happiness, dreams and commitment, you have raised the bar once again. Be supportive of all the ladies competing with you for the crown of Ms Wheelchair America, you are all to be commended for all the efforts and desires you want to bring forth to this nation. God bless each and every one of you.

Mammaw Ponder

Hi Brandee
Just remember We all Love you very much and we are so proud of you. Win or loose you will always be a winner with us. Good luck.

Love Lee & Helen Williams

Congratulations on Ms Wheelchair NC and Best Wishes at Nationals! Enjoy every momement!

I know how proud you must be to have this honor of People’s Choice and Internet Hit Award. Now the world can know how respected and loved you are by all who know you and what you stand for!I am very proud of all your accomplishment’s in your life. You are always so positive and this makes others around you feel good.Keep up the good work as you do make a difference in other peoples life’s.

Congratulations, the people have spoken!! We hope this journey you have been on has only just begun, love, The Newcombs

Congratulations on your people’s choice award and Internet award . I Look forward to visiting with you when you come down from the sky . Teresa

Brandee,

It was such a pleasure to get to know you this past week at Nationals! Congratulations on the People’s Choice Ward and on all of your accomplishments, and please continue to keep up all of your great advocacy work in North Carolina…

xoxo
Kristen McCosh
MWA 2008

You Rock !!!! I’ll never forget your Vita-mita-vega-min act…even Lucy would be proud!!!

I just love you so much and am so glad I got to know you and share National’s week with you.

luv ya lots,
Randi

MWA would not have been the same if we had not been sharing the experience together. John and I agree that you made North Carolina proud, and we are so glad we met you.

Jaime Blanton
MWKY 2008

Bradee,
It was a pleasure meeting you at MWA. I am sorry that I did not get a chance to spend more time with you. Congratulation on People’s Choice Award.
Best wishes,
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