I never dreamed that I would ever be telling you about my experience at the Ms. Wheelchair MD pageant! After my accident I thought my life would just be depressing sitting in my wheelchair feeling sorry for myself but boy was I ever wrong!
I have been so fortunate to have so many wonderful things happen to me since that fateful night back in 2009!
The pageant was a 2 day event and started Friday evening with a pajama party. We learned how to put on make-up the right way and we each got beautiful bracelets with our names on them! We laughed and just enjoyed each others company. It was really nice being with other people that were close to my age in wheelchairs!
The next morning started around 9 am and I met with the rest of the girls. We had to do our platform speeches. I was a little nervous but I got through it with no problems! I think everyone liked it! We then had to tell President Obama (if we ever had the chance to meet him) what we would like to see changed. I told him I would like to see more funding in schools for drug and alcohol awareness! All the girls did such a good job!
Then I got to put on a beautiful sparkly dress and have my make-up done and my hair done! I felt like a princess! By the time my make-up and hair was done, I looked really nice! I felt really special too! Sometimes those “feeling special” moments are few and far between when you’re in a wheel chair, that’s for sure!
Then we were escorted into the pageant area by a really nice man while the hostess told a little about each of us. Everyone looked so beautiful!! Then the moment of truth! Crowning time! Shannon Minnick crowned me and she said such nice things about me! I am so blessed to know her! My mom cried (as usual) because she was so happy! It was a great moment! A feeling I never thought I’d experience again!
We then had a wonderful dinner while a lot of people came up to me and congratulated me! I was exhausted by the time the night was over with but WOW! What an experience it was! I am really looking forward to my year as Jr. Ms. Wheelchair MD! I know it is going to open so many doors for me! I can’t thank the organization enough for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful experience!!
See you at the Holiday party!! I’ll be the one with the crown and sash on!!
Lea Edgecomb
Lea’s Story
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Lea’s Photos
“Every breath you take is a second chance to do something amazing” Spoken by Lea Edgecomb to a group of 7th and 8th graders and their parents 2/10/13. My girl is wise beyond her years.
Though sometimes her strength can be weak, and she wonders if she can keep up the fight, this girl will always push through. She Will be strong.
Me and Morgan in coach Songs class Spirit Day! Seniors baby!
Congratulations! It was an amazing evening and I was so proud of your accomplishments. Life changing moment – you bet. 2013 will be a memorable year for you so take lots of pictures and keep your journal. You may be Jr. Miss Wheelchair 2013 for one year, but you will always be a Ms. Wheelchair; the title is forever yours!
Lea Edgecomb, You are the reason I reach out to teens living with disabilities. You are my inspiration! You remind me of a girl I once knew, me. Thank You for helping me see me. I love you!