Ms Wheelchair America 2017 Journey

Hi and welcome to my GoFundMe page!

My name is Carol Abraham and on February 20th I was honored to become Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2016.    Due to my Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) diagnosis, I have been using an electric wheelchair for approx. the past 25 years.

I am raising funds in conjunction with Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin  to assist me in my duties and travel as their 2016 title holder.    Costs associated with being the State titleholder are quite overwhelming for me so I am in need of some financial assistance...thus the reason for this campaign.

As Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2016, I will be promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and attitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements and challenges of people with disabilities, help eliminate discrimination and strengthening the voice of the disabled community across the State. I will be traveling throughout Wisconsin visiting advocacy groups, organizations, elected officials, community leaders and making public appearances plus increasing awareness through a variety of media resources on behalf of individuals with a disability - especially those with a mobility impairment who use a wheelchair.

In addition, I will also be representing the beautiful state of Wisconsin in Grand Rapids, Michigan  for a week in mid-August 2016 at the National Competition for the 2017 Ms. Wheelchair America title.     The mission of Ms. Wheelchair America is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive individual. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature. 

Your generosity will assist me with travel expenses throughout the year as well as expenses associated with competing in the upcoming Ms. Wheelchair America competition - registration fee, travel, hotel, meals, formal wear attire, etc.  (My first "installment payment" towards the registration fee for the National Competition is already due in early May, 2016)

Serving as Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2016 is such an honor.  Words cannot express how excited I am to serve in this role....and I look forward to continuing my journey to get the Ms. Wheelchair America crown in August so I can continue my advocacy efforts on a national level  :-)

I truly appreciate your generosity and support .... each and every donation will help me achieve my goal on this journey as I work to advocate for people with disabilities.

I would like to thank all of the individuals who have been a constant support of my goals. I am so excited to be able to share this grand experience with you.  If you would like to keep up with my travel and advocacy efforts, please check out my Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2016 Facebook page  .  

Please keep me in your prayers!  

With much appreciation for your generosity & support -
"Together we are Stronger"
 -- Carol

THANK YOU so much!