Guest Blogger: Yvette Yvolved Pegues

I met Yvette at the Abilities Expo in Atlanta in March. It was a complete God-thing, and I am so happy that He arranged it! Yvette is a mom and wife, and her adorable boys wrote a book, which she will talk about below. Yvette is a classy, well-spoken woman, and she is going to do a great job representing her state at the national pageant next month as Ms. Wheelchair Northern Georgia USA. Meet Yvette!

• Tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been married to my best friend for 11 years. We met after I was recruited from Barry University, South Florida, as a Networking and Systems Engineering college hire by IBM during a Technology Conference. He was living in Memphis, TN at the time. We married on the property where we live today with our two amazing sons: Isaiah (8) and Elijah (6).

Most say he's a GREAT man for hanging in there and taking over after the injury. He believes he is fulfilling his purpose and God's perfect plan to care for, protect & provide for his family to the best of his ability...no matter what. He never complains, always has a smile on his face and a song on his heart. I am so blessed to be his wife, the Mother of his children and his best friend. He has been, and always will be, my knight in shining armor! 

• Tell us about your disability?

I suffer from a condition known as Chiari Malformation, Type I. Although it is a congenital brain malformation, it was discovered during a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2011 when my brain dropped into my spine. It is believed that I suffered from a stroke in my brain stem during an operative procedure to correct the condition which unsuspectingly left cognitive impairments and learning disabilities in the left brain as well as limitations in the spine and lower extremities. The condition, itself, is said to traditionally lead to very early and numerous operations very early in life, is passed from a mother to her girl-child, type II/III can be deadly and it is very similar to the condition, “Spina Bifida.”

• What is your platform/motto in life?

“The scene of our GREATEST disappointment is the setting of our most POWERFUL miracle!” Everything about our outward tragedy was a blessing from the moment the excruciating feeling of a red, hot knife cutting through my bones and fire shooting through my veins led us to the emergency room that night to the day we walked into the operating room and never walked out.  Some may say that we pulled a bad card that day. We say, the card didn’t have to be pulled at all. There was just as much of a chance that the high neurological risk in BOTH parental case histories could have just as easily left me on the operating table. I could’ve also been born in a wheelchair and/or spending my entire life in and out of surgeries (as the condition suggests). But God had a different plan for my life. The life I live today is not for me but for those he has placed in my path and the purpose He has placed on my heart.

As such, we believe that it is important to leave a benevolent legacy. Our inclusive service platform is, “Dream.Write.Hope….Building a Legacy of Literacy, Today” for children with ALL abilities who aspire to be Junior Authors. Regardless or the categorical determination of child’s disability status, determination or eligibility under ADA, FAPE or IDEAS qualifications, DWH believes that every child reserves the right to dream and leave a legacy of hope for future generations. It only takes one generation to change a world. Why not now?

• What are your favorite activities?

During rehabilitation, I had the privilege of learning how to play Chess! For the first few years of recovery, I was a serious fall risk and still have some limitations. Otherwise, I have an insatiable love of the outdoors and rigorous sports. As such, I have discovered the world of Adaptable Sports! I am learning to slowly move into Paralympic sports related activities such as sled hockey and snow skiing. In the meantime, nothing beats enjoying being in the pool with the boys and watching them engage in the various sports that we shared prior to my injury: ice/roller skating, tennis, horseback riding, lacrosse, fencing, soccer and Tae Kwon Do.

• What is something we might not know about you?

When Isaiah was born, I went back to school to get a second degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori to become a better mom which led me to qualify for a full tuition paid scholarship doctorate opportunity at Harvard School of Education just weeks before my TBI. I had just returned from an Earthquake mission where I assisted a medical relief team between Dominican Republic and Haiti by interpreting in (up to) 5 languages for Military, Census, families, media and medical. I was the greatest service opportunity of my life.

• What are your future plans?

I would like to pursue my education in service to the community that I believe my condition has led me to serve. Regardless of my medical outcome (whether I ever walk again or not), I believe I was truly meant to be a servant leader in a community that I’ve grown to love and respect so much more than I can articulate. Our entire family has fallen with me and they have also grown with me in ways that no other lesson, book or classroom experience could have taught us. Our experience has been organic and absorbed through every fiber of our being. None of the lessons have been wasted on us nor will they be forgotten.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

Fear of Failure. In retrospect, my husband could see the health-related danger signs leading up to the fall. All I could see was the rise: I was a full-time graduate student Summa Cum Laude, Vice President of the Golden Key Honor Society, participating in Literacy in Africa at the University level, I had a fortuitous meeting with the sitting US Secretary of Education who agreed to mentor me while I was attending his Alma Mater. All while performing with excellence at the largest IT Company in the world. It was arguably one of my best (outwardly) performing years in education and career. My husband was happy and my children were flourishing. We were ‘ready’ to pack up and move to Cambridge…or so I thought. 

I had a really long way to fall, a really hard place to land and a really long time to lay there. I was so used to fighting that I thought I had to pick up where I left off. Do better than before. Fight the refusal of corporate to take me back and traditional academia to see me as normal. Prove to everyone that I was ABLE even when the reports said otherwise. Then when I stopped PUSHING and allowed the answers to arrive at a place of serenity, I realized that the measurement of, “Failure” went away when I changed my perspective of SUCCESS. 

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

Live LIFE Forward. Life does not end at the diagnosis! There are THREE major areas I would recommend a newly diagnosed or disabled person to focus on:

• Your Self
• Acceptance
• Feelings
• Personal Priorities
• Your Family
• Communication
• Roles
• Family Priorities
• Your World
• Educate Yourself
• Expand Your Social Networks
• Celebrate Your New Normal 

• Anything else you would like to share?

Our transparency has been our therapy! We have had the privilege of therapy through writing. I believe that when I allowed my children into my transition and recovery, it also gave them permission to heal and help others going through the same/similar situation to do the same. So when they asked to write a book for kids by kids about what they were experiencing, we excitedly welcomed the opportunity for them to GROW through their experience outwardly. The result is, My Mommy had Brain Surgery & I’m Okay!, a small book about a big journey that has inspired classrooms struggling to make the brain FUN with a real story of inspiration, diversity, sensitivity, bullying and instruction - leaving an impact on young minds and hearts for a lifetime.  A second book, about the 4/4’s for Newly Disabled and Diagnosed persons ™ followed.

Guest Blogger: Chandra Hendricks

We are less than 60 days from the 2014 Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant! I will continue to introduce the contestants as we get closer, and I am very proud and excited today to share with you all about Ms. Wheelchair Wyoming 2014-2015, Chandra Hendricks! Chandra is a Mom, and she just happens to be from the best state in the country! She is a shining example of someone who has learned from her mistakes and wants to use those life lessons to inspire and help others. Meet Chandra!

• Tell us a little about yourself?

I am 31years old. I am a single mother to a beautiful 6 almost 7 yr. old who is my world. I am a stay-at-home mom and I home-school my daughter. I was home-schooled from 3rd grade on.  I come from a larger family; I have three brothers and three sisters. I love taking pictures of everything from my daughter and my family, to the outdoors-flowers, animals, sunrises, sunsets, and clouds.

• Tell us about your disability?

On June 15th, 2003, I was in a car accident that involved three other people and left me paralyzed from the chest down.  We were drinking and decided it was time to go home, so we headed down the mountain. We had all been drinking alcohol. The driver began going too fast on the gravel road and lost control of the car. I had buckled my seat belt seconds before we began losing control, and that is what saved my life. The other three people were thrown from the car and died. I was the only one remaining in the vehicle. Due to my injuries, I am a C-6/7 incomplete quadriplegic.   

• What is your platform/motto in life?

My platform is about drinking and driving and the choices that come with it. I am always positive and look for the silver lining in every bad situation. I believe that our attitude truly does shape our outlook on life. I also believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we will never know those reasons, but God does and He knows what He is doing, whether we can see it, agree with it, or even like it. All we can do is keep on pushing on, keep our heads up and continue to stay strong. We are our own worst enemy when it comes to playing the “what ifs” and “whys.”

• What are your favorite activities?

I love photography, baking, cooking, and hanging out with my daughter, family and friends. 

• What is something we might not know about you? 

I absolutely hate mushrooms, and I want to go skydiving for my 32nd birthday.

• What are your future plans?

I want to learn how to drive and get a van that allows me to drive me and my daughter around. I would also like to finish my schooling (once I figure out what I want to do). I would like to move into my own home. And I hope to meet a nice man and get married someday.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

I would say that one of the biggest obstacles I have had to overcome was learning to live with such a life changing event. I had no choice but to make the best out of the situation. Also, it was difficult to learn how to write left handed, due to my left had being stronger than my right.

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

Make the best out of your situation and don’t live with the “what ifs” or the “whys” because they are things you will never know or understand and they could/would drive you crazy. You’re stronger than you believe that you are, you will be ok, and life can still go on.

• Anything else you would like to share?

I am a very easy going person, and I enjoy being around people; however, I am somewhat shy at first. I am very excited and nervous for the national competition, and I am very excited to meet all the other women. I have never done anything like this in my life, and I believe that it will be a life changing experience.

https://www.facebook.com/mswheelchairwyoming2014

Wheeling Fashion

When my accident happened, I don’t think I understood just how much every aspect of my life would change. Some of the differences in life via wheelchair were obvious, but others sneaked up on me unexpectedly. One such change was fashion. I didn’t lose my sense of fashion- not that I had one to begin with- but the fit and look of clothing in general was altered. This was problematic, because I am slightly obsessed with shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories, as my closet (and husband) can attest. Luckily, over the years, I’ve learned what works for me. For instance…

Pants:

I am tall. I honestly don’t ever remember not battling shrinking hemlines and jeans that looked more like cropped pants. Now add the fact that I am sitting constantly, and things get even shorter. Another issue with pants is the fit and height in the back. Have you ever tried to put on a pair of pants while sitting down and not using your legs for assistance? You should really try it sometime. Like right now. Unless you’re in public- then wait until you get home.

My point is- it’s difficult. And forget it if the pants are even the least bit form fitting or low-rise. You might as well put a blanket on your lap now or wear a LONG shirt or jacket, because if you attempt to shift in your wheelchair or bend over to pick something up off of the ground, the entire room will suddenly wonder if you’ve changed your profession to plumbing. 

Finding jeans and dress pants in the proper length can be extremely challenging, as well as finding cute jeans in a higher rise, so let me share with you a few places that I have come to love for any other tall wheeling (or non-wheeling) gals out there.

• New York and Co.: I love their dress pants. They have just the right amount of stretch in the fabric, and they offer them in a TALL length. Super cute, super long, and great prices and quality- especially when they are running a sale!
• Cruel Girl Jeans: These are my new go-to jeans. The performance rise is higher in the back, and these babies are LONG if you order the XLong or XXlong lengths. And they even have an awesome kick-pleat for your boots in some of the styles- my favorite are the Georgia Relaxed. Love!
• Maurices: Our local store has a surprisingly great selection of long length dress pants (LONG & X-LONG) for when I can’t get to a NY&Co. And I am obsessed with their items in the next category...

Skirts/Dresses:

I have a never-ending phobia that I am constantly flashing the entire world when I wear shorter skirts. Russ and I have a routine when I get out of the car at church when I am wearing a shorter skirt. 

Me: “Can you see anything?”

Russ: “No.”

Me: “Are you sure?”

Russ: “I would have to lay on the ground to see up your skirt. Let me try.”

Me: “Don’t even think about it.”

Most of the time my paranoia prevents me from even wearing shorter skirts that leave me more than adequately covered, so praise the Lord for the influx of maxi dresses and maxi skirts! I would always rather err on the side of caution than to be known as the girl in the wheelchair who is very proud of her undergarments and wants to share them with the world. And don’t get me started about being up on stage in something short…

As for dresses, I usually don’t wear anything form fitting because it always bunches in the wrong spot. This was never more evident than when I went shopping for my prom dresses and wedding dress. Needless to say, I ended up having my dresses made. Fortunately I had a friend who is an amazing seamstress, and she did a beautiful job. I was able to find my pageant dress at David’s Bridal. I tried on some long dresses in satin and taffeta, and it was a hilarious nightmare. Finally, the nice attendant brought me a dress in a flowy chiffon material, and the fabric was much easier to work with. It’s usually just a trial and error experience, so take your patience and plenty of time. Accessible dressing rooms help as well!

Shirts: 

The only shirts I tend to avoid are button-up tops. Since I use a manual chair, and I am constantly using my arms to propel myself, I find button-ups too constraining. Plus- they have a tendency to gap in inconvenient places as I am wheeling myself. I also avoid coats unless I will be out in cold weather for an extended period of time. My chair is a tight, custom fit, and the extra material is bulky and unwieldy. I prefer cute ponchos. They double as my shirt, but still keep my warm. Much more fashionable than my Snuggie as well.

Shoes:

This one actually changed for the good. I was never good on heels, and I was already taller than most of the boys I knew, so after my accident, when I realized my ankles would no longer support spiky heels, it didn’t break my heart. I do love my wedges, flats, and sandals though.

And my shoes always look brand new! I do have to deal with swelling, but I’ve found ways around that. I just buy bigger shoes! It’s not like I have to worry about walking out of them… And I can still wear my boots. I just head down to Wayne’s Boot Shop in downtown Cody and Russ’ Uncle Kevin either stretches the ankle curve for me or puts in zippers, depending on the boot and fit. ‘Cause you know I couldn’t handle not rocking my boots! I have a pair of Old Gringos and another pair of Corral boots that I am currently OBSESSED with.

Those are just a few examples of how fashion changes when you add in a wheelchair. Obviously, depending on your disability, this will be different for everyone. And yes, I’ve been on several websites that specialize in clothing designed for people in wheelchairs- I’ve just never been too keen on the designs or prices.

So what brands work for you? Any tips or tricks for others learning about wheeling fashion?

Disclaimer: I was in no way compensated for mentioning any of the above brands. I just wanted to share with you some of my personal favorites!

Guest Blogger: Shelly Lowe

The Ms. Wheelchair USA organization has recently named several new state representatives, and a few of them have accepted my invitation to appear as a guest blogger. Shelly Lowe was crowned Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia, and I'm looking forward to meeting her at the national competition in July. I love hearing about girls that enjoy the outdoors- meet Shelly!

• Tell us a little about yourself?

 My name is Jordan Michelle Lowe, but everyone calls me Shelly. I was born July 9, 1993. I am currently 20 years old. I am from a small town in West Virginia called Shinnston. I go to Fairmont State University where I major in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I am a true country girl. I like to go fishing, hunting, riding down back roads and mudding. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers, and I am the oldest. I am very optimistic and try to help as many as I can. My favorite colors are lime green and orange. 

• Tell us about your disability?

In April 2011, when I was a Senior in high school, my boyfriend (at the time) and I were coming home from a dirt track race. It was about 1:30 in the morning, and we were both really tired. I fell asleep and was awoken by his screams telling me to hold on. He had fallen asleep, and when he woke up, he cut the wheel too sharp causing the truck to roll. I broke my neck in two places, and as a result, I suffer from a SCI (Spinal Cord Injury). I was diagnosed as being a quadriplegic.

• What is your platform/motto in life?

My motto in life is, “The only handicap one has is themselves.” I live by this every day and try to get others to live by it as well. I don’t like being told what I can and cannot do, especially if it’s because of my disability that they say I can’t do something. We can do anything as long as we set our minds to it.

• What are your favorite activities?

My favorite activities would include inspiring/helping others, hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers.

• What is something we might not know about you?

I like to sing karaoke with my friends.

• What are your future plans?

My plans for the future include going to WVU to get my masters in Psychology, and then working with adolescents and adults with mental disorders. After that I plan on opening up my own practice to counsel people like myself who have disabilities and need someone to talk to.

• What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome would have to be this injury and coping with all the friends I have lost and realizing they were never my true friends to begin with. I am still faced with many obstacles because of that, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It has changed my life and has made me a truly better person. God dealt me this hand of cards for a reason, and I am playing them to the best of my ability!

• What is the best advice you would give to someone with a recent injury/diagnosis?

I would tell them that their life isn’t over. It has only just begun. They can still continue to live a normal life and do ANYTHING they set their minds too. Don’t give up! 

My Wheelchair & A Product Review

I used to hate my wheelchair. I think I hated what it represented- the reminder it was of my accident and paralysis. I resented having to use it, and childishly, blamed the hunk of metal itself instead of actually dealing with the emotions behind the bitterness.

That may seem like a strange way to lead in to a product review, but for a long time, I didn't like "chair flair." The bright paint, lights, accessories, etc. that adorned other wheelchairs bothered me. Why would I decorate something I despised? My chairs were black with nothing flashy, different, or exciting.

Now that I am older and so much slightly more mature, I am thankful for my wheelchair. Now, it represents my independence and the freedom I have to do anything I want, regardless of my disability. I appreciate my chair and the partner it has become in my life.

And so, when I ordered my current chair about a year ago, I branched out a little. Addison helped me pick out a few places to add purple accents, and I love how it turned out. It displays my personality without looking like I stumbled into the middle of a paintball war. It's me.

This change in attitude couldn't have come at a better time, because before Christmas, I received a tweet from a company asking if I would be interested in receiving a set of camo spoke covers. I was reluctant at first, but I decided to try them out. And I'm so very glad I did! Not only do they look great, but they protect my hands and nails from spoke damage. I get comments all the time about the covers- the camo is very popular! They are easy to install- just a few velcro straps- and you can wipe them down with a wet rag when they get dirty. I waited to review them until I had time to use them in multiple capacities, including traveling. They have held up wonderfully!

There are only two cons to these spoke covers. The first would only apply to manual wheelchairs that have wheels that are removed by a center release button. With the current model of spoke covers, the release button is covered by material. You can slide your hand between the cover and your spokes to access the button, but it takes a little getting used to. I was told that newer models would have a cut-out for the release button.

The second con is that the company that made these covers seems to have disappeared! HB Wheelie Co. is no longer a website, Facebook page, or twitter account. They were a brand new company, so unless they have changed their name, I'm afraid that they may have shut down, which stinks! They had several different sizes and patterns, including a chevron I was going to try. So if you have any information, or can find any trace of the company, please let me know so we can spread the word about these creative wheelchair accessories!

 

Catching Up

I knew this spring would be busy, but I had no idea what was in store. It has been a whirlwind, but in such a good way! I will break down the last few weeks by event to catch everyone up on what has been going on with the Crown & Camo tour.

Ohio/Indiana Trip:

Addison and I traveled to Indiana and Ohio at the end of February for two weeks. This was the first time I have traveled with her by myself, and her first visit to Indiana, where I was born and raised. She did really well, and she definitely had a great time visiting with family and friends, attending my events, and living in a hotel for a while!

We flew in to Ohio where we attended Pastries with the Princesses, a fundraiser for The Dane Foundation. This is the non-profit organization with sponsors the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant every year. Addison and I had such a great time meeting all of the princesses- she was in heaven! Here are a few pictures from the event:

All of the girls and the princesses during story time at Cinderella's castle.

Addison and Sleeping Beauty

Matching crowns!

We spent the rest of our time in Ohio making appearances and building new relationships with donors and possible sponsors for the pageant. Addison loved hanging out with everyone and did very well with the busy schedule- and eating breakfast in the hotel every morning was definitely a highlight! We love staying at the Staybridge Suites in Stow, Ohio- one of the most accessible hotels I have ever stayed in. The rooms are gorgeous and the staff is incredible!

Breakfast in our hotel room!

Addison's first "Build-a-Bear" experience- this store in the Summit Mall in Akron has been a very generous sponsor of the pageant.

Checking out the trikes at the Rubber City Harley Davidson- I'm thinking I need one in a camo paint scheme...

We headed to Indy for a few more events before heading home. Addison got to spend some quality time with family, and I got to catch up with some old friends. We visited the Indianapolis Children's Museum, which was incredible. I was very honored to have this trip sponsored by two organizations. The first was the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, where I was able to speak and tour the hospital to meet patients and their families. The staff at RHI is doing an outstanding job helping people to become more independent after an injury or diagnosis. The patients and their families were so welcoming, and we met some amazing people!

The second event I spoke at was the first annual Civil Rights Symposium sponsored by the U.S. Attorney's Southern District Office. The conference was held at the Indiana State Police Museum, and I was able to meet a lot of great people making a big difference in Indiana, as well as across the country. I learned so much from the other speakers, and the event made me excited to get home and continue my work in Wyoming.

We had an amazing trip, but we also decided that two weeks is a long time to be away from our favorite guy, so we were definitely glad to get home to Russ.

Somebody got to check out the cockpit on the plane!

Abilities Expo- Atlanta:

In mid-March I took off for the Abilities Expo in Atlanta. These expos are held all across the country throughout the year, and they are an amazing opportunity for people with disabilities to network and learn about all of the newest information, technology, and products- it's like Candyland for people in chairs! We were at our Ms. Wheelchair USA booth for all three days of the expo, and we met a lot of great people, shared information about the pageant, and played with a bunch of awesome toys! :)

Our booth at the expo.

Playing in the Trackmaster track chair.

Impromptu girl talk session!

"Walking" in the Quadriciser

 The amount of technology that is available for people with disabilities had grown by leaps and bounds, but unfortunately, there was little if any of a presence for outdoor activities, specifically hunting. We are hoping to change that at the upcoming expo in the NJ/NY area by providing my "Dream Booth," which would include adaptive equipment specific to hunting. We are currently looking for sponsors for this booth, so if you or someone you know would like to be involved in sharing your adaptive equipment with thousands of consumers with disabilities, please contact me at ashlee.lundvall@gmail.com, or by using the form at the bottom of this page!

Wyoming Outdoorsmen:

A few days after I got back from Atlanta, I was invited to speak at the annual Wyoming Outdoorsmen's Banquet here in Cody. We enjoyed a great prime rib dinner before I took the stage to talk about hunting with a disability and encouraging more women to get involved in the sport. The crowd was gracious and supportive- exactly what I can always count on from my amazing hometown! WYO is a great organization, and they have always been incredibly generous to Wyoming Disabled Hunters over the years! It was a great event, and Russ almost bought me a purple handgun during the auction that followed- maybe a birthday present this fall???

Shepard Symposium:

I was invited to present at the 18th annual Shepard Symposium on Social Justice last weekend on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, and Russ was able to travel with me. This trip was sponsored by the student organization Abilities and Wyoming AgrAbility. We filmed an interview in the morning for the Wyoming Signatures series on Wyoming PBS, and enjoyed a meet and greet with the students in the afternoon before I spoke in the final session. Although Abilities is a newer organization, they are already having a huge impact for students with disabilities on the UW campus- I am so looking forward to hearing about their continued efforts to make a difference and impact for the disability community.

If you would like to view my presentation, you can watch the video here- just skip to 1:27:03 for my part of the session.

PVCE Events:

Last Tuesday brought another local opportunity to speak. Powell Valley Community Education and local McDonald's owner Jerry Bank sponsored a presentation at Northwest College where I was able to share my story and hopefully encourage others to maintain a positive attitude when faced with obstacles. This was a very special event for me as I was able to speak in-depth for the first time in Wyoming to a great group of family members, friends, and new friends from the community. I held a Q&A after my talk, and the group was very receptive and curious, which I love. I followed this event with an appearance at the annual Health & Safety Fair yesterday, where I was able to meet tons of awesome folks from the community.

Upcoming:

I have a little break in my schedule before things pick up again in May. I will hopefully be at the NY/NJ Abilities Expo (see above), I will be speaking at the Shoshone Learning Center in Powell, and later in the month Russ and I will be heading down to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to provide an in-service for the Voc Rehab counselors there. I am so thankful for these continued opportunities, and I look forward to updating you all soon about these events!