Picture Key

(tOP TO BOTTOM)

1. KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DISABILITY MENTORING DAY IN Western New York

2. 20O2 Salt Lake City Olympic Relay Torchbearer

3. United Way 2001 Spokesperson and Mother Jean

4. Ms. Wheelchair New York 2000

5. Ms. Wheelchair America Pageant 2001- Top 10

6. 1 of 10 Americans to receive the National Highway Traffic Safety Community Service Award in 2000

7. 2002 YWCA Volunteer of the Year Award and fiancé Tom Smalley

8. Kris Ann with Elementary students after an Injury Prevention presentation

9. Kris Ann teaching elementary students about healthcare careers

Although my paralysis has complicated many things, it has not  changed my passion for children or my interest in the place I live in. I certainly do not want any child to suffer the terrible trauma I endured as an adolescent, so spent more than a decade of my life teaching kids in my community about the importance of injury prevention.

It's very important to invest at least a portion of your time to serving your community because it gives the public an opportunity to recognize your desire and ability to build a better place to live. Most people think people with disabilities are only recipients of community-based programs. They rarely think of them as the creators of innovative initiatives or the manpower behind program implementation. I'm here to challenge that limited way of thinking.

I have worked as a volunteer for the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County since 2000. Through them, I have learned a lot about myself, my community and the importance of giving back. I have established a positive relationship with many area leaders and left them with a good impression of what "disabled" individuals can bring to the table in terms of skill, dedication and commitment. 

Getting out there isn't easy. The government promises a lot but puts conditions on everything if you choose to reach for more than the "disabled" community typically settles for. Be strong, and stay focused. Familiarize yourself about your state and federal rights, and arm yourself with whatever skills you need to achieve your goals by getting an education in that field.

As Ms. Wheelchair New York 2000, I promised myself I would open a new chapter of advocacy in my life. I am determined to bring more people with SCI into significant roles in the workplace by sharing my many experiences with those newly injured who are wondering just what kind of life they can have. (Check out Helpful Links for more information.)

Don't wait for the cure for your SCI before you start living again. WHEN it comes along, you can make adjustments. Let the scientists worry about curing paralysis unless you decide to make that worthy endeavor your career choice. Create a lifestyle based on what you have not what you might have, and build the best life you can for yourself.