Could you be the next
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas?
We think that you could be!
Do you have an interest in serving as an
advocate and spokesperson for people
with disabilities? You are receiving this
packet because you fit the requirements to
participate in the Ms. Wheelchair Kansas
program. We are looking for women who
are articulate, accomplished, who have a
message to share, and who happen to be
wheelchair mobile.
Please look through this packet and
consider being a contestant this year! Your
first step… turn this sheet over to read a
letter from our current titleholder.
Hello!
When I was approached about entering Ms. Wheelchair Kansas several years ago, I convinced
myself that I simply didn’t have the time. After all, I was a full-time college student, and after
college, I found a full-time job. The next year, I was in the midst of planning my wedding. It
didn’t fit into my schedule or my life at that time. Then, last year, I gave birth to my first
daughter, and suddenly it became clear to me… I had a voice that could have influence. If
I could give even a small amount of encouragement and confidence to women who may be in
similar situations, I would be setting a good example for my daughter.
Since I have been crowned, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout the state and meet
people who are involved in the disability community. I have talked to children and watched
them laugh and play and be kids. I have taught others that having a disability does not make me
less than them, just a little different. I have gained a sense of confidence and belonging that I
hadn’t even realized that I was missing. This program has, in many ways, changed my life. It’s
not a cliché. That’s the truth.
This year, the addition of the Little Miss Wheelchair Kansas program has allowed us to reach
new audiences and grow in a way that allows us to mentor on a more personal basis. Delaney
Murphy, our first Little Miss, has taught me as much, if not more, than I believe I have taught
her. She has spunk and determination, and she has shown me that being yourself is the biggest
piece of encouragement for others. Our families have grown close, and I imagine that our
relationship will continue far past our reigns.
A lot of people have questions about appearances when they hear about Ms. Wheelchair
Kansas. The first appearance that I participated in was two days after crowning. Alongside
Delaney, we participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Since then, I have appeared at the
Challenge Games in Wichita, a track and field event for children with disabilities. I appeared on
two television shows, The Brett & Sierra Show and Moms Everyday, as well as countless news
interviews. I even had the opportunity to go up in a hot air balloon at Topeka’s Huff N Puff
event this year. Appearances are essentially what you want them to be! If you want something
very professional, there are venues for that. And if you want something very social and relaxed,
there are settings for that too.
It has been my pleasure to be Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to
get involved. The sisterhood that is formed when women with strength come together is
phenomenal.
Thank you,
Carrie Sunday
Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2015