Cathy Porter, Ms Wheelchair Maryland 2007

Nov 13th, 2008 | By Michael McGrath | Category: On The Road..., Previous Titleholders

Introducing Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007, Cathy Porter. Ms. Porter accepted the crown from her predecessor, Liza Patchel. The crowning took place Saturday evening during an intimate dinner gala at the Doubletree Hotel in Bethesda, Md. During Ms. Porter’s year-long reign, she will travel the state promoting the Ms. Wheelchair Maryland and Ms. Wheelchair America programs as well as her platform: Self-Defense and Security for the Wheelchair User. Next July, Ms. Porter will represent Maryland in the Ms. Wheelchair America 2008 competition to be held in Bethesda, MD.

Ms. Porter is a highly accomplished, multi-talented individual. From married to single parent of a beautiful daughter to Day Care Operator for 29 years to Security Officer for corporations such as Arundel Mills Mall, Home Depot, Lowes, Weis Food Store, Hutzlers, Value City, Murphy’s and Harundale Mall, her “can do” attitude is an inspiration in the public arena. As a Security Lt. for Arundel Mills Mall, the largest and the greatest mall in Maryland with 1.3 million sq. feet of retail outlets, she was featured on Channel 2 News for her “abilities” in the Security Industry. She also made news as a mugging victim. Her “courageous” spirit resulted in her assailant’s broken foot and conviction! Proof that disabled does not mean unable. Proof that disabled does not mean unable.

Security issues are real issues for the wheelchair user. Years of experience in the security industry and personal attacks has given her valuable insight into personal protection for those whose life evolves from the wheelchair.

Her “independence” can be seen on the streets of Glen Burnie in her “Purple Jazzy” or wherever her travels take her. Not wind, rain, sleet or snow keep her from her appointed rounds with doctors, lawyers, stores and of course, travel!

Congratulations also to First Runner-Up, Barbara Kidwell of Upper Marlboro. Ms. Kidwell is a secretary at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD and is an active member of HEC (Handicapped Encounter Christ) She is also editor for their newsletter.

The Ms. Wheelchair Maryland organization emphasizes one’s advocacy and public speaking skills, as well as personal perception and projection. The Ms. Wheelchair Maryland “Pageant” is open to all women who use a wheelchair on a daily basis, are permanent residents of Maryland and who are between 14 and 60 years old. The Ms. Wheelchair Maryland program is a sisterhood of dynamic women who are dedicated to promoting disability awareness, education, and empowerment. The person selected to hold the title serves as a spokesperson whose responsibility it is to speak to the general public and the disability community about her life as a person with a disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and a platform issue of her choosing. Moreover, Ms. Wheelchair Maryland competes nationally with other state titleholders in the annual Ms. Wheelchair America Program.

To invite Cathy Porter to speak to your group or organization or to provide sponsorship for her to participate in Ms. Wheelchair America 2008, please contact State Coordinator Robert Watson at (301) 657-3283 or robert@dateable.org.

Ms. Wheelchair Maryland is made possible through individual, group, and/or corporate donations. Donations should be sent to Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Inc. 7830, Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814.
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Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007 Weekend

On November 4, 2006 Cathy Porter was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2007. She endured two days of presentation, panel discussion, judging, and fun.

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