We at mobileWOMEN were
thrilled to connect with this year’s Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Danielle
DeAngelis! We asked Danielle to share her story and then answer a few questions
to learn more about her platform, goals and motivation. In Danielle’s words:
My name is Danielle
DeAngelis and I’m 27 years old from Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. I graduated from
Jim Thorpe Area High School in 2010. After high school, I attended Lehigh
Carbon Community College studying early childhood education when my studies
were cut short due to a horrific car accident that happened on March 7th,
2011. At only 19 years old, I sustained a spinal cord injury and I spent nearly
three months in the hospital recovering. I had to learn how to adapt to a whole
new life.
When I came home from the
hospital. I spent years soul searching and trying to find my purpose in life,
but I hit rock bottom. I was so depressed. I remember feeling so alone and not
having anyone that I could talk to that could relate. I contemplated suicide
more times than I can count. I was just so angry with what happened to me. This
wasn’t what I imagined my future to look like. I always questioned “why” and It
pained my heart, having to accept the fact that this is my life now.
After awhile, I figured I
couldn’t change what’s happened to me, but I do have control over my attitude
and I can change that, so I devoted myself to studying the bible and finding
peace and acceptance in Jesus. He’s given me the strength on days where I
didn’t think I could make it. And then he blessed me with my first fur baby,
Mishea. Mishea was a rescue brindle boxer, but to me she was my angel; she
saved me. I connected with her more than I ever thought that I could connect
with a dog. I truly feel like she was sent to me when I needed that extra love,
and to give me something to live for. In a way, I feel like she needed that
too. This past Thanksgiving she passed over the rainbow bridge. My girl who
helped me in my darkest times, was gone. I was devastated.
I am so thankful for the
support of my family and friends because they assured me that it can’t rain
forever. And sure enough, I came across the Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania ad on
social media, and I thought to myself, “This is awesome. I wonder what would
happen if I competed and actually won?! What did I have to lose?” I made it my
mission to find out more about the competition and what you had to do to
compete because to my understanding, pageants were your typical “based on looks
beauty pageant” but that wasn’t what Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania was about; this
is where things finally took a turn for the better. I learned that the
competition wasn’t a beauty pageant but instead a program to give women with
physical disabilities a platform to promote achievements as well as the needs
for persons with disabilities.
I competed for the title of
Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania on January 5th 2019 in Erie PA. It was one of the
most exciting experiences that I’ve had since being a wheelchair user. I was
under the impression that I would be competing against two other girls but to
my surprise neither of them showed up. I was then told by the state coordinator
that I would still have to go through the motions of the competition and score
accordingly, which included four different judging questions and an on-stage
two minute speech. The pressure was on; it was as if I was competing with
myself. I had to keep reminding myself that what’s meant to be, will be. That
evening, I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2019.
Since the crowning, I have
been fundraising, doing speaking engagements and raising awareness about my
platform to make businesses more wheelchair accessible. I’ve traveled to
Philadelphia a couple of times, Johnstown, Butler and there will be more to
come! My most memorable experience
so far has been being a part of the Little Miss "I’m a Star Pageant” for
children with intellectual disabilities. I had the honor of being co-MC for the
night where I introduced 13 special girls on stage. Each girl had the
opportunity to show off their talent whether they were playing an instrument,
singing, or dancing. It truly melted my heart to see them on stage carefree and
feeling included, because no two stars are alike. I also had the honor of
having a meeting with our state representative, Mr. Doyle Heffley.
It’s only been a few months
since being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania and I see the bigger picture
now. I feel like I’ve finally found my purpose in life. I don’t question why
anymore, because why not me? This is my rainbow. I’m so excited to see what the
future will bring! The sky is the limit! Even on your worst days, never stop
dreaming. If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.
mW: Thank you for sharing your powerful story with us! Can you tell
us a little more about your injury?
DD: My injury level is T9-T11. I have full use of my
upper body and I’m a full time wheelchair user.
mW: Your journey to recovery has
understandably been a tough one both physically and emotionally. What gave you
the confidence to enter Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania?
DD: What
gave me the confidence to enter Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania was believing in
myself and letting go of my doubts and fear of failure.
mW: Can you tell us more about your
platform?
DD: My platform is to help make businesses more
accessible for people with disabilities, whether that’s adding curb cuts to
sidewalks, portable ramps, more accessible parking spots, as well as more
accessible bathroom stalls. I plan on speaking to business owners directly to
educate them and increase awareness.
mW: Why did you choose this specific
platform and why is it important to you?
DD: I
chose this platform because I didn’t want to feel limited anymore nor should
anyone else. I know being a wheelchair-user that a lot of places aren’t
accessible. This platform is important to me because I have a whole life ahead
of me, I want to make the best of it even if I have to do it sitting and I want
the same for others.
mW: What advice would you give to someone
struggling with their disability?
DD: I would have to say to focus on things you CAN do.
Positivity is key.
mW: What advice would you give someone
considering entering Ms. Wheelchair in their state?
DD: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” –
Neale Donald Walschb
mW: Any other goals or dreams for the
future?
DD: My dreams for the future would be to continue my
advocacy work, and also someday get married and start a family.
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