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Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska 2008
April Report

Hello everyone!

I am skidding into May after a very busy April. I cannot even begin to remember everything, as most of this month was a blur. I looked back at my planner and thought a short itemization would give a better recap of a month full of appearances and networking for Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska Inc.

April 3 – “A Toast to Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska 2008” fundraiser in Lincoln: This was a wonderful time for me and it was great to finally have time to visit with a lot of the amazing people that make Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska an organization an honor to represent.

April 9th - Proclamation with Lieutenant Governor in the morning: I had the opportunity to meet many leaders of organizations and did some networking.

April 9th - Presentation at the United Methodist Fairview Chapter Mother and Daughter banquet: I spoke to a group of 40+ women attending, and had a wonderful time. I am so passionate about speaking to people and sharing my message of hope, healing, and perseverance. This was an experience that empowered me, and refueled my passion as a public speaker. The response from the women present was so amazing that I am praying God will open more opportunities to speak.

April 10th - I attended a "Help Agency Gathering". Over 50 agencies were represented from Hall and surrounding counties. I introduced myself and handed out my cards networking our organization and mission. This was held in Grand Island at the Howard Elementary School. I met many people and learned so much about other advocates and started a help file to be a knowledgeable resource for the next individual that may contact me for assistance.

April 12th - Amber (MWNE 2007) invited me to host a booth at the Kearney Kidz Explore and I was there for most of the day. We visited with A Lot of children and parents, and made friendship bracelets. I am still finding beads in my wheelchair! I had my pictures along, and autographed and distributed over 65 of them to children that asked for them. I felt so in awe at this request and loved it!

April 16th - I interviewed with KHAS television regarding my being Ms. Wheelchair Nebraska and the upcoming pageant in Washington. This interview aired on Tuesday, April 22nd on the 6pm, and 10pm news; and also on Wednesday's 6 am and noon broadcasts.

April 22nd - Met with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to get information and items for my display board for the pageant in Washington. They donated 30+ pins that are attached to a postcard about the Sandhill Cranes and the pin itself is a Crane. This is for the gift exchange at the pageant. In visiting, they are joining me in my advocating for hotel accessibility and will distribute the DVD I am making throughout all the bureaus to make a greater awareness. They had suggestions to add to the video and I was very excited about their great concern and interest in helping me to advocate for change.

April 28th - Met with the new director and caseworker from the Center for Independent living. I have been on the Medicaid Waiver Program for 14 years and now am learning about all the new changes taking place. This of course has brought to my attention another area where I am going to be advocating for improvement. The mission of the program is to keep people socially involved in their community, yet by the criteria of this same program, attendants cannot take clients and escort them to "Any Social Event" in addition, escort service is only for essential shopping, and doctor's appointments. This brought to my attention that the clients are "Unable to receive escort service to attend church". The mission of this program is not in alignment with its rules. So, my motto is if nothing changes - nothing changes. I am adding this to my list of "to do's"

Well now you can see how April managed to slip past me. I received an invitation and will be attending a Center for Independent Living Board meeting in May. I am also working on scheduling an interview with KROA “The Bridge” radio station. I will be in touch at the end of May.

Lorinda