Letter 67 - Auto-Cross Driver and Miss Wheelchair America 2009

Hello Bregdan Women,

You’ve got Ginny today…

This Bregdan Woman makes me determined to push past any perceived limitations. She is truly an inspiration.

One of Michelle’s many passions is Auto Cross racing. We’d never heard of it before, so we had some learning to do in order to tell you about this remarkable woman.

Michelle races in a Mini Cooper. Yes, you read that right! The H stock class for Auto Cross racing is for the likes of Honda Civics and Mini Coopers.

Auto Cross, “is a timed competition where drivers navigate one at a time through a temporary course marked by traffic cones. Autocross tends to place more emphasis on car handling and driver skill than on sheer horsepower.”

In 2006, Michelle placed first in her division and was named the Driver of the Year.

Michelle enjoyed the freedom and the speed, challenging herself at every race to improve. Competition with herself was her life. Since she was a little girl, Michelle pushed herself in every arena of life. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She went on to earn her Masters.

A natural beauty, she wanted people to see beyond her looks and into her heart. But there was more… She wanted recognition for her skills and talents – not her limitations. On the racetrack, she was not judged for anything but her time!

People in the crowds (the ones who don’t know her yet) are always amazed when her team opened her car door and scooted her wheelchair beside the driver’s seat.

Michelle Colvard, Driver of the Year, is ALSO Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008 and Ms. Wheelchair America 2009! She was born with spinal bifida. Utilizing a wheelchair since her childhood, Michelle is more active than most able-bodied women. You will find her participating in wheelchair basketball, swimming, kayaking, and snow skiing. Her pageant platform was “health and wellness,” encouraging women to be not only active physically but socially as well.

As Ms. Wheelchair America, she traveled and spoke across the country, giving voice to the thousands of people who use wheelchairs. She advocated for their cause on every platform she could. Corporate events, political gatherings, social functions, and school meetings comprised her audience.

She spoke for more than people in wheelchairs, however.

“As Ms. Wheelchair America, you represent and help provide a voice for millions of Americans – with all types of disabilities, not just those who use wheelchairs.”

Nothing is stopping her. She works full time for the city of Houston, Texas as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s office for People with Disabilities serving “as a liaison between the Mayor, City Council, and City department directors, and helps develop and coordinate policies and programs for people with disabilities in the City of Houston.”

The difference it makes for someone to talk to Michelle “wheelchair to wheelchair” is astounding.

She understands the stigma and the possibilities.

She lives the heartache of accessibility and the sweet thrill of success.

She travels frequently and knows the obstacles. She is no stranger to hard work, perseverance, and determination! She is no stranger to making the lives of the women she represents easier!

She was once asked what she would communicate if she could talk to herself as if she were still a young girl just starting out. Her response is good advice to everyone!

“Self,” she would say, “It is going to be okay. You are going to be able to go to college…have a great job…have a wonderful future…great friends that don’t care you are in a wheelchair, a wonderful husband who loves you for who you are (and who is pretty good looking, too!) You’ll have all the things you want in life. Do take care of yourself…Life is about finding the fun and passion in life…working hard, playing hard. It is not about being fearless…you can be scared…just do it anyway! Don’t look at the obstacles…look (instead) at the path around them.”

I like her attitude! Be scared…but do it anyway! That is her message to folks everywhere as they gather to hear a blonde bombshell who happens to use a wheelchair!

Today as you live your life, think about the obstacles in your way! THEN re-focus your vision to the path AROUND those obstacles. You will see Michelle off to the side cheering you on!!

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What will you do to be a Bregdan Woman?

What will you do today to impact history??

We’re on this journey with you… (and have 2 FREE Gifts for you below…)

Ginny & Suess

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