|
Stephanie Crenshaw
Winner of the Congeniality Award
at Little Rock, AR
Ms. Wheelchair Georgia 2006
|
My name is Stephanie Crenshaw and
I am from Georgia. I have a progressive nerve disease, which affects my
ability to walk. I have used a wheelchair since I was 15 years old. I have
had to deal with pain and physical limitations since I was about 8 years
old, but doctors have never been able to give me a specific diagnosis for my
disability. Doctors say I am a “puzzle” and that I am “unique”. My family
says that is true, but not just in regards to my disability. |
Larger image |
|
Larger image |
I am the proud mom of a sweet and beautiful daughter,
Katilyn, who will soon turn 11 years old. We have a new house, which we have
quickly made a loving home. I have a very close extended family, and it is
my goal to raise my daughter with the same type of love and compassion that
my parents raised me. I love life and I strive each
day to make the most of every opportunity to meet new people and do new
things. I love to dance and let my hair down. I am determined to find
creative ways that I can do non-traditional activities, such as scuba
diving, bungee jumping, parasailing, or riding a mechanical bull. |
|
I have recently learned the importance and benefits of a
good exercise program. I have participated in several road races. I was told
that I was the first person to complete the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta
in a regular, manual wheelchair completely independently. I also won second
place in the Walt Disney World ½ Marathon this year!
I earned my Bachelor's degree in English from the
University of Georgia, and recently completed my Master's degree in
Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University. I worked many years as a
paralegal and secretary while I decided “what I wanted to do when I grew
up”. I have a passion for working to improve the lives of people with
disabilities, so I went back to school—I needed a graduate degree in order
to qualify for the job I wanted.
|
Larger image |
|
I now have the great privilege of working as a Vocational
Rehabilitation Counselor with the Georgia Department of Labor. I counsel
people with disabilities and help them go to work.
I thank God every day for the many blessings in my life,
my family, and the endless possibilities awaiting me.
Stephanie Crenshaw
|
| |
|
