Lisa Patchel: Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2006

My name is Liza Patchel and I am 24 years old. I was born with quadriplegia, cerebral palsy. I look at my disability as a challenge and I love challenges!

In November of 2005 I competed for Ms. Wheelchair Maryland because I believed it would be a way for me to express my feelings about the lack of exercise facilities and sports outlets for the adults with physical disabilities.

Lisa Patchel
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From my own point of view, the lack of exercise can cause a disabled person to lose skills, develop chronic health problems, low self-esteem and become even more dependent. Anyone with a disability can agree that using the YMCA, or other generic facility, is woefully unacceptable. The staff is not trained and the equipment is not applicable. There is also a need for continuing physical therapy, so that skills learned can be reinforced and new skills that promote independence can be learned. The past 6 months have taken me throughout the state and allowed me to give a better understanding about people with disabilities. I have participated in The Polar Bear Plunge for the past 3 years and for the past two years I participated in the Walk for Juvenile Diabetes. Late fall, I participated in the 50 mile walk for The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Lisa Patchel with Kendall Ehrlich,
Maryland's First Lady
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I graduated with honors from Chesapeake College this spring, as a member of Phi Theta Kappa. I have also been on the National Deans List for the past two years. Last spring I was honored as a member of the top 20 team of Maryland scholars, sponsored by USA Today.

This spring I was named to Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges. I plan to go on to Salisbury University, for a degree in Social Work. My goal is to earn a doctorate and work in a trauma center with brain and spinal injuries. I love to paint and spend at least 3 hours a day exercising.

I live at home on Kent Island, the gateway to Maryland’s eastern shore, with my mother and two dogs. I just can’t imagine being anyone but me!

Liza Patchel Gallery

Lisa Patchel and friend
at walk for JV diabetes
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Lisa Patchel at the end of
the 50 mile challenge for MS
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Lisa Patchel skiing as a child
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Lisa Patchel's induction
into Phi Theta Kappa
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Lisa Patchel on radio spot
at Polar Bear Plunge
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Lisa Patchel's painting
Title: Made for Walking
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For more interesting information on Lisa Patchel, you can visit the Maryland state site at: http://www.ms-wheelchair-md.com/
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