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Tammy Wilber
Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2006
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Tammy Wilber, the current Ms. Wheelchair Washington, was
injured in a car accident in New Hampshire in 1993. While driving without
her seatbelt on, Tammy was traveling 75 mph on the highway and became
distracted by a bee flying around in the car. She lost control of the
vehicle. The car went off the road and flipped over. Tammy was thrown from
the car and permanently damaged her spinal cord. She also lost her right
kidney. Tammy, is now a paraplegic. In the last 13
years, since her car accident at the age of 17 years old, she has
accomplished many things, such as being involved with a program called Think
First, a national program to prevent Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries. Tammy,
has dedicated the last ten years to educating students about making “good
choices,” so they don’t get hurt. |
Tammy Wilber
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Tammy Wilber at flagbearer ceremony
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Her goal for the future is to inspire people with
disabilities to try to make the best of their own situations. It took Tammy
a long time to discover what she was personally capable of. She wants to be
a mentor and an inspiration; to encourage people with disabilities to test
their own strengths to see what they are capable of. Tammy, never thought
that 13 years later, she would be in a loving relationship of 6 years,
working a full-time job, going to college part-time, volunteering in the
community, and is the current Ms. Wheelchair Washington. |
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Tammy now works at the University of
Washington Medical Center, in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Department,
as a Patient Service Representative, and continues to be a role model
for other patients that are newly injured with spinal cord injuries. She
now feels it is her turn to give back to all those wonderful people who
have helped her get to where she is today.
"Some of my future goals are to finish my
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Community and Human Services, get my
Master's Degree, get married, and adopt or have a child. Tammy says, “I
know that with hard work and patience I can achieve so much, despite
having a disability. You only have one life and you have to live it to
the best of your ability.” |
Tammy Wilber at Next steps
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