 My name is Denise Woodilla. I am from the state of
Connecticut and the first one nominated as Ms Wheelchair CT ever in my
state.Back in February 2006, I was officially
nominated Ms Wheelchair CT. I had been asked to honor CT as an independent
delegate for this wonderful pageant. Connecticut has never had a delegate in
the Ms Wheelchair America pageant until now. I was in total shock!
I am 42 years old and born with "Spina Bifida". I was able
to walk until the age of 18 years old, (when it became too difficult for me
to walk). I have been using a scooter and a manual chair for easier mobility
many years now. I am more independent on my own. I grew up in an able-bodied
world all of my life. I adapted very well and still do. I am the oldest of
3. I have 2 younger brothers, Scott (40), Russ (37). My mom Jean is a
massage therapist in Naples, FL. My dad is retired and lives in Woburn, MA
with his second wife, Mary.
When I turned 16, I became very ill. In short, I was
diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I am the only one in in my family who has
this disease AND Spina Bifida. I haven't met anyone yet who has/have both
problems. But, being me, I just have learned to deal with it and keep on
going! Nothing will stop me from being independent!
In 1986, I moved to an Independent Living Village, called
"New Horizons Village", in Unionville, CT. It's the first one of it's kind
in the US. I was one of the first to move in. Two years later, I went for a
job interview (because I knew that I needed to pay MY bills), I got a job
interview with a small publishing company called, "InSight Media". They
hired me on the spot! The company has changed names over the years, and
finally about 2 1/2 years ago, The company was finally bought by one of the
largest medical computer company's in the US, "WEBMD", and I'm still with
them!
As Ms Wheelchair CT, I will do as much as I can to
promote independence among young adults who are finally realizing that
they can do anything they want with their lives. Disabled people need not
feel defeated by their own insecurities as well as federal and state
government agencies trying to hold our lives against us just for our medical
issues. Our lives are not about medical issues. It's about living as a
human being. It also involves us as emotional, social and psychological
human beings. We have the same needs, wants and desires just like every one
else.
I have been and always will be independent! It's who I am, I am
very proud of who I am and who I've become. I want to share that
with the rest of the world! Every disabled person has value in life and has
a right to be valued as a human being first, no matter what!
I am very anxious to meet everyone in Little Rock
Sincerely,
Denise Woodilla
Ms Wheelchair Connecticut |
