Meet Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2007-08

Dr. Pamela Cobler / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: May 9, 2007

We had our first crowning program at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center (WWRC). In past years we have had our event in the Richmond area. I must say this year it was quite an event, and there were those who said, "You won the Super Bowl ring of wheelchair pageant programs."

As always, the contestants were amazing, and having it at WWRC elevated the program to another level. We had more than 100 volunteers and we had approximately 350 people in attendance, which also included about 100 wheelchair users.

Sponsors, board members and other community leaders joined us for a wonderful event and our new titleholder, Buddy Hayes, has been scheduled for many, many appearances. You will be hearing a lot more about this from me throughout the year. The following information is from the official press release:

"Born in Fremont Nebraska, Buddy Hayes now resides in Chesapeake, Va. with her service dog - and sidekick - Ellie. An obviously determined, motivated, and funny woman with a zest for life, Buddy's diverse background is highlighted by her service in the U.S. Army - as a heavy equipment operator. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist(CTRS) having received her BA degree from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1990.

When she is not out participating, competing, or just plain challenging herself in most any wheelchair sport imaginable, Buddy devotes much of her time advocating on behalf of people with disabilities. She is a member of the PVA and a national motivational speaker. Winning two marathons, two half marathons, and five gold medals she is a driven competitor.

Buddy's busy life is rounded out by volunteering her time and talents to a long list of organizations including, the National MS Foundation and the Chesapeake Mayors Board for Persons with Disabilities, of which she is the acting Chairman of the Board.
This year's main event, on April 14, was hosted at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Va. with the Friday, April 13, evening activities being held at the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro.

It was a full weekend of activity and competition followed up by an enchanting evening of excitement as nine contestants from across the commonwealth came to vie for the title of Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. Ellen Shackelford of Hampton was first runner up, Doris Waugh of Orange was second runner up, Rose Williams of Charlottesville was third runner up, and India Sims from Crozet was fourth runner up, won the Scholarship Award and was voted Ms. Congeniality by her fellow contestants. To have Ms. Wheelchair Virginia at your next engagement, become a contestant, to be a sponsor, or more information go to our contact section.

Buddy will be competing (along with her service dog Ellie) in the National Ms. Wheelchair America Program July 23-29 in Bethesda, Md."

Now let me answer a couple of questions from readers.

Q. "When you go someplace where you are going to be sitting for a long time(like a dinner, meeting, movie or a concert) do you prefer to stay in your wheelchair or would you rather transfer into a regular seat-"

A. Excellent question. My favorite seat is my driving seat which is called my "Captain's chair" in my van. Other than my wheelchair, it is the most equipped seat I have. I prefer this seat over all of them, as it is the most comfortable seat I have. Given the extreme damage in my back and limited balance, I prefer to sit in my chair, usually, and otherwise. Rarely are there seats that are comfortable and rarely are they safe. They must have cushions all over, and handles on each side if I am to sit in them for any length of time. I also have to watch for skin break down if I am sitting on hard surfaces, so it is just easier to stay in my wheelchair and not transfer. Sometimes, I will transfer into a cushioned seat at the movie theaters, but that is about the only time. If flying, or in a situation where I have no choice, I put my cushion on top of the seat.

Q. "Do you still like to wear fashionable shoes- Do you prefer wearing slacks or skirts-"

A. Oh yes, I still wear my high heels. And, so far, I have had great success with them in terms of keeping my feet in healthy shape. Because I stand a lot (in my standing frame), I continue to keep my feet straight and balanced. I recently bought a pair of high heels with a skinny heel. They are hard to keep straight on my foot plate on my wheelchair. The easiest heels to wear are the ones that have a platform heel. People comment on my shoes a lot. It's pretty funny. I wear slacks every day. I wear the same type of slacks just about every day. I buy multiple numbers of the same kind (black stretch with elastic waistband) and vary my tops and shirts. I do not like to wear dresses and skirts while I am sitting in the wheelchair and that is just my personal preference. I did wear a gown the night of our Ms. Wheelchair Virginia program in April, but that's about it. I also like to wear pant suits, and I am finding suits that have pants that stretch for easy dressing.
Thanks for your questions and thanks for reading.

Dr. Pamela Cobler, 41, was Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2004 and is now president of the organization. She became a paraplegic as the result of a May 2001 motorcycle accident. She has been a teacher, competitive athlete, cheerleader and model. She currently works for the Piedmont Tech Prep Consortium at Patrick Henery Community College and continues to do print and video modeling.