MWA-Tuesday

Day Two
July 16, 2013

I woke at 6:30 not because the alarm was going off but because I had to pee. Ugh!!  I was hoping for another thirty minutes of sleep. Oh well, once I'm out of the bed its just not worth it to get back in. 

Jeremy and I dressed in our MWA t-shirts and headed downstairs for our first breakfast. My gift of the day (yes, we get daily gifts...how cool is that?!?) was a bandana with a pin and an ornament from the museum we would be visiting after breakfast.  We chatted it up with Ms Virginia and Ms Pennsylvania.  After scarfing down a quick bite, we hurried back upstairs for a potty break. 

Everyone gathered in the lobby so we could all travel to the museum together. What a wonderful site we were parading through the streets of downtown Houston. We all chatted and laughed along the way. 

Once at the museum, all 27 of us posed for a group picture. And then the companions joined in....you know Jeremy was loving that. Lol. And the all the volunteers. What a wonderful group!!!

We were giving a scavenger hunt sheet for the museum. Even though it was only 3 floors, it would have taking days to look at everything. We all buzzed around looking for answers to our scavenger hunt questions. 

Lunch was wonderful!!  I wish we had the pasta salad and pimento cheese recipe they used!!  For me, that's saying a lot because I am a picky eater. 

After lunch we adopted  a pet dinosaur  for Annabelle. I hope she likes it!!  

I was able to talk to several girls during the museum fun. Ms Alabama, Ms Indiana, Ms Kentucky, Ms Mississippi, Ms North Carolina, Ms Ohio, Ms Oklahoma, Ms Texas, and Ms Wisconsin were all a pleasure to get to know better. There are still so many girls I want to speak to before the week is over!!

We headed back to the hotel around 1:30 and made a brief stop by CVS for some Bliss chocolates for my table.  We went up to the room for my candy dish and then headed back down to my table to add the Bliss chocolates. 

We then went over to the Little Miss Texas tea party and signed autographs. Those girls were all absolutely adorable. And a few of them shared my love for the color pink.  I had some more time to get acquainted with some of the other girls.  I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Ms Louisiana, Ms Michigan, Ms New Jersey, Ms Pennsylvania, and Ms Wisconsin.

After the tea party it was time to head back up to the room and get changed for cowgirl night. We all met back in the lobby and headed out for dinner all decked out in cowboy boots and hats. We finally all looked like we belonged in Houston.

At dinner we all had a wonderful time talking with one another. We each have our own different stories but we are all able to relate to each other.  It's such a nice feeling to talk to someone who understands the same problems that I have.  Tonight we all agreed on one thing….just how exhausted we were.  Even though I was tired I really enjoyed spending the evening with Ms Oklahoma, Ms Ohio, and Ms Maryland. 

Jeremy and I left a little early because I really needed to get some rest and of course come back to the hotel room and blog about my day.

I hope you're enjoying my journey as much as I am enjoying sharing it with you.

Date 3 brings the first round of judges interviews. Say a little prayer for me. Good night friends. 

MWA-Monday

Day One 
July 15, 2013 

The alarm clock rang at 5:20. I was up and out of the bed before the second alarm went off at 5:30. 

The Ms Wheelchair America week was finally here! It feels like a life time ago that I was sitting in my accounting night class at UTC looking up information for the Ms Wheelchair Tennessee pageant. It's so hard to believe that was just six short months ago!!  The memories I have already made are incredible. I can't imagine what wonderful things will come from this week. 

Michael (my brother) came to pick Jeremy and I up around 6:30 and it was off the the Chattanooga airport!! 

Check in was a breeze and everyone was so nice!!  This was going to be the first time in a long time that I have been without a power wheelchair. Permobil was gracious enough to have a loaner chair delivered to the hotel in Texas for me to use for my week at the MWA pageant. (It's scary to fly with a power chair. It seems like every time we have flown with one, something always comes back broken.)

After we checked our bags, Jeremy walked off with out me. He finally turned around to notice I wasn't beside him. He had forget that he was going to have to push me in the manual chair. (I think it might be a long day until I get my mobility back in a power chair.)

I went through the pat down with the TSA officers. They were both very sweet ladies and very interested in my MWTN sash. I told them where I was going and they wanted to know more!!  I, of course, loved sharing all the details with them. 

After successfully passing my pat down, we headed to our gate. Well, Jeremy had to come back for me again because he already forgot I couldn't drive myself. 

We talked with the airline personnel before loading the plane early. They too wanted to know more about my sash. It brings me such joy to share the purpose of the Ms Wheelchair organization. 

I had to transfer over to an aisle chair in order to safely get on the plane. The ladies were super sweet and made sure my knees didn't get bumped. 

Once everyone was aboard the plane, the flight attendant made an announcement about my trip to Texas to compete in the MWA pageant. Too cool!!  Everyone applauded and wished me well. 

We switched planes in Dallas and had a short flight to Houston.  There were two fabulous ladies who meet us at baggage claim.  They came bearing gifts of water and snacks and escorted us to our car.  Debbie is on the Ms Wheelchair Texas board and drove us to the hotel.  We chatted the entire way.  She is a super nice gal.  

Our room wasn't ready and my wheelchair hadn't been delivered when we arrived at the hotel.  That was okay, we went upstairs to check in with Ms Wheelchair America and set my table up.  Everyone was so nice and friendly!!  I just know this is going to be the most incredible week!

Still waiting to get in our room, Jeremy and I decided to go across the street for some mexican food.  It was yummy and turns out we will be eating there as a group on Wednesday.  

When we got back to the hotel, our room was ready.  We went upstairs and waited on Permobil to deliver my loaner chair.  Todd got here around 5:00 (we are on central time now) and was such a great guy!!  He wanted to make sure everything was perfect.  He made several adjustments to make things more comfortable for me.  Unfortunately, the seat isn't quite deep enough so I am unable to do any standing transfers.  Todd is going to check around for a chair that will fit me better.  Keep your fingers crossed.  

After that, we had only a few minutes to check out the state tables and chat with some of the girls.  Then it was off to dinner.  Jeremy and I dined with Ms. Ohio, Ms. Oklahoma, Ms. Texas, and Little Miss Texas.  The table was full of chatter the entire time.  

After dinner it was off to orientation.  We got seats on the front row.  First we had a guest speaker and then we played a get to know you game with our state pins.  There were random facts provided by all of us on a sheet and we had to guess who went with each fact.  I don't think anyone finished but the game will be on going all week.  

Next we learned lots of dos and donts for the week.  And other information.

Then we all got our new sashes that were hand made by Shelly, Ms Wheelchair America president.  She prayed for each of us as she worked on our sashes.  

We had a few more items to go over and then it was off to our rooms at around 10:00 (remember it's really 11:00 for me).  

Not not sure this all flows but I can barely hold my eyes open.  I promise more posts and pictures tomorrow.  

Thanks for all the likes and comments on Facebook...I'm sorry i can't respond to everyone. 

'Twas the Night Before Houston

'Twas the night before Houston,

and all I could do was think about things still left to do. 

The bags were packed and by the back door

In hopes of a speedy departure early in the morn. 

I should have been nestled all snug in my bed,

With visions of the fun filled week ahead.

When suddenly I realized my list needed checking once more. 

Away to the office I flew like a flash, 

Tore open my MacBook and scrolled through the list at last. 

The items on the note page began to appear,

And all I could think was, The deadline was near. 

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But items not crossed off and we were only eight hours from depart. 

With a determined spirit, so eager and quick,

I knew in a moment it must all be done quick. 

More rapid than the jet I would fly,

I began re-sighting my speech once more. 

"Now Americans, now Americans,

I'm calling you all!

Come on, men! Come on, women! Come on, children, too!

To Houston to hear my Blissful spill!

Now hurry! Now hurry! And don't delay!!"

As my mind wondered back to the task at hand,

I began crossing items off that long list that still loomed. 

So back to the luggage I flew,

With an arm full of shoes and state pins, too. 

And then, in a twinkling, I remembered the jewels,

That Rone Regency so graciously loaned. 

As I dropped more clothing in my bag,

Down the hall came my husband with a bound. 

He was dressed all in his Sunday best, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all pressed with the greatest of care,

A bundle of dresses he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a crazed shopper, just leaving the mall.

His eyes how they sparkled! His sweet smile was so merry! 

He was such an good helper, like my very own packing fairy!

His cheerful spirit was amazing, like the best thing ever,

And his words of encouragement seemed to go on forever!

The list-now printed-I held tight in my hands,

And the words on the page were driving me mad. 

I had to claim down, all would be well. 

That much I knew, due to all my friends who were so swell. 

After all I was Ms Wheelchair Tennessee,

And I knew the plan was to make my state proud!

A wink of my eye and a smile in the mirror,

Soon made me realize I had nothing to fear. 

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my room,

And filled all my luggage, with last minute loot. 

And laid out my skirt and shirt,

And knew tomorrow would be here too soon. 

I sprang to the bed and gave a great sigh,

And laid my head down on the pillows so high.

But I knew my eyes would not close until I had this last thought,

"Prayers to all and to all a safe flight!"

Diamonds and Guns

Friday I lived every girl and guy's dream!!

I started the morning going to Sportsman's Warehouse with my dad to pick up the gun I won.  That's right, I said GUN and WON!!  The night before I went with my husband, brother, dad and several co-workers to the Chattanooga Friends of the NRA banquet.  Every year at the end of the night they draw for a door prize using your ticket.  You must be present to win.  I saw my brother looking at his phone about an hour before the banquet was over.  I think he was ready to go.  I told we that we couldn't leave until the end.  What if they drew our name for the gun...we HAD to be there!!

We low and behold they drew MY name!!!  I was thrilled!!  I had won a Stag Arms AR-15 Style Rifle.

You could not take your gun with you that evening.  You had pick it up at Sportsman's Warehouse and have a background check done.

My dad and I were there shortly after they opened.

I'm really not sure what I am going to do with this gun.  Jeremy (my husband) says we could paint it pink....you know I am loving that idea!

A few hours later, my mom and I went to Rone Regency to pick out some jewelry for me to wear during the Ms Wheelchair America pageant.  That's right, the REALLY nice jewelry store on Gunbarrel Road, those of you from Chattanooga know what I am talking about.

I posted on Facebook earlier in the week that I was looking for some pink jewelry to wear for the pageant.  I would be more than happy to model it for anyone willing to let me borrow it.  ;-)

Well, it turns out one of my Facebook friends said that Rone Regency would probably loan me some jewelry to wear.  What?!?!  Really!?!?  Once everything was approved, I made arrangements to meet Rob on Friday.

Talking about feeling like a princess!!!  OOOOMMMMGGGG!!!  Rob was so sweet.  We talked about the two dresses I would be wearing and he thought I would need different jewelry for each.  Who was I to argue with that?    

Rob just kept pulling amazing pieces out and pair things together.  I was trying really hard to remain calm as Rob draped diamonds on my arms, hands, neck, and ears.  Did I mention I felt like a princess??  Or maybe even a movie star....they borrow jewelry for big events.

I also had the honor of meeting Bob, the owner of Rone Regency.  He was just as sweet as Rob.  We were talking about Annabelle and he got a necklace out for me to give her, because every little girl needs jewelry.  How sweet is that?!?!

After trying on multiple pieces, we settled on some truly stunning pieces.  No sneak peaks, y'all will have to wait until pageant time.

Jeremy picked me up after my fabulous experience at Rone Regency.  I'm pretty sure I babbled the entire way home about how much fun I had.  Have I said yet that I felt like a princes???

Thanks so much to Rob, Bob and Rone Regency for allowing me to live on cloud 9!!!

I still can't believe it!!!

2013 Dysferlin Conference

The following video is my speech on how exercise has helped my journey with LGMD2B. This speech was given at the 2013 Dysferlin Conference in Washington, DC this past April.

It is important to share this information because LGMD2B is very rare and often hard to diagnosis.  I was misdiagnosed with Polymyositis for two years before receiving a correct diagnosis.

Each case is different but the onset symptoms are normally the same.  The physical signs are weakness.  I first noticed great difficulty climbing stairs.  As time went on, so did the weakness.  Soon I was unable to stand on my tip toes or walk long distances.  I began falling.  It was if my legs out just give out.

My blood work showed I had very elevated CPK levels.  Some people are misdiagnosed with kidney disorders due to these findings.

My issues started when I was 16.  Sometimes the weakness doesn't happen until later in life.  Everyone is different.

As time progresses, we learn more and more about LGMD2B and how to properly diagnosis it.  If you or someone you know has these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Polymyositis or a kidney disorder and you aren't getting the answers you think you need....please contact me.   I can put you in touch with a nonprofit foundation that can possibly help with a proper diagnosis.

Bliss Welch
mwtn2013blisswelch@gmail.com

Click here: Bliss Welch on Living with LGMD2B

or click on the video below.



 

The Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 29, 2013 was an amazing day to have a golf tournament!!

Jeremy and I arrived at Eagle Bluff around 10:30 am.  We unloaded the car and started prepping for the day.  My volunteers starting arriving and were more than eager to help.

 I used to work at Eagle Bluff so on one hand it was like being back at home but on the other hand it was like being a guest in someone else's house.  Everyone at Eagle Bluff pretty much let us have free reign of the golf course.  One of my old co-workers, Jennifer volunteered and let me tell you we would have been lost with out her.  You would have never knew she had been out of the golfing business for over a year and a half.   Jennifer handled the food and beverage for the day (and anything else that came up).

My official photographer Euneice (my aunt) was there to capture all the best moments.  She was busy snapping away as we continued to set up.

Josh arrived with the goodie bags and my mom stuff last minute items into them.  They were loaded with good stuff like tees, golf balls, batteries, beer salt, BBQ sauce, margarita salt, Happy Cheeks, chap stick, coupons, mints, and much more!

Becky and Frances got the 411 on how the registration table would work.  They were just the girls for the job!!  Not only did they make sure everyone was checked in and paid, they also handed out goodie bags and shirts and sold mulligans.

Brooke, Jeannette, and Scott worked on selling raffle tickets as the golfers came in.  The raffle turned out to be a last minute decision and was a HUGE success!

Lunch was catered in from Texas Roadhouse thanks to my dear friend Kim.  She had to work and couldn't make it but sending free food in her place made everything okay.  ;-)

Bruce picked up ice that was donated by Tennessee Valley Ice.  The beverage carts got loaded and iced down.  I had four wonderful cart girls for the day.  Brooke and Amanda looked super cute in their Team Bliss T-shirts.  Ashley and Casey were too cute in their matching golf outfits.

Josh ran back out to pick up Ms Wheelchair Tennessee 2012 Jean Marie.  I was so excited she was able to make it.  She even brought me a gift.  A necklace that was donated by 3E Love.

It was getting closer and closer to the 2:00 pm tee time.  The golfers continued to pour in.  And a lot of them were wearing PINK just for me!! How sweet is that!?!?

Mamaw and Glenda arrived with the cutest golfer of all....Annabelle.  She was just in time for lunch.

At about ten till 2:00, everyone gathered outside.  I took this time to thank everyone for being there.  (This tournament was organized in a matter of 6 short weeks.)  I told the golfers about the Ms Wheelchair Tennessee pageant and my platform for the upcoming Ms Wheelchair America pageant.  Rick went over the rules of the day and then it was time to golf!!

Even though all 52 golfers were out on the course, there was still work to be done!  Mom, Jean Marie, and Josh drew tickets for the door prizes.  I had so many donations that all 52 golfers received a door prize.

Faye, Molly, Maggie, and Megan were busy chasing after Miss Annabelle.  She was having ball running around outside and 'playing' golf.

Mamaw and Scott were outside learning about the putting contest.  As the golfers came off 18 they could try the putting contest.  If they made the putt, they would win a dozen Pro V1 Titleist golf balls.

Glenda and Euneice took off in a golf cart to take some pictures of the golfers in action.

My friends from Benchmark, Rebecca and Simon, stopped by to check things out.  I was so wonderful to have support from so many different people.

The City of Chattanooga let me borrow their handicap accessible golf cart.  Jeannette and Rebecca got me transferred over to the cart with no problems.  I headed straight to the practice green to try the putting contest.  I missed.  :-(

After that I was ready to check up with all the golfers on the course.  I was again transferred from my wheelchair to a golf cart.  Josh chauffeured me around and I had my picture made with all the foursomes.  This was my favorite foursome!

Have I mentioned what a BEAUTIFUL day is was?!?!?!?  The weather was amazing and there was a nice breeze.

Jennifer and Chris ran to Amigo's to pick up dinner.  It was almost that time, how could that be?? The day flew by.

While all the golfers munched on tacos and cupcakes from Sugar Chic Bakery, I drew names for the raffle prizes.  After that it was time to announce the winning teams.

We had two flights with 1st and 2nd places in both flights.  They all seemed very happy with their trophies and golf bags or golf shoes.

The Ms Wheelchair Tennessee 2013 Bliss Welch Golf Tournament was a huge success and a day I won't soon forget.

Below is a list of individuals/businesses that showed their support with monetary, product, and service donations.  I would not have been able to make this event a reality without the help of my amazingly wonderful volunteers before, during, and after the tournament.

THANK YOU!!  THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

Hole Sponsors

1.  Turks Sports Shop

2.  Russ King

     Farm Bureau Insurance Ooltewah

3.  Daniel Bible

     Farm Bureau Insurance Ooltewah

4.  Bayou Sales & Service, Inc

5.  Parker’s Citgo & Auto Repair

6.  Island Cove Marina & Resort

7.  Goodyear Tire & Express Highway 58  ??

8.  Carter Shooting Supply

9.  Tow Boat US

     Chickamauga/Nickajack Lake

10. Metro Lawn Care

11. Shepherd’s Arms Rescue Mission

12. LMP Construction Services

13. Brackett Rheumatology, PPLC

14. Dynamic Prosthetic & Orthotic, LLC

15. David Sharpe

       State Farm Insurance

16. Jill’s Gymnastics

17. Southern Hearth & Patio

18. Southern Hearth & Patio

19. Superior Van & Mobility, LLC

20. Billingsley’s Automotive

21. B & B Building Supply

22. Meadow Stream Subdivision

23. McDaniel & Son Construction

       Trudy & Terry Payne

24.  O’Possum Creek Shrine Club

        Alhambra Shriners

25. Scenic City Appliance Service

Prize, Money, and Service Donations

Island Cove Marina & Resort

Carolyn F. Cathey

Women's Health Services Chattanooga PC

Timothy D. Phelan

Benchmark Rehabilitation

Jefferson Herring

Gene Williford

Micro Tronix, Inc

Michael Martin

Jeannette A. Davis

Rebecca Bullock

Simon Ibrahim Sheila Stockard Euneice Martin Brooke Randolph Jeremy Welch Josh McDaniel Jean Marie Lawrence Frances Gossett Becky Price Amanda Newell Jim Sheets Jennifer Blackwell Chris Blackwell Barbara Shipley Glenda Porter Ashley Hemrick Casey Bruce Williford Kim Turner Eagle Bluff Golf Club Texas Roadhouse Amigo's Mexican Resturaunt Sugar Chic Bakery Coca-Cola Beasley Distributing Carter Distributing UTC The Athletic Shop Art Warehouse Master Tac Texas Roadhouse East Ridge Oil & Lube Chattanooga Massage Therapy Creative Discovery Museum Ron & Margaret Lond Brad & Kim Baucom Hunter Art Museum Red Losbter Chattanooga Lookouts East Ridge Car Wash Shooter's Depot Regal Nail Crystal Air Windstone UTC Henderick Motorsports Hair of the Dog Honest Pint Terminal Tanglez 2 Toez Art Warehouse Mike & Sheila Stockard K G's Hair Salon Signs N Such, LLC Tim Phelan Jennifer Flowers Dr. John Adams Wilcox Golf Center Bloom Photography Ace Hardware Swifty Car Wash Walmart Tennessee Valley Ice Dr. Jim Holloway