Upcoming Appearance - SBNH Early Books Program on Friday, December 7, 2007

Join Me At Family Fun Night!

I will be appearing at the South Boston Neighborhood House Early Books Program family literacy event called Family Fun Night next month. The theme for December is "Winter Festival." Come on out and say hi!

Friday, December 7
5:30 - 7 pm
SBNH Senior Center
136 "H" Street
South Boston, MA

Family Fun Night is open to all families who wish to attend. Call Christine Kane at 617-269-7769 for more information.

Upcoming Appearance - North Attleboro YMCA, Friday, October 17, 2007

Join me at the Hockomock YMCA North Andover Branch on Friday, October 19, for a Disability Awareness Night for families and children through the Family First program.

At the Hockomock Area YMCA, Families are FIRST.

As the world grows more complex, outside demands on time increase. Family First gives families the chance to pass along the values they hold most important. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, we give families the time and the place to gather together as a Family through Family First, a program aimed at strengthening Family ties.

The YMCA is committed to integration of people with disabilities through the Integration Initiative, a community-wide task group consisting of special education professionals and parents of children with special needs. They are now ready to provide special task training to management staff and "front line" professionals in an effort to begin offering classes in designated program areas for the winter session. These areas will include: aquatics, gymnastics, pre-enrichment and sports.

The mission of the group is to provide an opportunity for ALL children to participate in the YMCA's community programs. This initiative will be facilitated by YMCA personnel and will offer an integrative setting for children with special needs to learn from "typically developing" peer models; and will focus on teaching tolerance, acceptance, mentoring and respect for all children.

Integration Initiative Mission Statement

- To provide an enjoyable and comfortable environment for the individual with special needs.

- To allow the individual with special needs to be and feel successful and competent.

- To teach individuals with and without special needs to respect one another for whom he or she is including their abilities and disabilities.

- To facilitate relationships among peer groups made up of both individuals with and without special needs.

For more info, visit www.hockomockymca.org

Upcoming Appearance - Raytheon Speaking Engagement, October 10, 2007

Part of my role as Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts is to speak to the business community about the accomplishments and abilities of people who use wheelchairs. I will have an opportunity to do this at Raytheon on Wednesday, October 10, 2007.

Raytheon is an 80+ year-old, native Massachusetts company that values diversity and honors persons with disabilities in October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

My audience will include any Raytheon employee who wishes to attend, but specifically the members of the Raytheon Women's Network (RWN) and members of the Raytheon Persons with Disabilities Association (RPDA) who work at the Andover Raytheon site. There may also be some senior leaders present.

I will spend 30-40 minutes sharing my story and then do Q&A for another 15-20 minutes or so. I'm really looking forward to my first corporate speaking engaement to support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with disabilities.


Learn more about Raytheon...

Raytheon: A History of Global Technology Leadership

Two former college roommates Laurence K. Marshall and Vannevar Bush, along with scientist Charles G. Smith, founded Raytheon Company in Cambridge, Mass., as the American Appliance Company in 1922.

Throughout its more than 80-year history, Raytheon Company has been a leader in developing defense technologies and in converting those technologies for use in commercial markets. From its early days as a maker of radio tubes, its adaptation of World War II radar technology to invent microwave cooking, and its development of the first guided missile, Raytheon has successfully built upon its pioneering tradition to become a global technology leader.

Upcoming Appearance - South Boston Street Festival, September 15, 2007

Join me tommorrow, Saturday, September 15, on East Broadway in South Boston! I will be participating in the annual South Boston Street Festival, located between "L" Streets and "I" Streets from 11-4.

I will be sitting at the South Boston Arts Association table to 'meet & greet' people as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007. I plan to spread the word about all the wonderful accomplishments of people with disabilities and I will also be giving away free autographed pictures.


The Festival is bigger than ever - nonstop entertainment on two stages, displays and exhibits of all kinds, lots of activities for the whole family, and an anticipated 15,000 visitors.

Each year since the Millennium Year of 2000, The South Boston Chamber of Commerce has thrown this gala Street Festival. This year’s Festival will feature over 150 vendors, exhibitors, and non-profit agencies from South Boston. Visitors come to our Festival from all over the City. It’s a blast.

Also, my husband will be selling his photography to benefit the Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts program. Come check out some great pics of South Boston!

See you there...

Advocacy Article to Appear in the the Falmouth Enterprise Newspaper

Pictured above: Jill Tompkins, KMC, a Falmouth Artists Guild Board Member, and my husband John at our Cape house in Falmouth

Today I joined Jill Tompkins from the Falmouth Artists Guild for an interview with Laura Reckford from the Falmouth Enterprise Newspaper. Laura is writing a feature article about me in my role as Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts, focusing specifically on my work with the Falmouth Artists Guild's effort to incorporate access for people with disabilities into their programming and facilities. The article will appear in print sometime next week.

My husband and I are members of the Falmouth Artists Guild (for his photography and both of our writing). The Guild is currently raising money to build a brand new fully accessible building, and has raised over $1.1 million dollars - they only need $300k more to reach their goal! They hope to break ground by the end of the year.

I am working with the Falmouth Artists Guild to help raise awareness throughout the community about the importance of access to the arts for people of all abilities, especially people who are disabled. Art is a valuable creative outlet for those who may have physical and social limitations, and inclusion is a priority of the Guild.

I look forward to attending events in their new Universal Design Building!

Upcoming Appearance - Kevin Ganely Walk, September 15, 2007

Join me at the 10th Annual Kevin Ganely Walk and Family Day on Saturday, September 15th, in Lowell, Massachusetts, for a 3.3 mile walk along Merrimack River organized by the Lowell Health Care Center. Proceeds from this walk will be used to benefit those with Huntington's Disease. After the walk, the Family Day will offer facepainting, a karate demonstration, snowcones, balloons, and a DJ.

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is caused by a mutation on a chromosome which eventually leads to the death of cells in the region of the brain that controls movement and cognitive control. Symptoms vary from person to person, even within the same family. At later stages of HD, every individual affected by the disease requires full time care. That means that HD impacts more than the person affected; it changes life for family, friends, caregivers, and even medical professionals who treat the HD patient.

As Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts, I am privileged to have the opportunity to support causes like this that work to create awareness about people with physical disabilities.

Pledge sheets for the walk are available by contacting Virginia Goolkasian at 888-872-8102 ex:13 or virginia@hdsa-ne.org. To volunteer or for more information, contact Sue Imbriglio at 978-454-5644.

Hope to see you there!

Adaptive Recreation Fair at Spaulding Rehab Hospital

Join Spaulding for the 2nd Annual T.R.E.C. Day!
(Therapeutic Recreation Enhances Confidence)

Join me in celebrating National Therapeutic Week at an adaptive recreation fair. There will be information about activities for people with disabilities such as: basketball, hand-cycling, boating, camping, aerobics, and more!


I will also be doing outreach as Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts on health & fitness for people with spinal cord injuries. So come out and join me!


DATE: Thursday, July 12

TIME: 1 pm - 4 pm

LOCATION: On the Pier at Spaulding Rehab, 125 Nashua Street

Email me if you'd like more information!

Tune in to NESN Tommorrow Night!

I will be participating in Disability Awareness Night tommorrow at Fenway Park along with Ayla, a Helping Hands monkey, who will be throwing out the first pitch. The event kicks off at 6:30, with the first pitch being thrown at 6:40. Make sure to tune in!

Upcoming Appearance - NEMED Conference, June 21-22, 2007

I have been invited to attend NEMED's Annual Conference at the Cape Codder Resort in Hyannis next week in my role as Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts. The conference will have updates and information relevant to medical equipment.

Speaking at the conference this year will be Travis Roy, the former BU Hockey player who incurred a spinal cord injury in a game more than ten years ago. Travis is a high-level quad who now works as an inspirational speaker. It will be a privledge to hear him speak.

Also at the conference, NEMED will be having a silent auction to benefit the Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts Program. We are looking for donated items if anyone is interested!

Upcoming Appearance - ACS Relay for Life, June 22, 2007

"There Is No Finish Line Until We Find A Cure...."

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

I will be participating in the Falmouth Relay for Life Team, organized by local resident Frank Shepard. The team name is:“The Lame, the Blind, the Halt, the Game,” and includes many people with disabilities as well as several cancer survivors. Last year's team won an award for being the "Most Spirited."

Come out and join us if you're available! The event venue information is as follows:
Gus Canty Recreation Center
Main Street, Falmouth MA
Friday, June 22 from 3pm - Saturday, June 23 at 9am

Visit www.relayforlife.org for up-to-date information about Relay For Life and to access training tools and planning resources that will help make your event a success!

Upcoming Appearance - Special Olympics, June 16, 2007

Join me on Saturday, June 16 from 11-6 in the Olympic Village at Harvard Stadium in support of the Massachusetts Special Olympics program.

I will be signing autographs, getting in pictures, and greeting the athletes and their families. I hope to see you there!

For more info & directions, go to: www.specialolympicsma.org

Walk With Me Tomorrow!

Join Team Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts at Artesani Park tomorrow at 9 am for the Easter Seals Walk With Me event to raise awareness about people with disabilities!


As a walker...

- You'll be greeted at the registration check in area where you may turn in any donations you’ve received by cash or check.

- You'll have the chance to meet one of our Honorary Ambassadors... someone who has directly benefited from Easter Seals services.

- You’ll get water along the route as well as healthy snacks at the end of the walk.

- You’ll get direction and assistance, if needed, from friendly volunteers.

Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that people living with autism and other disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play. Come out and join me Sunday to help support this truly important organization.

Upcoming Appearance - Health & Fitness Expo, June 24, 2007

Join me on Sunday, June 24 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston for the 7News Partners HealthCare Health & Fitness Expo. There will be FREE fun and educational activities for everyone to enjoy.

This two day event, taking place on June 23rd & 24th, includes fun activities for families, kids, and others, plus free health screenings for adults and healthy cooking tips.

I will be speaking about physical fitness activities for people with disabilities. Other exhibits of interest are:

In My Shoes
In this interactive program, kids can learn what it is like to live with a disability, and participate in games and exercises that children with disabilities use to overcome their physical challenges.

Adaptive Sports
Learn and experience some of the adaptive sports practiced at Spaulding Hospital's nationally recognized Charles Weingarten Adaptive Sport Clinic. Attendees will get the chance to use the clinic's hand cycles and get information from clinic therapists on the variety of modified sports equipment used in therapy. Visit the SRH website for more information.

Ernst Van Dyk
Meet seven-time Men's Boston Marathon champion, wheelchair division, Ernst Van Dyk and hear him speak about overcoming disabilities to become a world-class athlete.

I hope to see a lot of you there!

Upcoming Appearance - Capitol Hill, Washigton, DC, June 7, 2007

I will have the amazing opportunity to attend a Legislative Conference on Capitol Hill as a guest of The New England Medical Equipment Dealers Association (NEMED) on June 7, 2007.

NEMED is a regional association of the six New England states that was founded in 1988. NEMED's broad membership works together supporting the common goals and interests of the Home Medical Equipment, Respiratory, and Assistive Technology industry.

I will be telling my personal story about the necessity of home medical equipment and care in an effort to emphasize its importance in the lives of people with disabilities.

Upcoming Appearance - May 16, 2007

South Boston Arts Association (SBAA)

I will be appearing on Boston Neighborhood Network cable TV tommorrow evening, May 16, with artist Dan McCole who runs the South Boston Arts Association. I have been an active member of the SBAA since 2005, attending their meetings and writing groups. I will be speaking about my new role as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007, and also about my interest in writing about characters who are disabled.

Also appearing on the show will be State Representative Brian Wallace, who will be speaking about his writing.

Be sure to tune in if you live in Boston - it should be a great show!

Upcoming Appearance - Boston Red Sox, June 30, 2007

I have been invited to attend the Boston Red Sox game in my official role as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts on Saturday, June 30, 2007, at 7:05, as they play the Texas Rangers. I will also be taking part in the pre-game activities, which will focus on Disability Awareness.

Check back soon for more details on the pre-game show. One thing I do know... there will be an extra-special 'disability advocate' throwing out the first pitch!!!

Upcoming Event - Easter Seals "Walk with Me," June 3

I will be participating in the Easter Seals annual Walk With Me to help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence! This walk will help to raise awareness about issues that people with disabilities face.

Walk With Me is the Easter Seals 5K Walk, roll or stroll for Independence which takes place on Sunday, June 3 at 9 am in Artesani Park in Boston. Join me and thousands of people in 35 cities across the country to support vital Easter Seals services for your friends and neighbors with disabilities.

Join "Team Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts" today and walk with us in support of people with disabilities:
Kristen McCosh
John McCosh
Lisa Urban
Dolores Donoghue

Check out: www.walkwithme.org for more info.

Upcoming Appearance - Harvard University, May 10

I'll be appearing at the Dudley House in Harvard Yard this Thursday evening at the reception for the launch of their annual literary magazine, The Dudley Review. I will be speaking about my new role as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007 as it relates to my interest in writing.

I studied disability in literature throughout college. I also completed an Honors Thesis on Flannery O'Connor, a brilliant novelist who explored character through the vehicle of physical disability. Currently, I am finishing my third novel in a series of Women's Fiction which features disabled women as heroines.

Upcoming Appearances - National MS Society

I will be attending the following events with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Cental New England Chapter, in my official role as Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007:

- MileStones Gala Fundraiser, Thursday, May 10 at the Museum of Science
- MS Action Day on Beacon Hill, Tuesday, May 15 at the State House


The Central New England Chapter offers a full spectrum of community-based education, support, and advocacy designed to:

1. Increase knowledge of the disease and available treatments
2. Improve health and wellness through exercise and emotional support
3. Maximize independence at home and in the community
4. Advocate for public policies that support those with disabilities.

To learn more, call their toll-free number at 1-800-493-9255 or check them out on the web at www.nationalmssociety.org.

Upcoming Appearance - May 9, 2007

Women at Work Museum, Attleboro Massachusetts
honoring achievement • preparing leaders

The Women at Work Museum honors the achievements of women throughout history and around the world, provides educational programs that promote leadership, economic independence, and expertise in math, science, engineering, and technology for people of all ages. Exhibits showcase national and international programs that encourage excellence and support achievement.



I will be appearing on Attleboro Public TV with Museum Director, Katherine Honey, to speak about their upcoming exhibit, "Initiating and Sustaining Change," and particularly the Engineering Bridges display, which illustrates the accomplishments of women engineers who have contributed to well-being and freedom - especially for people with disabilities. If you live in the Attleboro area, tune in to Channel 15 to see the show!

Visit the Women at Work Museum website:
www.womenatworkmuseum.org