She pulled up to me in the parking lot of White's Shopping Center in Manns Harbor, in her big shiny black pickup truck, spotless with the exception of some mud spatters that made it look like she may have recently been off road just a little bit. She leaned across her sister in the passenger seat, and rolled down the window to talk to me.

Mckayla Creef, Ms. Wheelchair NC 2018, on her quest for Ms. Wheelchair America 2019 this summer in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It was a hot, sunny, humid Wednesday morning for our photo session. She told me that she didn't think the original location she had chosen would be a good idea. Lots of mosquitoes and deer flies this time of year. I agreed and got back in my car to follow her over the Manns Harbor Bridge to the perfect location that represents her, a view of the Croatan Sound behind her.


Mckayla is a beautiful person, so positive and strong. She easily got herself out from behind the driver's side of her truck with a ramp, and wheeled herself across the sandy path, her two sweet dogs following her, Girl, a five year old black lab, and Flynn Ryder (named after his Tangled counterpart), her adorable 7 week old puppy. Mckayla's sister, Carolina, came to help make the photo session go smoothly, with bug spray, outfit finishing touches, and carrying and lifting as needed.


Mckayla really wanted to capture the place that she is from - born and raised in Manns Harbor. She chose the perfect spot. Eastern North Carolina is unique, and this spot on the Croatan Sound embodies it beautifully.


From http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org, "The mission of Ms. Wheelchair America is to provide an opportunity of achievement for women who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 54 million Americans living with disabilities. Unlike traditional beauty pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is not a contest to select the most attractive individual. It is instead a competition based on advocacy, achievement, communication and presentation to select the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for persons with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature."

It's obvious that Mckayla is beautiful on the outside. After spending some time with her, it's equally obvious that she is beautiful on the inside, and embodies all that Ms. Wheelchair America strives to accomplish. I wish her all the best on her journey and am so grateful to be a small sponsor and participant on her path. To follow and support Mckayala as Ms. Wheelchair NC 2018 and through the competition for Ms. Wheelchair America 2019, please like and follow her Facebook page, Mckayla Creef Ms. Wheelchair NC 2018. Love and success to you Mckayla
