Abilities Expo - Anaheim, CA

What a fantastic weekend! Alyson Roth had the opportunity to meet so many great people this weekend (May 29 - 31st) at the Abilities Expo in Anaheim, CA. Thank you to all who came out to this great event! There were so many great vendors who provided amazing new resources for so many people to live an even better life.

Pictured below is Alyson with the state coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Washington pageant, Tammy Wilber. She is featuring a new removable adaptive product on her wheelchair called the "Free Wheel" which allows for off-road adventures. To learn more about the product, click here. I want one!

On Sunday, Alyson participated in the "Kid's Day" and met some of the most amazing kids. She even had a few young boys wink at her! So cute. Another kid came up to her, saw her crown and sash, and with a straight face asked if she was the Mayor. Ha!

The creator of the wheelchair, Quickie, stopped by the Ms. Wheelchair California booth. What a pleasure it was to speak with Marilyn Hamilton (below).

The last picture is of a little girl named Taryn who has mitochondrial disease. Her dad received a tattoo on his arm of his little girl by the television show, LA Ink, and organizes motorcycle rides to raise funds and awareness for this devastating disease. The love this family has for their daughter was amazing.

The biggest blessing of this entire weekend was seeing so many people enjoying the company of others in the same situation as them. Everywhere you looked, you saw people talking, laughing, and enjoying life and sharing in community.

Thank you, Abilities Expo, for a weekend full of connectivity and enjoyment while at the same time providing a great place for people the get valuable resources to make their lives easier!

Reading of the Roll - Memorial Day Weekend

Today, Alyson Roth had the opportunity to participate in a very significant event at the Riverside National Cemetery for the "Reading of the Roll."  She was one of 500 volunteers scheduled to read over 450,000 names over the period of 8 days, 24 hours a day. 

Alyson said, "It was a very moving experience for me.  As I read each name, I couldn't help but think about what that person sacrificed for our country and for our freedom.  I also thought about my grandfather and his contribution to service during WWII.  I'm extremely proud of all those who serve in our military.  What a wonderful way to spend Memorial Day Weekend!"

To read more about the "Reading of the Roll," click here for the article.  

(Ruthee Goldkorn and Alyson Roth)

University of California, Irvine - Alyson Roth and Chancellor Michael Drake

University of California, Irvine (UCI) has been a great partner of Alyson Roth's platform and job, Free Wheelchair Mission. UCI will be delivering wheelchairs in Guinea, West Africa through the UCI Africa Initiative this coming Fall. 
Pictured here is Alyson Roth with Chancellor Michael Drake.  Thank you, Chancellor Drake, for all your support and belief in accessibility world-wide!

City of Anaheim Recognition

Alyson Roth was recognized at the Anaheim City Hall by Mayor Curt Pringle and the City Council on Wednesday, May 19th for her accomplishments and achievements.  Also recognized was 1st Runner Up and resident of Anaheim, Jennifer Kumiyama.  Congratulations to both recipients!

Ms. Wheelchair California Goes Surfing!

Alyson Roth on a surfboard after just riding a wave. Hang ten!

Alyson had an amazing day with the "Life Rolls On" organization at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, CA on Sunday. This organization provides a way for those with disabilities to get back into the water and surf again. Alyson joined the organization in 2007 after a coworker introduced her and was hooked ever since. What an amazing day!

A film crew came down from Los Angeles to shoot the entire day and everything that happened. Adaptive sports are accessible to so many people these days, and it's a great way for newly injured people (or those who are veterans) to become active in sports.

First, Alyson is put into a beach wheelchair (above) and rolled out to the surf. A beach wheelchair has extra big tires to be easily pushed through the sand by another person. They are available for free at most public beaches.

She was able to stop and talk to a few volunteers while on her way out into the ocean. "Life Rolls On" has an amazing support of volunteers and assistants to help in any way possible. Safety comes first with these people, and they are there in a split second if you need them.

While waiting to head into the ocean, Alyson had the opportunity to sit in the sand and talk with one of the volunteers about his job and participation with "Life Rolls On." Over 30 participants were able to go into the ocean this day, with each able to catch about 4 waves during their turn.

The water crew carry Alyson out into the ocean to the surfboard. Including the camera crew, there were probably 20 people in the water with her helping out! Each surfboard is adapted with a handle, however there are about three people helping to bring each participate out into the surf. One is designated as the Lead and is in charge of steering the surfboard out correctly and spotting the wave. Another is in charge of holding her on the surfboard until time to release her, and the other person is in charge of kicking from behind when initially going out.

Once out into the ocean, the Lead spots an upcoming wave and tells Alyson to get ready! Alyson holds on, and within seconds, the wave picks her up and pushes her forward in the water. She describes the moment as "exhilarating" as she "feels this type of freedom in the water once again"!

Thank you "Life Rolls On" for a fantastic weekend for our Ms. Wheelchair California! You are providing amazing opportunities for so many men and woman who use a wheelchair to know that life does go on!

For more information on "Life Rolls On" and to see when they'll be in a city near you, please visit them at http://www.liferollson.org/.

Gwinnett Daily Post Newspaper Article

Alyson Roth was featured in her hometown newspaper in Georgia. Click on the picture to read the article further. Thank you Gwinnett Daily Post for featuring this great woman!