An Update of My Updates

Last week I went into the pain clinic to get the nerve block I talked about a couple of posts ago. They went ahead and just did the nerve block. It was a mixture of lidocaine and some other medicine. The doctor told me that if this helps with the pain, it can provide relief for up to six months or a year or not at all. It can be repeated every six months.

If it doesn’t help at all, the next step would be a procedure called a nerve ablation. It’s kind of like the nerve block, only the block just deadens the nerve endings. With an ablation of the knee “Genicular nerve ablation uses radiofrequency energy to deactivate the nerves that send the constant pain signals to your knee and surrounding structures.” 

If I do this treatment it uses no medication and is performed completely outside your knee under precise image guidance. Most people achieve relief after the first week and take full effect after 3 to 4 weeks. For many patients, it’s effective in relieving the pain. It is possible that the nerve will regrow, although the procedure can be repeated if needed.

After the did the nerve block, it stopped hurting after a day or two. So far, it’s working, and I haven’t had to wear my knee brace sentence. I’m hoping that the nerve block lasts for a long time, so I don’t have to worry about doing the nerve ablation. Although at least there’s a second option afterwards just in case.

I have still been working on my book and writing poems. I’ve been very inspired, and write something, even if it’s just a sentence or paragraph every day. I’m hoping to include most of my poems in my book for others to read. A lot of them tie in nicely with what I’m writing, although some don’t. I’m not quite sure how long it will take me to finish. I still need to fill in each chapter with more stories and feelings.

Although, my goal is to be done with writing it by the end of this year. Then I need to work on publishing and selling. I can’t wait for everyone to read it. So far, it’s one of my greatest accomplishments since my accident. The other ones are surviving, graduating high school, college, and being crowned Ms. wheelchair Minnesota 2011.

Also, since spring started, every day has been different. Between snow, rain, and sun, I’ve been able to make it outside when I get a chance. I love being outdoors; it’s better than being stuck inside not knowing what to do. Brody loves it too! I can’t believe he’s 10 now and still thriving. Despite some arthritis, he still loves his walk and rolls.

Jenni

Patchwork Quilt

In real time my life is like a homemade quilt

organized then sewn using leftover scraps carefully cut

Stitched together to tell a story of an event or moment,

that’s important; the devastating loss turned to hope

The matters in which this patchwork is created

with smaller pieces crafting a whole symbolizes

connection of voices, womanhood, and sense of history

My body prudently put back together after a

life altering car accident paralyzing my limbs

Although when stitched together with love

even the rough patches and mistakes can be warming

Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2012 Pageant

Do you want to donate or be a contestant in the Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2012 pageant? Below is some information you'll need. I will post more details as they come up. Thanks!

Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2012 gala dinner

Date: Monday evening, Apr 2, 2012

Location: Marriott hotel, Minneapolis airport

Fundraising:

1. We are looking for corporate sponsors: Platinum ($5000), Gold ($2500), Silver ($1750), Bronze ($1000) with various benefits at each level, all including a table for 8 at the gala event.

2. We are looking for businesses and people to donate their products or services for our raffle and silent auction items.

3. We are also looking for personal donations to help the winner get to the national competition. We're a non-profit organization and we are waiting for the IRS to grant us 501 c3 status. People can still write off donations to Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota.

To send a donation, become a contestant or for more info please contact:

Lexy Crow
Corner Medical
9720 Humboldt Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
952-388-0500
lcrow@cornermedical.com

Here's to the New Year

As I look back on 2011, I think about all of my accomplishments and the great opportunities that came about.

In April I was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011. Throughout my reign so far I've given multiple speeches, attended some amazing events, and made an impact during our state shut down. I also met with the attorney general, Lori Swanson, and got a private tour of the capital. I'm grateful for the chance to help and inspire others and for this experience. With three more months to go in 2012, I hope to continue being a role model and making an impact on others.

In August I was able to take my first plane ride since my accident. It took a lot of planning, fundraising, and hard work but I did it and I'm so glad. I flew to Grand Rapids, Michigan to take place in the Ms. wheelchair America 2012 pageant where I received fourth runner-up. Another big accomplishment in my book!

I believe throughout 2011 I changed in ways I never thought I would. I became even more confident in myself. I switched up my wardrobe from casual tees, hoodies and sweats to jeans and business attire. My routine is different now; I stay up in my wheelchair 3 to 4 hours longer than I did before. I also found love in my life and have never been more happy than I am now! I continue to smile each day and look ahead to what the days and years coming will bring.

So here's to the new year-2012. May it bring more joy and fulfillment to my life. I hope to accomplish many more things and continue growing.

Jenni

Speeches Galore

Last Friday I spoke to three separate classes in a row at Armstrong high school. Each of them had about 15 to 20 students; it was a class called AVID which focuses on college and career goals. They needed a speaker directed towards motivation. I got some video this time and once I figure out how to edit it I will post it. I'm also going to be speaking tomorrow to three other classes at the same high school so maybe I'll get some more too.

It is difficult to speak to more than one class in a row. My voice gets hoarse by the last one. The good thing is I can see my improvement over the three. Then I know what things I should include and what I can leave out. It helps when they ask questions also because then I can figure out what they want to know.

I'm part of a program called BestPrep which has a bunch of different volunteer speakers. Here's a little info about it:

"BestPrep, a Minnesota nonprofit, engages 60,000 students in grades 4-12 each year in business, career and financial literacy education. More than 3,000 professional volunteers help BestPrep collaborate with educators to bridge classroom curriculum and the world of business outside of the classroom, enriching the teaching and learning experience.

BestPrep offers six experiential programs: Classroom Plus, eMentors, Financial Matters, Minnesota Business Venture, The Stock Market Game, and the Technology Integration Workshop.

BestPrep is a statewide, nonprofit organization with a mission to best prepare Minnesota students with business, career and financial literacy skills through experiences that inspire success in work and life."

I am part of the classroom plus program. Basically when a teacher needs a speaker, they will contact BestPrep and tell them what topic they need one for. The bureau will then look through their list of speakers and find one that fits that need then contact them. This is how I get most of my speaking engagements at local high schools.

I've been a part of it for about six years now. I think it's a very good way to get out there and gain experience. Now that I am Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011 I've been speaking as that everywhere I go. I like using the title to help motivate kids to get out there and achieve their goals.

I'm hoping to get involved in many more events and speaking engagements throughout the rest of my reign. If you know of any or would like me to speak somewhere, let me know.

Jenni

Taking Pics

When I was at the Walk and Roll at the Mall of America Sunday I handed out pictures of me with my crown and sash on. I already had professional photos done a while back, but I wanted some different ones printed. So last Friday I got all dressed up and went outside. I had my sister, Kristen, take a bunch of pictures of me (78 to be exact). It was so much fun! Although by the time we were done my cheeks hurt and my eyes were bugging out from the flash. Other than that I think they turned out extremely well.

I picked the one I thought was the best and then fixed it up a little with highlighting, filling and shadowing. Then Kristen took them in and got 200 copies made. I definitely think that it looks professionally done; she did a great job! I told her that she should go into photography. I'm lucky to have a sis like her. She's been great through all of this and very helpful. I appreciate everything she does for me. Thanks Kris! I posted the pic below.

She also printed 300 business cards for me to hand out. I think they turned out really well. I love getting my information out there for people to see what I'm up to and contact me.

Jenni

Another Interview

I had an interview with a guy from the Sun Sailor (a local newspaper) today. They're going to run a story on me about Ms. wheelchair Minnesota and the Ms. wheelchair America pageant. It's great to have another article written about the things I've been doing. I'm really just so honored to be featured so that everyone can see the amazing abilities of people with disabilities. I will post the link as soon as it's published!

Jenni

My Flight to Michigan

The trip to Michigan was my first flight since my accident. We had to do a lot of planning and arranging things ahead of time to make sure everything went smoothly. After booking my ticket, I called the airline to let them know that I was traveling. I told them that I was on a vent and would have batteries with me. They put all that information in the computer under my ticket.

Traveling with me on the flight out was my sister, mom, two nurses and physical therapist. In the middle of the week (Thursday), the nurses that were with me flew home and two more flew in. Luckily, we were able to get most of the tickets covered by donations, frequent flyer miles from big companies, and through Delta.

It took a lot of time to pack all of my supplies. I think I had at least eight carry-ons which included my backpack with nursing chart and Doctors orders, a portable oxygen concentrator, backup ventilator with extra tubing, medications, emergency bag, suction machine etc. I also had a few bags that I checked with more supplies and my clothes. That doesn't include my entourage's personal luggage. Then I was all set to make the journey.

One minor detail about the plane that was flying on. It was the smallest plane they had, which I didn't know when I was booking the tickets. As it got closer to the time I was leaving, I was contacted by someone at Delta regarding my wheelchair and the plane. I gave him the dimensions and he told me that my wheelchair wouldn't fit down below because of the size of the plane. He wanted to switch me to a different flight where the plane would be larger, but none of the other times worked for me. The only other option was to go to the airport in a manual wheelchair and fly my power wheelchair out at a different time. That's what I decided to do. Key medical, the supply company where I got my chair from, came to my house the afternoon before, dropped off a manual chair, picked up my power chair and brought it to the airport for me. It went out on the 6 PM flight that night.

When I got to the airport I was met by a woman I had been in contact with from human resources at Delta. She helped escort us through the check-in, baggage claim, security checkpoint and then finally to our gate. This made the process go a little quicker which was good considering that we got to the airport a little later than expected and only had a short amount of time to get to the plane. I did hold it up a little but I think it went okay for the first time.

Once at the gate, I went down towards the plane and then my therapist, Nicole, and my mom transferred me to an aisle chair which was just big enough for my butt to fit on. Then they wheeled me onto the plane and to the bulkhead (the first seat on the plane) and transferred me over. We put my vent on the floor in front of me the where it remained the whole flight.

It was extremely important to have my therapist with me. She was able to teach us how to do the transfer which made things go a lot easier, both on me and everybody else. She also stretched me during the flight and while I was in Michigan. This helped keep my spasms, muscle tension and pain down to a tolerable level. I can't stress enough the benefits of physical therapy and how much it assisted in me being able to do all the things I did.

On the way back we had the same type of plane so I went to the airport in the manual wheelchair again and my power chair flew out at 6 AM the next day. I did get to the airport a lot earlier and so things went a little bit smoother. I learned a lot through this whole experience and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to do it. I would definitely take another trip in the future and this only reassured me that I can actually pull it off. The one thing I would do differently next time would be able all the luggage!

Jenni

Ms. Wheelchair America Contest 2012

I got home from Grand Rapids Michigan on Sunday where I was competing in the Ms. Wheelchair America contest. It was a very long and exhausting week but definitely worth it. I learned my limits but also how far I can push myself. The days were packed with activities and workshops along with judging sessions and speeches. Here are a few highlights from the week. I arrived on Monday after a first ever plane ride since my accident. We got to the hotel and all settled in then had dinner that night. I met a lot of the contestants and learned about my upcoming week.

Tuesday was a fun day. Although it started off a little rocky for me. The power went out in the whole city at 5 AM that morning. I hadn't quite prepared for something like that. Because of it, I didn't get a chance to meet with everyone else at the Ford Museum for a tour. I did catch up with everybody during a scavenger hunt of the city. Unfortunately, there was a heat index warning and I got heat exhaustion afterwards. That was also the time that there was a picnic lunch outside the museum. We were supposed to have swing dancing on the town that evening but it ended up raining so it was canceled.

All ready for the day in my MWA T-shirt!

Lining up on the bridge over Grand River for a group photo

The judging began on Wednesday. Workshops also started and in between that there were five-minute question and answer sessions. Dinner was on the town that night and then we went to a concert in the middle of the city.

At the Blues on the Town concert in the middle of Grand Rapids, Michigan

Great music!

On Thursday the workshops and judging continued. The sessions were twice as long with twice as many questions. That night we all watched the documentary "Defining Beauty" which was about the Ms. Wheelchair America contest in 2010.

Judging resumes

We had judging and workshops again on Friday. It was the day of my third and final interview session with the judges. That night we all gave our speeches on our platform and ate dinner together.

All done up on speech night with my sister, Kristen

Saturday was the big crowning. We had a break from activities during the day and were able to just hang out. In the afternoon I slipped into my gown and then got my hair and makeup done. That evening we all lined up on the stage and waited for them to call the top five. I was very excited when I heard my name called to be in it! We each answered two questions from a judge (one serious and one lighthearted) and then they tallied up the votes. I ended up getting fourth runner up! That means I was number 5/26 contestants; a huge accomplishment in my book. I was so excited and proud.

Getting beautified

Me and Ms. Wheelchair America 2011, Alex

The top five! From left to right: third runner-up-Monica, Ms. Wheelchair Maine 2011; second runner-up-Luticha, Ms. Wheelchair New York 2011; winner-Josie, Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2011; first runner-up-Sharina, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2011; fifth runner-up-Jenni, Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011

We had a farewell breakfast Sunday morning and then said our goodbyes. We left Grand Rapids and I was very relieved once we landed. It definitely felt good to be home.

I've been spending the last couple of days adjusting. I will write more posts about individual activities and things along with some good stories. Just wanted to give you a lowdown of my amazing week. Even though I didn't come home with the title, I still have the rest of my reign as Ms. wheelchair Minnesota. I promise I will do my state proud!

If you have questions, please comment and ask them. I would love to answer them.

Jenni

In the Newspaper Today…

The Star Tribune printed an article on me in the newspaper today. I'm so excited to share my story with everyone! Glad to know I'm helping so many people. A special thanks to all of you who have supported me and been by my side over the years.

Jenni

A Little Bit of This and That…

School is over now for this semester. I received an A in both my stress management class and in my intercultural communications class. They were pretty good classes and I learned a lot, especially when it came to managing my stress. Soon I'm going to sign up for a class or two for the fall semester but I'm not sure what I'm going to take yet.

In the last couple days the weather here has been extremely nice. I've been going outside trying to get a tan before nationals. It feels good to get some fresh air and vitamin D. It just makes me a happier person after being out and about enjoying the sun.

Speaking of nationals, I'm trying to get all my information together so I can send in the first two packets of three by May 24. We have enough money to cover the first half of the entry fee (also due the 24th) but that still leaves us with a large amount that were trying to get donated. I need to book the tickets ASAP before the prices start raising even more. I've got a few confirmations from people and companies who can make some bigger donations, but I haven't seen too much money yet. Hopefully everything will fall together smoothly.

My sister will be in AmeriCorps until July 23, which is exactly one week before I leave for Michigan. I'm so excited that she will be able to come with me since she's missed a lot of events and activities already. Recently her group started a project on a nature reserve/Park in Bonners ferry, Idaho. I looked it up online and I saw all the stunning scenery. I'm so jealous!

Everything else is going good. I kind of feel like I should be more productive but I guess you could say I'm "taking it easy" for a couple weeks. I need some rest before all my events of the summer as my reign of Ms. wheelchair Minnesota 2011 continue.

Jenni

Please Help Support

As many of you know on April 11, 2011 I was crowned Ms. wheelchair Minnesota. This is a huge honor and I am happy to be an advocate for people with disabilities. I'm very excited for this role and eager to get started with my events. This includes going to nationals and competing in the Ms. wheelchair America contest in Michigan August 1 through August 7.

I'm trying to raise money so that I can get to nationals this fall and represent the great state of Minnesota. We have estimated that it will probably cost around $8000. This would include hotel, flight, food, events etc. for me, three nurses and family. This is a big expense and the sooner we can come up with the money the better.

Please help me by donating whatever you can to my cause, no matter how big or small. If you have a company that would like to donate their name will be put on the sponsors list in the packet at nationals. Ms. wheelchair Minnesota is a nonprofit organization so all donations can be used as a tax write off. (If you wish to do so, please indicate and a letter will be sent to you).

Checks can be made out to:
Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota

Checks can be sent to:
2400 Lorien St.
Minnetonka, MN 55305
or…
9720 Humboldt Ave S
Bloomington, MN 55431

We're also planning on holding a fundraiser mid-June. The money for this will be used not only for nationals but also for all events during my year-long reign as Ms. wheelchair Minnesota. If anyone has anything they would like to donate for a silent auction let me know. Also, if anyone has any suggestions or knows of anyone who can help with this please let me know as well.

Thanks for your support!

Jenni

Press Release

Check out the article about me in the Lakeshore Weekly News.

Jenni

My Big Day

I'm now officially Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011!

Here's how my day went:

5:00 AM-woke up
8:00 AM-washed my hair and got dressed
9:00 AM-massage therapy
10:15 AM-got into my wheelchair
10:30 AM-blowdried and styled hair
11:15 AM-ate lunch
12:15 PM-got back into bed to rest and do range of motion
1:00 PM-got back into my wheelchair
1:15 PM-put my final outfit on
1:30 PM-professional makeup artist came
2:15 PM-finish makeup session
3:15 PM-left my house
4:00 PM-arrived at Running Aces Harness Park
5:05 PM-private interview with judges
5:20 PM-finish interview
5:30 PM-ate dinner
6:00 PM-doors opened
6:15 PM-gave two-minute speech to the audience
6:35 PM-comedian
6:50 PM-live local band Machine 22
7:15 PM-first runner-up announced
7:20 PM-winner announced (that's me!)
7:21 PM-billion photos taken and socializing
8:15 PM-leave
9:00 PM-arrive home
9:20 PM-get back into bed
10:00 PM-remove makeup
11:00 PM-fall asleep

As you can see I had an extremely busy day. It was also out of my routine. I usually get up in my wheelchair between 9 and 10 AM and get back into bed around 5 PM. That day I had to get back into bed for 45 min. in the middle of the day to stretch because of the long night ahead of me.

The professional makeup artist who came was a friend of my therapist, Nicole. I don't wear makeup very much but I think she did a great job. It took about 45 min. to do but she made it look really natural. I'll definitely have to get my makeup done again soon.

It took about 45 min. for us to get the place. My 15 min. question and answer with the judges was supposed to start at 4:30 PM, but one of the judges (Mrs. Minnesota) was a half an hour late. I didn't end up doing it until a little after five. Then I had just under an hour to cath and eat dinner. Right when I got into position at the table they started announcing so I cut it pretty close.

I was the first one to give my two-minute speech to the audience. Four people followed me and then it was time for the judges deliberate. The interview was 70% and the speech was 30%. While the judges talked amongst themselves, there was a comedian and a band to keep us entertained. After that they announced the first runner-up and in the winner.

I was so excited to hear my name being called. When I went up there tons of people swarmed in front of me with their cameras. By the end of the night I couldn't see straight from all the flashes. Mrs. Minnesota put a sash around me and then crowned me. After the initial shock and congratulations, I mingled a little bit with everyone who was there while being photographed.

I had a long drive home and even though I usually fall asleep when riding in vehicles, I couldn't because I was so anxious and excited. When I finally got home all I wanted to do was get back into bed to relieve my back pain. At that point, the neighbors and my aunt Sandy came in my room to congratulate me. Once I laid down I did range of motion because I was extremely tight and my spasticity was high due to the day. I was exhausted and delirious also.

I had a lot of fun though and am happy. I'm grateful for this opportunity to educate people and be an advocate for others with disabilities. Now I'm going to be very busy for the next year doing appearances and speaking all over. Also, I get to go to nationals in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Ms. wheelchair America contest is the first week in August. This will be my first time on a plane since my accident. I'm excited to take a trip but a little nervous because I don't know how it will go. They said they wouldn't affect me if they could get me on a plane so I trust them completely.

Below are some photos of the event.

The band

One of my fan tables with my friends and dad

Me and the judges



 If you want to view the professional photos that were taken you can click here.

Jenni

Crowned Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2011

Last night was the Ms. wheelchair Minnesota contest, and I won! I had an amazing time and am so excited for this opportunity. I know I can do great things and educate many people. I will post pictures very soon. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the way.

Jenni

It's Official

Today I got an official phone call from the person who is coordinating the Ms. wheelchair Minnesota contest. She told me that I was picked to be a contestant, which is great news! Now I just have to prepare my 1 1/2-2 min. speech on my platform. I am choosing to talk about educating children about people with disabilities because I think that's where it starts. This is a great opportunity for me. The winner goes on to nationals to the Ms. wheelchair America contest. It is held sometime in the first week of August.

Click here to visit the webpage that shows the time and place of the contest on April 11.

Jenni