Cuyahoga Falls, OH-
Fanchon “Fannie” Pierce, 35, was crowned the new Ms. Wheelchair USA on Sat., July 29 in front of a live theatre and tv audience. “Being Ms. Wheelchair USA feels like a fantasy, unreal. It brings an unimaginable amount of joy to my heart,” Pierce said when she won. The Ms. Wheelchair USA program celebrated its 26th year with a show titled Out of This World, Technologies that Change Lives. The show featured unique technologies that can enhance the abilities of individuals with disabilities to live independent and quality lives.
Pierce lives in Chicago, IL and is a second year student at Walden University, studying for a BS degree in human services in global social justice and civic engagement. Her pageant platform stems from her nonprofit work with her 501C3 We Will Wheel where she promotes peer mentoring amongst individuals with disabilities, their families, and support systems. “I want to empower individuals with disabilities to make positive changes in their lives in order for them to be more effective leaders,” she explained.
In Dec., 2009, Fanchon was shot seven times resulting in a T8 spinal cord injury that now requires her to use a wheelchair. She is a member of six national honor societies, and has received multiple awards and certifications for her community service and outstanding academic record. Fannie is the mother of three children. “I now have the opportunity to share my love and passion for empowering lives with the disability community on a national scale. Ms. Wheelchair USA has opened that door for me,” she said.
The national competition for Ms. Wheelchair USA took place in Northeast Ohio July 23-30, 2023. Contestants spent the week participating in various press appearances, rehearsals, community events, and competitions that culminated in the crowning of Pierce as Ms. Wheelchair USA 2023-2024. She receives a prize package, as well as a booking and management contract to assist her in promoting her platform, and that of the Ms. Wheelchair USA organization, and The Dane Foundation, the presenting organization. The Dane Foundation is an Ohio headquartered foundation that serves individuals with physical and developmental disabilities and is the presenting organiztion of the national Ms. Wheelchair USA program.
To book Pierce contact the Ms. Wheelchair USA organization at Info@MsWheelchairUSA.org or by calling 330.612.5242. To make a donation or sponsor Ms. Wheelchair USA, visit the organization’s website at www.TheDaneFoundation.org. You can also text a donation to MWUSA at 44321
