Amber Marcy wearing her Ms. Wheelchair Michigan crown.
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By Bethany Broadwell
With her mind set on pursuing a degree in social work, Amber moved into her own home and depended on high school friends who were her roommates to act as caregivers. This arrangement worked well for several years.
As everyone started to mature and proceed with their plans, however, Amber found herself facing her greatest challenge yet with her disability. “I needed care, and they were moving on. This meant it was time to either move home or hire outside help. The idea of moving home was more comforting than bringing someone into my home for several hours a day that I did not know.”
She credits her dad for motivating her to strive for her independence. Amber says, “He knew as well as I that I would not be happy moving home after being on my own for all those years. I can't thank him enough now!”
Amber turned to Health Partners, Inc., a home care agency with offices in Southfield, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint and Petoskey, to help her deal with the issue. “It was difficult at first having someone with me all the time. I would wonder what people thought and how was I ever going to find a boyfriend if I have someone with me.” She continues, “Turns out that it was the hardest but best decision I have ever made. I have great caregivers who will be and are lifelong friends.”
Staff from Health Partners, Inc., are the people who nominated and encouraged Amber to run for the Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2009 title. Winners at the state level meet each summer for the national Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. This year woman from 28 states and the District of Columbia will be competing in Rapid City, S.D., from Aug. 24-30. The mission of the program is “to provide an opportunity for women of achievement who happen to be wheelchair users to successfully educate and advocate for the more than 52 million Americans living with disabilities.”
The Health Partners, Inc., team uses words such as “spirited,” “motivated,” “determined” and “adventurous” to describe Amber. They backup these attributes by citing her specific accomplishments. Amber lives in her own home and drives her own van. She has vacationed in Mexico and gone parasailing. She serves as a volunteer at a crisis center.
Sherry Martens, the volunteer services coordinator for the Center for Women in Transition in Holland, Mich., attended the Feb. 28 event where Amber was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan. She says, “Amber has a calming affect on the clients that present for services at our agency for either sexual assault or domestic violence. She is the first person many of our clients come in contact with, either in person or on the phone.”
Martens adds, “Maybe it's because of her unique sphere of influence, but Amber gives our clients the much needed care and attention that they deserve. She listens and is genuine in her attempt to help others.”
After hearing the candidates’ speeches, Martens says she knew Amber had the potential of being a wonderful spokesperson and role model for all women with or without disabilities. In her two-minute remarks, Amber emphasized the importance of refusing to be defined by a wheelchair.
Shelly Loose, the state pageant coordinator, estimates 60 people were there supporting Amber, which was 50 more than the first runner-up contestant.
“Being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan was such an honor,” says Amber. “I am so proud to be able to represent Michigan. After spending the day with my competitors, I would have been happy with any of us winning.”
Excitement, fear and happiness are just a few of the emotions that she says she experienced when she was crowned. She also acknowledges feeling a little sad for those who weren't there to share the celebratory moment with her. (Amber’s best friend Kristine Johnson was murdered in 2003, but Amber says she still feels her spirit is present.)
Since earning the Ms. Wheelchair Michigan title, Amber has been nonstop busy making appearances. In her first three months, she made 17 official visits. She has interacted with students in schools, comforted children in the hospital, attended a mental health rally, sat in a support group for women with disabilities and waved in multiple parades.
To raise the funds she needs to spread her platform message, Amber has helped to organize events including a spaghetti dinner, a yard sale and a silent auction. State pageant coordinator Shelly Loose explains that a titleholder’s activities depend on the amount of money she raises. Amber’s first fundraiser was enough for her pageant entrance fee and skydiving.
On July 3, Amber was one of nine people with disabilities who experienced the thrill of jumping in Hastings, Mich.
“After skydiving in Mexico,” says Amber, “I knew it would be something I would definitely do again!”
Just prior to making that first jump, Amber called her dad to tell him what she was doing.
“She called me, not her mom, because she knew I would tell her to go for it!” Roger Marcy describes. “I have taken her to water parks, snorkeling in Mexico and jumping waves in an offshore speedboat at 70 mph. Her mother is very grounded. She gets her wild side from me.”
After skydiving in Mexico, Amber was able to tell her mom about the amazing experience, complete with warm sun, the beautiful view of the shoreline and the landing on the beach in 80-degree weather. The team there used duct tape to fasten her legs together for the landing. Amber says, “It was hilarious, really, but so worth it!”
Laurie Marcy, who describes herself as an overprotective mom, wasn’t sure she wanted to watch her daughter skydive over Michigan. In fact, the jump was initially supposed to occur on June 30, a day when Laurie would be out-of-town supporting a friend with a child in the hospital. Weather conditions delayed Amber’s adventure, so both of her parents ultimately saw her soaring under a red parachute with blue stripes.
A major part of Amber’s excitement on this occasion had to do with sharing the experience with others. “I want to encourage others to try new things...no matter how challenging they may be. Why? Because of the rewarding feeling you have when you’re done.”
Now Amber is beginning to get plans in place for the national Ms. Wheelchair America pageant. She has been meeting with a speech coach weekly, preparing her remarks, putting together a required scrapbook and making a display board about Michigan.
She has gone an incredible distance since her accident.
“Amber’s recovery was a long, hard look at how strong the human spirit is,” according to her dad Roger. “She is now living life with passion and making a positive difference in this world. She will make many lives better and inspire people to embrace the world around them.”
His daughter certainly has had a remarkable view.
“Floating through the air is the best feeling ever,” says Amber. “I know some people who are confined to a chair for mobility often feel trapped. Skydiving is the exact opposite. I think that’s part of the reason I love it so much. It’s part of the thrill.”