Ms. Wheelchair Michigan plans 'roll-a-thon' to raise wheelchair awareness

The student who was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan will host an event aimed to raise awareness about people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs.

Stephanie Deible will host “Roll-A-Thon: Rocking and Rolling to 100 Miles” on Saturday, July 21, from 3-9 p.m. in the Kelly Family Sports Center on Grand Valley’s Allendale Campus.

Local health care and wheelchair providers will donate use of wheelchairs, handcycles and other sport wheelchairs for the event, Deible said.

Deible said the public is welcome to drop in during the event to try the adaptive sports equipment. Her goal is to keep the wheels moving throughout the six-hour event. The event is free and open to the public; donations will be accepted with proceeds going to help Deible with travel expenses throughout her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Michigan.

Deible, a journalism major, has cerebral palsy and has been an advocate for people with disabilities since she was in high school.

Since being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan in March, Deible has made numerous appearances; more events are scheduled throughout July, including a visit to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago, Junior Cherry Festival Parade in Traverse City and the Gerber Baby Food Festival Parade in Fremont.