Baylor alum named Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2016

Ms. Wheelchair Texas exists to highlight the “talent, capabilities, determination and courage” of mobility-impaired women across the state. To embody those qualities, they couldn’t have found a better example than Sandy Spoonemore, BBA ’87, who refuses to let muscular dystrophy stand in the way of a productive life and career, and who earlier this month was named Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2016 at the organization’s pageant in Houston.

Sandy’s inspiring story is filled with numerous accomplishments that prove her determination in the face of muscular dystrophy: graduating from Baylor, jobs at Fortune 500 companies, world travel, and a successful sales career for cosmetics company Mary Kay. In 2000, then-Texas Governor George W. Bush awarded her the Governor’s Trophy for her advocacy work on behalf of others with disabilities, and nine years later, then-Governor Rick Perry presented her with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities’ “Entrepreneur of the Year Award.”

Earning the Ms. Wheelchair Texas award for 2016 was simply her latest honor. The award goes each year to the “most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman for millions of disabled Americans.” Over the next year, she will travel, make public appearances, address the media and advocate for others who daily overcome their disabilities. (This isn’t the first time a Baylor grad has won the award, either. Kemi Yemi-Ese, BS ’08, was named “Ms. Wheelchair Texas” in 2010.)

In addition to the Ms. Wheelchair award, another Baylor grad was honored by the organization for his advocacy work this year. Rafferty Laredo, BA ’97, executive director of the Houston chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) and a longtime occupational therapist, received the Ms. Wheelchair Texas Angel Advocacy Award for his work on behalf of the disabled in the Houston area. In his role with the NSCIA, Laredo provides free medical equipment to men and women with disabilities who could not otherwise afford the help they need and serves as an advocate to government officials in Houston and Washington, D.C. With Spoonemore and Laredo in the spotlight, Baylor graduates earned a clean sweep of the organization’s two highest honors this year.

“I want people to know that they can have an amazing life,” Sandy told Dallas’ KDFW. “I’ve had a very fulfilling life, and I want people to know that that is there for them, too.”

Sic ’em, Sandy and Rafferty!

[We learned of this story from a Bear who shared her Baylor pride. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Let us know! Click here to submit your point of pride!]