Cinderella : justalizzylife



About five years ago, due to deteriorating health issues, I had to start using a wheelchair for cons. It really did a number on my mental health, body dysmorphia, and general self-esteem. One of the ways to combat this (especially as a cosplayer) was to start including my wheelchair into my cosplays.



The first wheelchair cosplay I did was Vanellope from Wreck It Ralph. The next year she got “upgraded” based on what we learned the year prior. We (my husband and I) then created a throne for my Maleficent cosplay, and then a throne for Queen Elinor.



Our biggest creation, however, became the carriage for Cinderella. It had been a suggestion from a member of my cosplay family, a group of cosplay volunteers who go to Children’s Hospitals and charity events. (Cosplay Volunteers of Atlanta). The plan had been to unveil her during the Dragon Con parade since so many kids tend to come out to watch it. I wanted to share the magic of cosplay that allows anyone to be whomever they wish.

The response was, honestly, humbling. It’s hard to put into words how amazing it feels to be stopped and complimented on something you have worked so hard on. The gasps of surprise and joy when people realized it was a wheelchair were absolutely magical to behold. Of course the kid’s reactions are always my favorite and I got to meet several mini-Cinderellas who sat up in the carriage with me for pictures. That and sharing a moment from across a hallway or a room with another disabled cosplayer as we see and acknowledge each other is what keeps me wanting to continue to cosplay while disabled and to try and out do myself every year.



The carriage, up to that point, had been the most involved creation we had made and for the most part it was all trial and error. We didn’t have a blue print or anything to base it on so the engineering was done on the fly. For the most part the carriage was made out of clear PVC pipes that we heated up in order to bend, PVC fittings, zip ties, wood dowels for the wheel spokes, ribbons, and then fairy lights. It had to be created in a way that it could be broken down and transported in pieces in the trunk of a car. It also had to be able to fit in a hotel elevator and be able to navigate the switchback walkways between hotels. Dress commissioned from Molly Nguyen Designs. Wig commissioned from Leda Wigs and Creations

As my health deteriorated and I became more and more home bound it became harder to find a purpose in life, to find the bright side of things. Then I met Cosplay Volunteers of Atlanta. This group is full of the most selfless, giving, sincere, and inspirational people I have ever had the joy to become acquainted with. They accepted me with arms and hearts wide open. They put their hearts and souls into volunteering, going to Children’s Hospitals, charity events, and bringing superheroes and princesses to life for the hundreds of kids who need a little magic in their lives. It was through them that I found my purpose again, a way to feel better about my own life by giving back and brightening someone else’s life. I know it sounds cheesy, but I don’t know where I would be right now without their love and support.

I also want to thank the whole Cosplay Your Way movement which has encouraged me to continue cosplaying even though I am not your “typical” able bodied cosplayer. Anytime I need a little pick me up, a little courage or encouragement I browse through their social media sites until I become encouraged and inspired to just be myself again.









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Cinderella on Amazon https://amzn.to/2YQR7yd

