(Editor’s Note: Beryl Holzbach delivered the following platform speech at the Ms. Wheelchair USA competition in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Aug. 9.)

“Educate, advocate, eradicate” — that is the motto of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation of which I am a member.

This year one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  Seven years ago I became that one in eight.

Now, in addition to be paralyzed from the waist down due to a birth defect, I am also a breast cancer survivor.

I found my lump through breast self exam. Question, how does a woman with limited use of her arms perform a breast self exam? We must find an alternative.

My doctor ordered a mammogram. Question, how does a disabled woman find an accredited mammography site that is wheelchair accessible? We must find an alternative.

I needed surgery to partially remove my left breast and associated lymph nodes.  Question, how does a woman who uses her upper body for mobility, cope with the loss of strength in her arms resulting from the surgery and possible side effects such as lymph edema? We must find an alternative.

I required chemotherapy which resulted in losing my hair. Question, how does a woman who may already have low body self image due to a disability, cope with the loss of hair and other side effects of chemotherapy? We must find an alternative.

I endured 28 days of radiation in which I had to lay on my back for several minutes at a time. Question, how does a woman with a severe scoliosis or other type of skeletal issue that may prohibit her from comfortably laying on her back, get the treatment she needs without experiencing pain? We must find an alternative.

If chosen as Ms. Wheelchair America, my mission would be to educate and advocate for all women, especially those with disabilities to be able to obtain quality breast health care resources.

In closing, I would like to say that if chosen, I look forward to the challenge, opportunity and privilege of serving. 

Thank you.