Ms. Wheelchair California 2010: The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade

This year the city of Pasadena brings to us across the world the 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade. Thanks to Kiwanis International, I was able to ride their float "Childrens' Dreams". It was only appropriate that this be the title of the float, as my platform for the year is "Empowering Children & Young Adults with Disabilities to Make Their Dreams Into Reality". What a great way for Ms. Wheelchair California to start of the year.

The entire Rose Parade Experience was truly one I'll never forget - especially since I was able to share making these memories with my sister Heather, who also got to ride the float with me.

Our first day at Rosemont, where they build a few of the floats, was ever bit of exciting, beautiful & jaw dropping. As far back as I can remember, watching the Rose Parade on T.V. was & still is a must in my family. Seeing how each float was created was a lifetime experience & even more-so when Heather & I got to Help out.

While in Pasadena, I had the opportunity to meet the 2011 Rose Queen - Evanne, and her Royal Court. There were all very sweet. Funny how all o our outfits matched!

The day of the parade was so sunny - perfect, considering all of the rain we've been getting the lat few weeks. The stands & streets were filled with so many people including TCU fans & my personal favorite - Wisconsin Badger fans. It truly was a great way to start off 2011.

I'd like to thank Kiwanis - especially Shirley & Bart Carrol, Larry Madick, and Papa Dave Wallach, for hosting Ms. Wheelchair California. Thank you so much for believing in MWCC & helping society become more aware of the disability community. I cannot express how much I love Kiwanis & the amazing people that belong to this great organization. Thank you to our driver for the week, David Juare. I really appreciate your time & your support in making my experience the best possible. A huge thanks to my sister, Heather, for being there for me through everything. I'm so thankful that we got to experience being in the parade together. i love you.

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Biography

Jennifer was born with Arthrogryposis (AMC). AMC occurs once in every 3,000 births. At birth, doctors suggested that Jennifer's limbs be amputated but her father refused. From birth through age 8, she went through several major surgeries to improve her mobility. She had already proven the doctors wrong by learning to write, stand to transfer and swim. Jennifer's inabilities have never stopped her from breaking barriers, overcoming adversity and living her life to the fullest.

She is the oldest of six children and was raised in a family that saw her differences as something thtat made her unique. Being a child with a disablility outside of her home wasn't as easy. There were many prejudgements Jennifer faced growing up.

Jennifer discovered her passion for music and theater by the time she was in kindergarten. She began singing in the church choir at Holy Innocence Catholic Church in Long Beach at age 6. After realizing that singing was something she enjoyed, she joined local theater groups and school choir and even played drums in the orchestra. Being a professional singer and performer was a secret dream of Jennifer's. She didn't think that society would accept a performer in a wheelchair. When it came time for Jennifer to go to college she decided to pursue music education. This still allowed her to study voice as she did at Riverside Community College. In 2000 Jennifer moved and continued her education at Long Beach City College and voice lessons at CSULB.

After two years of doing something she wasn't passionate about, Jennifer decided to branch out into the performing world and audition. Her first audition was for Warner Bros. Reality TV Show "PopStars2". Jennifer made the first two episodes and created a buzz as "the girl in the wheelchair" in TV Guide, Variety Magazine and other local papers. Jennifer's confidence and will to live her dream grew and she began taking more time to audition. In 2002, after an extensive audition process, Jennifer was cast by internationally recognized director of opera and theater, Francesca Zambello, in Disney's "Aladdin; A Musical Spectacular", making her the first performer in a wheelchair in a Disney Theme Park. Jennifer represents the disabled community to 8,000 people a week. She is proud to bring inclusion of the disabled community in an able bodied world. She continues to perform and had done so in venues such as the Stella Adler Theater, the Staples Center and the Kodak Theater.

Since becoming the First Runner Up for Ms. Wheelchair California 2009, Jennifer has been blessed with numerous opportunities to educate California on it's vast disabled community sharing with them "just how able we are". She has even had the opportunity to do fun and awesome things. This year she helped Habitat for Humanity of Los Angeles build a home in Downey, surfed with Life Roll On, and has spoken to the East Fresno Kiwanis Club, Disney's CastAble Group, Boeing and parents of children with Arthrogryposis. She is also Chief Editor of Disabled Guides for notanotherguide.com - providing online travel guides for visitors with disabilities. Jennifer is involved with the Special Olympics in Long Beach as a performer and in Orange County as Stage Manager for the fall Opening Ceremonies 2009.

Jennifer currently resides in Long Beach California. In her free time she enjoys painting, road trips, surfing & spending time with family & friends. "I want to ignite the flame in others with disabilities to persue a full & happy life regardless of their situation. With faith in yourself & determination, it can all happen."

Ms. Wheelchair California 2010

Saturday, January 1, 2011

The 122nd Tournament of Roses Parade

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Jennifer Kumiyama

Ms. Wheelchair California 2010

Biography

Appearences

Donations