Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota Raising Money For National Competition

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Every year, hundreds of women compete for the crown and title that comes with being misses America. But what doesn’t get as much attention is a competition where women advocate for those with disabilities.

Dixie Lemme was crowned Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota in January. And since she took the title and crown, she’s been preparing and raising money for the Ms. Wheelchair America Competition this summer.

Here she comes, Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota…

“When they called my name as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota, I thought, ‘Whoa, I wasn’t sure I was going to win this,’” said Lemme.

Sioux Falls resident Dixie Lemme grew up watching pageants on TV. But never imagined that one day, she too, would take the title and crown.

“I figured, ‘Hey, it might be fun,’” said Lemme. “I didn’t expect to win, you know?”

In 2002, Lemme was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disease in which her immune system slowly eats away at the protective covering of her nerves.

“I used to do stand-up comedy and I loved it,” said Lemme. “But of course as things progressed, I had to quit that.”

Lemme says it took time for her to accept that her disability would forever change her life. But she says her love for making people laugh never went away.

“It reduces the stress, it boosts the immune system, and lowers your blood pressure,” said Lemme.

“Humor” is the platform Lemme is bringing to the Ms. Wheelchair America Competition in Des Moines, where she’ll represent South Dakota while advocating for those with disabilities.

“It’s just an honor of winning this so I get to go to this,” said Lemme.

Lemme says no matter the outcome, it’s an experience she’ll never forget.

“Even if you don’t win, it’ll still be a lot of fun and you’ll have some great memories,” said Lemme.

Lemme has to raise $1,850 to cover her participation fee for the Ms. Wheelchair America Competition. She’s currently $150 dollars of the goal and is in need of donations.

Any money she raises over that goal will go towards gas to and from the competition and clothes she’s had to purchase for the pageant.

If you’re interested in helping Lemme get to the Des Moines competition, you can write a check out to “Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota” and send it to:
                                                                                     Dixie Lemme
                                                                                     2605 W. 26th Street
                                                                                     Sioux Falls, SD 57105

The Ms. Wheelchair America 2016 Competition will take place July 27th to August 2nd.