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Click here to read Shelly's Farewell Statement

Shelly Loose served as Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2007 and continues to serve as State Coordinator  and President of Ms Wheelchair Michigan, Inc. Shelly also volunteers and serves as  the Member at Large on The Ms Wheelchair America Board.

Shelly is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is leaving her footprints on the community she loves.  Music,  is a passion which drew its flame early in life, and drove her to gain her degree in Music Education from Aquinas College.  Her life changed in 1987, during her first year of teaching, when one of life's hurdles was thrown in her path.  She suffered a spinal cord injury which would leave her to live life in a wheelchair.  Without the use of her fingers, Shelly was forced to give up her music.  Shelly's love for children persuaded her to return to Aquinas for a Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching.  Reading became a new passion. and she devotes her time as a professional volunteer.

During her long hard recovery at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center, she met another quadriplegic, Ken Loose.  Since the day they met they have been a team like no other in their committment to each other.  The first day they met was Ken's first day at Mary Free Bed, and the  therapists asked Shelly if she would have lunch with  a new patient.  She is always ready to help, so she agreed.  Shelly's sister Annette came to see her every day for lunch and  served as chaperone.  After the very first lunch, Annette knew, that Shelly and Ken would be married some day and They did get married in 1993, on "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee"  They started their life together and worked to raise Ken's children.  The next dream became true when Shelly had a daughter with Ken after a high risk pregnancy Katherine was born in May of 1997.  When Katherine turned 10,  the other children Angela and Ben had become young adults so Shelly was ready for yet another dream... to become Ms Wheelchair Michigan 2007.

Now, Shelly continues her involvement with the Ms Wheelchair Michigan program as she volunteers as the State Coordinator.  This has become a purpose to help people with disabilities, especially women that "truly live life" to the fullest.

Shelly is an example of following dreams and overcoming obstacles.  As Ms Wheelchair Michigan, she gave motivational speeches and encouraged others to perservere through their own struggles.  She hopes to educate the public regarding the many accomplishments of people with disabilities. 

Copyright 2007-2009, All Rights Reserved, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, Inc.