WHEELCHAIR CHIC

About the Book

Wheelchair Chic This book is a personal narrative with poignant anecdotes of a woman sharing how her personal need of fashion, sense of style and confidence were factors in helping her to maintain a positive attitude despite living through the trials of being a non-walker. The primary focus in this book is dealing with physical and societal challenges while attempting to live a “normal” life. The author relates her difficulties and shows how a positive “in charge” attitude can be a real asset to internalizing that positive affect. Looking her best by using make-up and clothes is discussed in relationship to body image and maximizing all her positive features. Finding a job and dealing with challenges, both physical and emotional, are addressed in an upbeat way…like making sweet lemonade out of sour lemons.

About the Author

About the Author Living in a wheelchair started at a young age with the author of Wheelchair Chic, Toni Mamula. She began experiencing symptoms of MS at 17 and, after six years of numerous doctors and psychiatrists who believed that the symptoms were psychosomatic, was diagnosed at 23. Traumatized with the possibility of the beginning of her life and career coming to a quick and devastating end, she faced her greatest fear with the determination to be “normal” and productive. With the love and support of the “love of her life” she started her fight. Trained as a teacher, her first major obstacle was to enter a classroom in a wheelchair. She became a positive and motivating role model to her children and peers. To enhance her sphere of influence, she decided to pursue a position as an elementary school principal, in the meantime teaching children that all challenges could be used as a stepping stone instead of a stumbling block. As she culminates one career and begins another, she writes how she focused on keeping her “normalcy” and helps to teach others that anyone can start with a dream and keep it alive through gumption, a little bit of humor, and a lot of heart. Read this little book to learn how the spirit of a “chic” woman can help anyone facing challenges surround their fears and rise to their personal summit.