I Am LRO: Alyson Roth

Ever since a co-worker introduced her to Life Rolls On through its They Will Surf Again program two years ago, Alyson Roth was hooked. “It was the most amazing feeling of freedom to be in the water,” speaking she said. “LRO and its programs, like TWSA gives hope; it shows that despite a disability, you can still participate in activities and have fun!”

While finding They Will Surf Again to be an empowering experience, Alyson also noted a large reason for her enjoyment of LRO’s programs is its sense of community, including meeting others with disabilities as well as engaging with volunteers. “The enthusiasm of the volunteers is truly powerful. They are so uplifting, encouraging and positive that you forget all about the troubles of life.”

Growing up in Atlanta, GA, Roth was your typical girl next door, when the summer before her senior year in college turned her world upside down. On July 29, 2000, Alyson was involved in a near-fatal car accident in Nevada that left her with a spinal cord injury and paralyzed from the waist down.

With a strong faith-based background, Alyson wasn’t about to let spinal cord injury keep her from realizing her life’s dreams. On April 4, she was crowned 2009 Ms. Wheelchair California and is delighted that this platform gives her a voice to inspire and educate others. She hopes to focus on bringing awareness to those with disabilities and to educate the public on the importance of inclusion and equal rights for everyone.

She’s got it all: beauty, brains, personality and an ever-optimistic attitude. It’s no wonder producers couldn’t resist the opportunity to announce, “Alyson Roth, come on down!” during a recent taping of the CBS game show, “The Price is Right.” While she may not have won the showcase, the audience was so taken with her that host Drew Carey donated $500 to purchase wheelchairs for Free Wheelchair Mission, where Alyson works as a Development Manager.

“Life is what you want it to be—paralysis or not,” said Roth. “The best part is you get to choose. You can choose to be happy; choose that your life is great. I hope I can walk again, but if I don’t, life is still fantastic…disability won’t stop me from enjoying every moment of it!”

To learn more about Alyson, visit her website www.AlysonRoth.com.

Photos courtesy of Diane Edmonds and Alyson Roth