Sharon Malone, an Arizona woman who once could have never envisioned participating in a beauty pageant, is now set to compete in Ms. Wheelchair America, representing her state with a platform centered on safety education for people with disabilities. After winning the state title, Malone's next stop is Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she aspires to claim the national crown in a page prizing advocacy over aesthetics.
Malone has transformed a personal tragedy into a steadfast commitment to uplift and educate. In 2016, she became a peer mentor for people with spinal cord injuries and has been actively advocating for better resources and training. Her platform is not without cause, as she highlighted in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, "People with disabilities are four times more likely to be targeted and assaulted than able-bodied counterparts, so we want to make sure our community is safe." Her dedication shines through her efforts to extend her advice beyond her immediate community, reaching out to law enforcement and domestic violence advocacy groups to bolster overall safety and awareness.
Malone’s journey has been fraught with challenges, yet it has fortified her resolve. Following a catastrophic car accident that broke her spine and other severe injuries, no one expected her to survive past the first 24 hours, Malone recalled in her interview with AZ Central. Nevertheless, she has made remarkable strides, taking on the mantle of mentorship, education, and now, representative of Arizona in a groundbreaking pageant.
Her family's support has been unwavering, especially evident in the pride her mother, June Malone, expressed during a conversation with AZ Central, where she labeled her daughter "a very strong, very strong individual." Such admiration is mirrored by Sharon's daughter, Brooke, who, in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, has found the entire process of supporting her mother through the competition to be "really, really life-changing." The backdrop of a once unimaginable situation, has become a platform for Sharon to inspire and to advocate — to be present not just for her family, but for a community that stands to benefit from her resilience.
As Sharon Malone gears up for the national competition in August, her example serves to remind us of the indomitable spirit that characterizes so many triumphs, personal and collective. Her career as an advocate and teacher is a testament to what is achievable when determination is met with opportunity and underscores the essence of Ms. Wheelchair America's mission to empower and celebrate women who, despite physical challenges, strive to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.
