 Well, ever stop to think if the Brainerd Lakes area is wheelchair accessible? Well, one community member is speaking out and sharing how she hopes to create awareness with her Miss Brainerd title. Sarah Winkelman has that story. What started off as a parent meeting about the Miss United States pageant turned into a new contestant in the Miss Women category. Ever in my wildest dreams would have dreamt that I would be doing this when I was 42. Heather Onnes decided to compete in the pageant with a platform of making life in a wheelchair easier by making it Heather accessible. A lot of people hide in their homes when they have something that is different. They don't want to go out. They're fearful. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Heather has been doing anything but hiding at home. She is out on stage proving to the world that she is no different. It kind of made me more free to just act however I thought would come across well. During the interview portion of the pageant, she was asked how she would describe her perfect friend. She would see me and not my chair and just know that it's just about me, that my chair doesn't define me. Even though she has only held the title in Brainerd for about a month, she is already causing change. For us to be able to learn what it's actually like for Heather to not be able to go to some things or the fact that we had to revamp the stage. Both pageant directors are constantly thinking about how Heather can get involved. Now I'm aware you know I'll set up appearances for all the girls or the girls find appearances, right? Well the first thing I say is that Heather accessible. Heather is pleased with all the support she has received, but hopes to continue to inspire others to do the same. Just because someone has you know a different something different about them, it still can make them a queen. She will go on to compete at the next level in February, but until then hopes to make a difference in the Brainerd community. Your crown on your head does give you a little superpower. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. Heather's next appearance will be at the Dairy Queen in the West Gate Mall tomorrow for the Miracle Treat Day. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.