Cornershot

Courtesy of Emilee Masters

Bailee Masters of Blue Ridge was crowned the 2013 Little Miss Wheelchair Virginia.

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Sunday, July 7, 2013

Despite living with a huge obstacle, Bailee Masters of Blue Ridge doesn’t let it keep her down. Instead, she was crowned the 2013 Little Miss Wheelchair Virginia.

Bailee was born Sept. 12, 2006, but her due date was Nov. 23. She weighed 2 ½ pounds at birth and had a severe brain bleed. She came home weighing 4 pounds and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

Her mother Emilee Masters said it can be challenging raising a child with a disability. “There are definitely physical and emotional challenges, but she’s always so happy and always smiling,” said Masters.

Bailee was crowned on April 6 at the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville. According to a news release, Bailee said she loves having a tiara and sash. She added, “And I got to meet Ms. Wheelchair Virginia!”

Masters said she heard of the program through one of Bailee’s friends from school.

“A program like this helps out other kids take down the barrier. It opens them to things,” Masters said.

When asked about Bailee running for Ms. Wheelchair Virginia when she gets older, Masters was hopeful.

“I could definitely see her doing it,” she said. “I would definitely support it.”

Saturday, September 14, 2013