MDA Ambassador Guest Blog: Balancing Gracefully: A Mother’s Day Reflection from Ms. Wheelchair America

Tamara Blackwell is a faith-filled wife, mother, and advocate who empowers women to rise in purpose through God’s Word and personal testimony. As a leader and encourager, she speaks from the heart, calling others to embrace their divine purpose, overcome challenges with faith, and step confidently into the life God has destined for them.

Tamara Blackwell as Ms. Wheelchair America 2024.

I am Tamara Blackwell, a 41-year-old wife, mother, entrepreneur, First Lady of New Philadelphia Church of God in Christ, advocate, and the current Ms. Wheelchair America. I was born visually impaired and was later diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. My life is full—overflowing with love, purpose, and challenges—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I became a mother at 18 and welcomed my second and third children into this world when I was 20 and 22 years old. Now, I’m the proud mom of an 18, 20, and 22-year-old. Motherhood has always been my “why.” It gave me a reason to fight and continue pushing forward when life got hard. My children have been a major part of my motivation, and they remain at the heart of everything I do.

My favorite part about raising my children is simply getting to love them, getting to see a piece of me and their dad come together and form these amazing people, and being able to share in helping them become good humans. I love seeing them grow and accomplish things, watching their personalities take shape. It’s been such a blessing to know that God entrusted me with the responsibility and honor of being their mother.

Jonathan and Tamara traveling to an event on-board a flight to LA

Motherhood has taught me balance. It’s taught me patience, understanding, flexibility, and grace. Even when I can’t do everything that I want to do for my family, I know that sharing my life with my children and showing up for them is one of the greatest gifts I can give. I’ve learned that showing up, however and whenever I can, allows my children to see the importance of pushing through challenges and getting back up whenever you’re knocked down. I love being a mother because it means that I get to love deeply, guide patiently, and be an example of strength and perseverance for my children every day.

As I reflect on how motherhood has shaped me, I realize that it has also been the key to learning how to balance everything else in my life. Juggling the demands of family, career, advocacy, and personal health has been no small feat, especially with my visual impairment and mobility limitations. But the lessons I’ve learned from motherhood—how to prioritize, how to understand my limits, and how to give myself grace—have become foundational to everything I do.

Like many women, my days are full of juggling and balancing life. With low vision and mobility limitations, it can get tough—but I do all I can. I manage the administrative work for the daycare that I started 15 years ago, and I’m blessed that my family stepped up when my health challenges grew. My daughter now runs day-to-day operations, and my sons help with setup and transportation for events when my husband can’t. My husband is a constant encouragement and always willing to help in any way he can.

Jonathan and Tamara the day he was named Pastor of New Philadelphia COGIC

As First Lady of New Philadelphia Church of God in Christ, I prepare sermons and Bible study lessons. As a content creator and advocate, I stay engaged with what’s happening in the world and create pieces to educate and raise awareness. And as Ms. Wheelchair America, I travel not just throughout my state, but across the country. I also serve as an Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, sit on the board for the Kansas Disability Caucus, and work with various groups in my city and county.

To manage it all, I rely on multiple calendars, reminders, segmented tasks, and an organized to-do list. I prioritize what matters and move things around when needed, always trying to give myself grace. I’m not afraid to rest or listen to my body, and I put my faith in God daily to give me the strength I need. I’ve learned to measure success not by how much I check off my list, but by the intention and heart I put into each task.

Advocacy is so important to me because it allows me to share my life as a woman with a disability while shedding light on the broader changes that we need in our communities, healthcare systems, education systems, and beyond. I feel called to use my voice—to show up not only for myself but for others who share similar struggles. Becoming Ms. Wheelchair America gave me a new platform and renewed purpose. I now have a national stage to champion rights, push for change, and empower others.

Jonathan and Tamara together at their church

My children may not be directly involved in my advocacy work, but they are absolutely part of it. Through their lived experiences as children of a parent with a disability, they are more in tune with the world around them. They see what works and what doesn’t. They speak up, they notice inequities, and they call out what needs to be addressed. Their awareness and empathy are part of my legacy—and I’m proud of that.

To all the moms out there living with disabilities: you rock, and you’re doing an amazing job. I know it may feel overwhelming sometimes when you want to do everything for your family. But remember—being present, showing up, and loving your children is more than enough. You’re teaching them resilience, strength, and the power of grace. And that’s a beautiful legacy to pass on.