Andrea Dalzell, an African American woman from New York City, has made history as the first registered nurse in New York State who uses a wheelchair. Known as “The Seated Nurse,” Andrea’s journey from a young girl diagnosed with transverse myelitis to a trailblazing nurse and prominent disability rights advocate is nothing short of inspirational.
Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at the age of five, Andrea has faced pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis for most of her life. By the age of 12, she was wheelchair-bound. Despite these challenges, Andrea never allowed her disability to define her or limit her ambitions.
Educational and Professional Journey
Andrea pursued her passion for nursing at the City University of New York, College of Staten Island, where she earned her degree. However, after graduation, she faced significant obstacles in securing a nursing position. Many hospitals doubted her ability to perform nursing duties from a wheelchair, leading to 76 rejections before she finally landed her first job.
Throughout this arduous job search, Andrea did not sit idle. She worked in various roles, including health director and case manager, to support herself while continuing to apply for nursing positions. Her perseverance paid off when she became New York State’s first registered nurse using a wheelchair.
Frontline Worker During the Pandemic
Andrea’s determination and commitment were further demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. She served on the frontlines, caring for COVID-19 patients in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic. Her work during this critical time highlighted her capabilities and dedication to her profession, dispelling any doubts about her ability to perform nursing duties from a wheelchair.
Advocacy and Recognition
Beyond her nursing duties, Andrea is a vocal advocate for disability rights. In 2015, she was crowned Ms. Wheelchair New York, using her platform, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Access,” to promote her belief that people with disabilities can lead fulfilling lives. Her advocacy efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including being named New Mobility’s Person of the Year in 2021 and receiving the Craig H. Neilsen Visionary Prize.
Andrea’s influence extends beyond advocacy. She has been featured in several national campaigns, including a commercial for Apple’s iWatch, where she demonstrated how the fitness feature supports her physical training. These appearances have helped raise awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
A Vision for the Future
Andrea’s advocacy work is deeply personal. She aims to change the narrative around disabilities and healthcare. She believes that the healthcare industry needs more workers who are physically challenged to better serve patients in similar situations. Her vision includes starting a nonprofit to create opportunities for people with disabilities in healthcare and beyond.
Her message to others in similar situations is clear: “Don’t listen to someone else’s ‘No.’ Just keep speaking up. Don’t settle.” Andrea’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. She encourages others to take 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 steps, utilize social media for support, and never give up on their dreams.
Recognition and Future Goals
Andrea’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous awards for her leadership and advocacy, including the Cindy Loo Disability Rights Advocate Award in 2015. Recently, she was surprised on “Good Morning America” with a $1 million gift as part of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Visionary Prize. This unrestricted donation will help Andrea further her advocacy work and establish programs to support individuals with disabilities.
Conclusion
Andrea Dalzell‘s story is one of resilience, determination, and inspiration. From overcoming significant physical challenges to making history as a nurse and advocating for disability rights, she continues to pave the way for others. Andrea’s journey demonstrates that with determination and support, barriers can be broken, and dreams can be realized. As she continues her work, Andrea remains a beacon of hope and a powerful advocate for those with disabilities.
In a remarkable achievement, Mario Hoover, a junior at Providence-St. Mel High School in Chicago, has become the first student in his school’s 42-year history to score a perfect 36 on the ACT. This accomplishment places him among the elite less than 1% of students nationwide who achieve this score.
Hoover’s journey to this milestone is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Maintaining a 3.9 GPA while taking four Advanced Placement (AP) classes, he balanced his rigorous academic schedule with a variety of extracurricular activities. Hoover is not only a scholar but also an athlete, a musician, and a committed volunteer. He participates in the concert choir, runs track, engages in debate, and offers his time at a local hospital and the Boys and Girls Club.
The road to achieving a perfect score was paved with determination and strategic preparation. Hoover enrolled in an ACT prep course and took several practice exams. His first attempt at the ACT resulted in a score of 29, but he was undeterred. By pacing himself and focusing on his weaker areas, he improved significantly and achieved the perfect score on his second try.
Reflecting on his success, Hoover expressed his surprise and elation: “When I first saw the score, I was surprised. I was exalted, astounded.” His mother, Zippora Collins, shared the same astonishment, recalling her reaction to seeing the perfect score: “This is a 36! I’m like, Mario, is this real?”
