(image via therawbeautyproject.com)
When she was just 19 years old, Wendy Crawford was the victim of a drunk driving accident. She had her first international contract as a fashion model and was struck on her way to the airport. Since then, she has been paralyzed.
As she grew into her womanhood with a disability, she used her hindrance for a good cause. In doing so, she strives to change the definition of beauty and be an advocate for women with mobility impairments. She raises awareness by creating communities for these women to participate in and learn from each other.
This includes being a founder and managing editor of mobileWOMEN.org, which is an online magazine for women in wheelchairs.
Wendy is also involved in multiple organizations, such as Discovery Through Design, Women Without Limits, and Raw Beauty NYC.
She is the co-founder of Discovery Through Design, a non-profit organization that is committed to building awareness by “celebrating the styles and success of women rolls models”. Discovery Through Design also raises money for women’s health benefits and spinal cord injury research.
As president of Women Without Limits, Wendy founded this committee of the United Spinal Association. Women Without Limits has a purpose of working toward enriching the lives of women who suffer from spinal cord injury and disease.
As she continues to raise awareness through numerous organizations, she recently accepted the invitation to become a committee member for Uncensored Life: Raw Beauty. This led to a partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, as she became the chairperson of Raw Beauty NYC.
As Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Raw Beauty Project NYC teamed up, they hosted a groundbreaking photography exhibit to redefine the meaning of beauty. On September 20th, they unveiled twenty photographs of women that are living with disabilities, as proceeds are going toward the Reeve Foundation.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is also a partner with Rollx Vans as they raise awareness for those with spinal cord injury and paralysis. Whether it’s by raising money for those who need handicap vans or holding various events, they are dedicated to finding a cure and improving the lives of those with paralysis.