STRASBURG It was raining when Miranda "Peach" Liggett-McCoy wrecked a pickup truck on her way to a friend’s basketball game. The accident resulted in her becoming a quadriplegic.
That was December, 2007, when she was 17 and a junior at Strasburg High Shool. She enjoyed athletics and once raced up and down the basketball court for the Tigers. She was a starting point guard and also played softball.
"I had the world in my hands and it was taken away, I was so athletic," she said.
"I can’t be frustrated at God, so I am just frustrated. I am here," said 28-year-old Miranda." I struggled for years and now I am at peace."
Today she is concentrating on other ventures and recently was selected as Miss Midwest Wheelchair USA. She sent information to the pageant and wrote about her platform, which is starting a support group for girls and women with spinal cord injuries, discuss eating habits and exercise.
The Miss Wheelchair USA pageant will be held the weekend of July 21 in Ohio. At the current time, her plans to attend the pageant may be on hold as she tends to some medical issues. She will be able to keep her Miss Midwest Ohio Wheelchair USA until she can attend.
"I plan to make some appearances in the area and talk about my title and platform," she said.
"Over these years, I met others also in my situation. I believe the love and support I received helped to bring me to where I am at right now," she said. "I am genuinely happy."
"In 2014 I received an associate degree in human services. I will be eternally grateful for my mom, Marcie McCoy Wilson, and the support of my family, friends, and community," she said.
She talked about the love of her life, Ebenezer DeOliveira of Canton. He will be moving to Columbus to attend Ohio State University to pursue a master’s degree.
Miranda wants to become more independent and is looking at several options. She would be able have more opportunities and continue research about the progress of stem cell surgery when dealing with spinal cord injuries.
She also works part-time for Robin and Paul McCoy at Dover Brake located north of Strasburg.
The Miss Wheelchair USA is a pageant that recognizes all women, despite any disability, can be beautiful, feel wonderful about herself and have self-confidence. The pageant was founded more than 20 years ago as a state contest in Ohio. It is an independent program and is not related to any other pageant organizations.
Finalists compete in interviews, platform speech presentation, evening wear and on-stage questions and marketing statement competition.