KellyLynn Wakehouse is one of only a few girls in her class in Airforce Jr. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFJRROTC). She’s also the only person with a disability.
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KellyLynn Wakehouse is one of the honorary captians of the 2010 Walk and Roll for Disabilities along with Eric Crouch, Mike’l Severe and Ken and Annie Bird. Wakehouse fielded the second largest Walk and Roll team in 2009. |
A squadron commander of ROTC, Wakehouse participates in drill meets described by her mom Beth as “Simon says” with military commands. She made the finals two years ago and placed fifth out of 125 participants last year.
So why is the unwavering 18-year-old nervous to serve as an honorary captain of the 2010 Walk and Roll on Feb. 21 alongside former Husker quarterback Eric Crouch?
Because she’s an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, that’s why.
She’s also a shoe lover. Her dream job is to manage a DSW shoe warehouse and maybe even design footwear someday. She plans to major in art at Bellevue University after her graduation in May.
Wakehouse also is excited to be eligible to participate in the adult recreational therapy programs offered by the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute.
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The adult recreation programs, which the Walk and Roll for Disabilities is designed to support, receive no federal or state money, said Jan Leuenberger, president of the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation. The programs are funded entirely by contributions.
“Part of what the Walk and Roll hopes to do is remind people that kids with disabilities grow up to be adults who still need quality recreation opportunities,” said Michael Crawford, Re.D., director of recreation therapy at MMI.
Sponsored by The C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation, No Frills Supermarkets, Crouch Recreational Design and KGOR, the Walk and Roll begins at noon on the second level of Westroads mall next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Check-in and day of registration begin at 10:30 a.m.