MESA, AZ — One Valley woman isn't letting anything stop her from inspiring others.
Shawnique Cotton was injured in a shooting nearly 30 years ago in Pittsburgh. She survived, but has used a wheelchair since then and is just grateful to be alive.
Last year, she won the title of "Miss Wheelchair Arizona 2019" and has spent the last year motivating people, raising awareness for people with disabilities, and spreading hope.
She now lives in Mesa, but still thinks about the day her whole life changed.
"All I could do at that moment is tell God that I'm too young. My child needs me. No one is going to love that child like I'm going to. There is too much work for me to do on this earth. It's not time for me to go and I'm going to stay conscious and that was my mission."
A new Miss Wheelchair Arizona will be crowned this weekend.
