Lauren Compere Builds Bridges for People With Disabilities

Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Lauren Compere

Lauren Compere’s platform as the 2015 Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi focuses on reaching people impacted by disabilities.

“My wheelchair has opened doors for me to share hope with people in the midst of their struggles,” says Compere, 22, a Mississippi College senior.

First diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a six-month-old, Lauren knows all about life’s struggles. But her parents taught her at an early age to view her situation as an opportunity. The Madison resident has proven to be an inspiration to many people on and off the Clinton campus.

In recent months, the MC psychology major has taken her “Building Bridges” platform on the road to church groups, schools and disability training sessions all over metro Jackson. Her speaking engagements have stretched from Lanier High School in Jackson to Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton.

Lauren is busy preparing for a much longer journey ahead this summer. She’s getting ready to take her advocacy for the disabled to the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Des Moines, Iowa.

Running from July 27 through August 3, the national pageant will cost her about $3,000. Lauren is raising funds to pay for her travel expenses as well as collect at least $7,000 more to support the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation. The donations would allow the MC student to continue to spread her important message about coping with disabilities.

Sales of her Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi bracelets (the cost is $3 each) will help Compere make that happen.

People believe the bright Christian woman will succeed with her fundraising, and anything else she seeks to accomplish in life.

“Lauren inspires so many people because she never gives up,” says family friend Mary Blaine. “Lauren has a unique perspective as a disabled person who is also an advocate for those that are disabled.”

A project manager with Jackson Oncology Associates, Blaine believes Lauren will make a strong showing at the national pageant in Iowa.

“She will represent Mississippi well when she competes for Ms. Wheelchair America,” Blaine said.

And who can doubt her?

The Madison Central High graduate has excelled ever since she arrived on her wheelchair at the 5,000-student university a few years ago.

Since then, Lauren’s worked with school officials to improve accessibility for the handicapped at the Baptist-affiliated institution. While she constantly requires help to eat meals each day, Lauren welcomes opportunities to assist others. She stays active as a leader on the Clinton campus.

Maintaining a perfect 4.0 average in the classroom, Compere has helped recruit potential MC students, serves with the Swannanoa social tribe and the School of Education student remains a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society. Lauren was all smiles on the fall day she rode her wheelchair along College Street in the university’s Homecoming Parade.

The upbeat girl known as “Sunshine” by her Madison Central High teachers has brightened many days for Mississippi College classmates, faculty and staff.

“Lauren has a very special ability to speak truth into people’s lives in a way that is both compelling and life changing,” Mary Blaine says.

Over the years, her many doctor’s appointments, surgeries and therapy sessions only made her stronger in her faith and stepped up her dedication as one of God’s servants.

There are ways to help Lauren before she competes against women from 27 other states at the Ms. Wheelchair America. Checks should go to the Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi Foundation. The mailing address is 1465 Highway 43 South Canton, Mississippi 39046.

Lauren Compere also welcomes prayers as she takes her “Building Bridges” platform to the national competition in Iowa. People can follow Lauren @mswheelchairms or visit the website www.mswheelchairmississippi.org to keep up with her activities leading to Ms. Wheelchair America.