Moundsville resident Heather Gillespie, front row, at left, poses with local city and council officials during a celebration of her being named Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia. Seated beside her is her son Kyle Yater. Second row, from left, are council members Denny Hall, Eugene Saunders and David Wood, Becky Chamberlain, Moundsville Mayor Randy Chamberlain, Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy, Moundsville City Clerk Sondra Hewitt and Lori Carpenter, who is Gilliespie’s mother. Back row, from left, are Marshall County Commissioners Dave McLaughlin and John Gruzinskas, Marshall County Board of Education President John Miller and Marshall County Commission President Scott Varner. (Photo by Shelley Hanson)

MOUNDSVILLE – Moundsville resident Heather Gillespie’s new crown sparkled bright as it was placed on her head Friday at the Moundsville City Building.

It was almost as dazzling as the smile on her face during the celebration of her being named Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia 2026.

Gillespie will be the first woman to represent the Mountain State during the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition in August in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mayor Randy Chamberlain and his wife Becky pinned the crown on Gillespie’s head during the gathering in council chambers. She also received a sash to wear from Ms. Wheelchair America.

Chamberlain read a resolution proclaiming Jan. 30 Heather Gillespie Day in the city of Moundsville.

The resolution talked about how Gillespie nearly died in a car crash in 1999 when she was 19 years old. Doctors told her family that she only had 24 hours to live. But Gillespie, not only survived, she went on to thrive. Though her injuries left her paralyzed, she went on to have three children despite being told she would never be able to have them.

She also conducted public speaking engagements to inspire others who have spinal cord injuries to not give up hope.

Gillespie said she was feeling overwhelmed by the celebration, support from the officials in attendance and having the day named after her. In addition to Chamberlain, also on hand were Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy, council members David Wood, Eugene Saunders and Denny Hall, City Clerk Sondra Hewitt, Marshall County Commissioners President Scott Varner, John Gruzinskas and Dave McLaughlin, and Marshall County Board of Education President John Miller.

“I’m the first person ever in West Virginia to be chosen to represent West Virginia in Ms. Wheelchair America,” Gillespie said. “It’s the biggest honor. I’m, like, super excited to do it.”

Gillespie was accompanied by her son Kyle Yater of Moundsville and mother Lori Carpenter of New Martinsville.

Chamberlain said when Gillespie first reached out to him about her achievement he did not know her or her story.

“When I asked her to share that story with me, I was so impressed by it,” he said. “What a courageous young lady and what a remarkable life she has lived in spite of what most of us would consider a real obstacle. She’s been through a lot in her lifetime.”

Chamberlain said everyone there was proud of Gillespie.

“What a remarkable and courageous young lady you have been. Raising three children as you have. … We’re grateful you are part of the community here in Moundsville and Marshall County,” he added.

Gillespie noted that it was exactly 27 years ago that the car accident occurred.

“Today, 27 years ago I was fighting for my life and now I’m going to be crowned Ms. Wheelchair West Virginia,” she said. “And I’ll be speaking on behalf of West Virginians living with disabilities and advocating for them to have equal opportunities as everyone around us. It’s a huge honor, and I’m just grateful I get to do this. I’m thankful to you and everybody for this.”