Little Miss Wheelchair Michigan, Dahlia Swanson, made history Wednesday afternoon, becoming the first person to hold the title of Little Miss Wheelchair America.
The 4-year-old was crowned in front of her family, friends and therapists at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, taking on this brand-new role and title within the Ms. Wheelchair America organization.
“Dahlia was able to capture our hearts at the Ms. Wheelchair America competition 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan this past August. She lit up the room, and I was so honored to meet her. She made everyone so joyful just by being around,” said Mary Zendejas, president of Ms. Wheelchair America. “Needless to say, it was obvious who our first Little Miss Wheelchair America had to be.”
Dahlia’s Platform: Advocacy and Inclusion
Dahlia said she looks forward to attending more events, meeting more people and “advocating.” Even at such a young age, she understands just how important that work is.
“My platform is everyone can do it too, side by side with a disability or not: adults or kiddos learn, play, grow if they put their heart and hard work into it,” Dahlia shared after she was crowned.
Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed
Dahlia was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and posture. She spent five weeks in the Mary Free Bed Kids Inpatient Rehabilitation Program following a surgery and quickly captured the hearts of all her caregivers. She continues to come for regular outpatient therapy, bringing smiles and laughs everywhere she goes.
“She has been such a light in the Mary Free Bed community while she was here as an inpatient. She was always walking through the halls with us, blasting some music, putting a smile on everybody’s face, including other patients and other staff members, even outside the pediatric unit,” Carly Ridderbusch, physical therapist assistant, said.
Dahlia’s reign as the first national titleholder will last for two years.
Re-watch the crowning ceremony here.
