Jennifer Austin
A Middle Tennessee State University student is asking for the community’s help in a contest that could change her life.
Jennifer Austin of Cowan was paralyzed from the chest down after a hit-and-run crash in 2006 on I-24 in Manchester. Doctors only gave her a 20 percent chance of living.
She now uses a wheelchair and went on to graduate college and study for a master’s degree.
But winning a national contest would be a big help. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is giving away wheelchair-accessible vans.
Austin was in the 2013 contest, and says she finished as a semifinalist in the top five percent of all votes. However, it wasn’t enough to snag a van.
Her sister, Ashlee Austin, nominated her again for 2014. So far, the profile has more than 5,000 votes.
“Winning this van would be life-changing for me and would give me the opportunity to drive again!” Jennifer Austin told WSMV-TV this week.
The contest ends on Friday at midnight. You can vote by going clicking on this link. http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/jennifer-austin-cowan-tn/
