Madonna Long - Ms. Long Goes to Washington

Madonna Long was a former high school track athlete who ran 100-meter hurdles and did the long jump and sustained a spinal cord injury in a bus accident when she was 18.

Now, Madonna uses a Q6 Edge® Power Chair with TRU-Balance® 3 Power Positioning Systems from Quantum Rehab® for her mobility needs. She especially benefits from the chair's 10" power lift.

"Being able to sit at near-standing height is incredible," Madonna said. "It makes my everyday tasks much easier and activities more enjoyable."

In addition to getting her to where she needs to get to each day, Madonna's Q6 Edge allows her to hold conversations with people and conduct her morning routine more easily by helping her see herself in the mirror.

Before getting her Q6 Edge, Madonna used a manual wheelchair, but she was exerting too much energy pushing it each day.

Madonna says that one of the biggest challenges of her job is educating policymakers on disability issues.

"Without education, we can't expect action," Madonna said. "I do my best to communicate the needs of the disabled community to the people implementing Medicare and other health care reforms."

Madonna's political background does not end with consumer advocacy, however.

"When I was 22, I met Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada," Madonna said. "He was a big supporter of the spinal cord research clinic I attended."

When she was 28, Madonna ran for Nevada State Assembly, and she and Reid campaigned together during that time.

Madonna is also a mother to four children. They are Tyler, 27; Joshua, 25; Julie, 18; and Tanner, 15.

Madonna continues to educate legislators on disability issues, living by a few simple words.

"We have a saying in the disability community: 'Nothing about us without us,'" Madonna said. "It simply means that we would like to be involved in the decisions that affect us, and as an advocate, I like to think that I've given us a voice."