When Betty Slavicek Gastelua was 13 years old, she was struck with a virus which left her partially paralyzed from the waist down. Today, at age 41, she enjoys such adventurous activities as skiing, white-water rafting, and a successful career in healthcare management.

The six-year Farmingdale resident was never cured of her disability, but has risen above it to accomplish amazing successes, a feat for which she was recently named Ms. Wheelchair New York.

In this role, she will represent over 45 million Americans with disabilities at the Ms.Wheelchair America pageant in Charlotte, North Carolina from Aug. 4 to 9. Rather than being a beauty contest, the program seeks an articulate spokesperson to promote the accomplishments of the disabled, and remove attitudinal barriers about them. While the Ms. Wheelchair America program is in its 26th year, the Ms. Wheelchair New York Pageant is in its first year. Last year, an independent delegate, chosen by Ms. Wheelchair America's program committee, represented the state.

During a recent interview, Slavicek Gastelua commented on the effect the new pageant for New York will have on the state's disabled community. "I think it's only the beginning," she said, noting it will help show that people who are disabled can accomplish great things and create societal change. "I hope that I can make the Miss Wheelchair New York Pageant a more prominent celebration of what's going on."

She is enthusiastic about the task of competing in North Carolina. "I hope to win," she said, noting that she also looks forward to mingling with other contestants, who are also accomplished disabled women. "I think it's going to be an exciting, exciting experience, whether I win or lose." She added that she will share experiences and triumphs with fellow Miss Wheelchairs. "We need to stick together," she said.

Through her journey as a disabled person, Slavicek Gastelua has put physical obstacles aside and achieved. Her family, she said, has been a constant source of support. "I think almost right from the beginning, my parents instilled in me, that 'This is not so bad,'" she said, describing the difficult time when, as a teenager, she became disabled. Today, her husband of six years, Daniel, is another rock of support. "Actually, he was quite instrumental in my participating in the pageant," she said.

Her spiritual life, too, has played an important role. "I strongly believe in God and his guidance, and I believe that he has helped me through everything," she said.

While encouraged from the start by family and spiritual beliefs, Slavicek Gastelua said, the real turning point in her life as a disabled person came in her late teen-aged years. This occurred when she tried to abandon her wheelchair and start walking again. After using crutches for a while, she soon accepted that this was too difficult and went back to her wheelchair. Since then, Slavicek Gastelua, who is originally from Bayside, Queens, went on from high school to St. John's University in Queens, and Nassau County Medical Center's Medical Technology School, receiving a bachelor of science degree in medical technology in 1979.

In 1980, she secured employment at a multi-specialty medical facility. Climbing the healthcare career ladder, she also obtained a master's degree in public administration with a specialty in healthcare from Long Island University at C.W. Post. She was promoted several times throughout her 16 years at the medical facility, at one point managing 90 employees. Since 1996, she has been a training and development consultant for the North Shore Management Services Organization, which is part of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System.

Through her determination, perseverance, and independence, Slavicek Gastelua has noted, she has been able to do all she has wanted to do and see all she has wanted to see. She has not allowed the wheelchair to stop her from trying new things.

In addition to career success, Slavicek Gastelua has traveled much of the world - throughout the U.S., to Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. She also has done extensive community service in Bayside. "You have to help people. We're in this life together," she said, explaining the reason for her work. "That's how this world can become a better place."

With a triumphant spirit, Slavicek Gastelua seems willing to share not only her energy with the world, but also her wisdom. Asked what message she would send to all recently disabled people, she said, "I would tell them to do whatever you can do, and to not let anything stop them, and to keep smiling, and to look at everything in a positive way - and, to fight for yourself."

To help sponsor Slavicek Gastelua's trip to North Carolina, or next year's Ms. Wheelchair New York, which is currently seeking funding, contributions may be sent to Ms. Wheelchair New York Program, P.O. Box 168, East Rockaway, New York, 11518. The contact for such contributions, Elysse Power, who served as the independent delegate for New York last year and is now state coordinator, may be reached at 656-3256.