Ruschelle Tyvand won’t let a disability hold her back

By Vera Haffey of The Montana Standard - 04/03/2006

ANACONDA — Ruschelle Tyvand began earning her Miss Congeniality reputation as a baby, when she won the hearts of hospital staffers in a heroic surgery that moved her tangled intestines from her chest cavity to her abdomen.

Born with Down’s syndrome, Tyvand faced many more challenges growing up, including physical and social setbacks inherent to her genetic disability.

But with a steady infusion of positive reinforcement from her family, “She’s always thought that she could conquer the world,” her mom, Teri Colbert of Anaconda, said this week.

The way Tyvand turns adversity into opportunities, she just might.

The 30-year-old athlete was named recently to a three-year term as ambassador for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the money-raising arm of the Special Olympics Montana organization. Nominated by her advocate, Jodel Petroni of Butte, Tyvand was chosen from a statewide list of nominees to serve on the organization’s executive committee.

There, she’ll provide a voice for athletes at media events, increase public awareness, promote growth and help shape policies and procedures for the group that’s made up of law enforcement officers, volunteers for Special Olympics Montana.

Petroni says Tyvand is perfect for the job that calls for plenty of outgoing, positive energy. Her mom thinks so, too.

“It’s right up her alley,” Colbert said of the daughter she describes as contagiously cheerful and upbeat.

They both agree that Tyvand sets personal goals and then makes her dreams come true, one by one.

“I’ve known Ruschelle for 18 years and watched her grow up from a little girl to a fine, responsible young lady,” Petroni wrote in a nominating petition. “Being born with Down’s syndrome, Ruschelle has had more than her fair share of challenges. This did not stop her; she faced these challenges as learning experiences.” In Tyvand’s own words, “Because I have Down’s syndrome does not mean I can’t compete in sports and be good at them,” she said. “I just have to work harder and train harder, and I do.” She graduated from Anaconda High in 1994, where she lettered in swimming and was voted homecoming princess in her sophomore year. She’s been involved with Special Olympics for 12 years, representing the Montana team at the International Winter Games at Squaw Valley, where she earned a gold medal in downhill skiing and a silver in the giant slalom.

At the summer games in Raleigh, N.C., Tyvand earned gold and silver medals in swimming events and has won numerous state and local competitions in gymnastics, bowling and track and field events. In 1999, she was named Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.

Her tenacity doesn’t stop with athletics. Even outside of sports arenas, the engaging young woman knows her own strengths, and the traits that are bound to make her three-year ambassadorship a success, according to Torch Run coordinator Terri Sappington.

She also took first place at a Rotary talent show with a gymnastics performance, and participates in productions of The Same Difference Inclusive Theatre Co., an acting troupe that blends the talents of around 60 handicapped and non-handicapped individuals, and holds down two jobs.

A social butterfly, Tyvand has acted as guest speaker for various charity events and performed in several television commercials. With a warm personality that quickly puts folks at ease, she also shines at selling raffle tickets, she says, “Because I know everybody.” At one recent speaking engagement, Tyvand gave her talk and then worked the banquet room, shaking hands and doling out hugs at each table, and, yes — selling lots of raffle tickets along the way.

Later, she confided in her mom. “You know, I think I could be president,” Tyvand told her.

Colbert says she’s learned a lot over the years from her unstoppable daughter who brings joy to her life and makes her laugh every single day. Raising her has also changed Colbert’s outlook about disabilities.

“I tell her she’s my angel on earth,” she said. “She’s taught me a lot of lessons. If anyone has a Down’s syndrome child, they should feel blessed, because they’re going to learn so much, and that child is going to touch so many lives.” Reporter Vera Haffey may be reached via e-mail at vera.haffey@lee.net.

JOHN -- Don’t use photo of Ruschelle sweeping floors. Use closeup and the one attached to your budget. It needs to be scanned.

CAPTIONS (closeup photo by Lisa Kunkel) Ruschelle Tyvand, 30, of Butte, smiles for the camera. She was named recently to a three-year term as ambassador for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the money-raising arm of the Special Olympics Montana organization. Nominated by her advocate, Jodel Petroni of Butte, Ruschelle was chosen from a statewide list of nominees to serve on the organization’s executive committee.