Ann-Marie Willacker

Ann-Marie Willacker is the owner and brewer at Odd Elixir MeadWorks in DeLand Florida and the Executive Director of DeLand Pride. Ann-Marie is also a full-time wheelchair user.

Ann-Marie suffered a rare medication reaction 11 years ago that attacked the connective tissue in her joints resulting in aggressive and degenerative arthritis primarily in the knees, hips, and 3 points along the spine leaving her without the ability to walk.

Many people see a wheelchair as something a person is bound to, but Ann-Marie says it can be quite the opposite. “My wheelchair is what has given me freedom to get back to work, get back to my community, and do all the things I could and wanted to do before my disability. I am not bound by my wheelchair. My wheelchair is my freedom. It gives me independence.”

Ann-Marie remains in an active role in the brewing operations at Odd Elixir MeadWorks and is a major advocate in her community. In 2020, Ann-Marie tried her hand at Highland Games, participating in her first games at the Thanksgiving Throwdown in Sarasota Florida. Ann-Marie quickly realized that there were not a lot of wheelchair users participating in Highland Games, but with the assistance of other athletes she continues to learn and adapt Highland athletics from the chair.

Facebook: @annmariewillacker

Instagram: @amwadaptive