Tyra strives to raise her son as
independently as possible,
even helping him learn how
to ride a bike.
Nursing Unit Secretary Float Tyra Randle is like other single, working moms — juggling raising two kids while working full time. What makes Tyra even more special, though, is that she does it all from a wheelchair.
In 2020, Tyra ended her relationship with her partner. In response, he shot her eight times. Today, three bullets remain in Tyra’s body, with one lodged near her spine, leaving her a paraplegic and unable to walk. “The best revenge is success, and I am going to succeed,” said Tyra, who is raising 4-year-old Karter and 15-year-old A’niah.
For Tyra, success means thriving in life and as an advocate for people with disabilities and survivors of domestic violence. She advocates locally and nationally to improve access for people with physical limitations. “We are out in the world trying to live, raising children and doing what ‘normal’ people do, but we just have a different way,” Tyra said. “We need the world to give us a chance to be independent.”
Tyra travels to Washington, D.C., to
speak before members of Congress to
advocate for people with disabilities.
At NKCH and MH, Tyra has led efforts to modify restrooms for better accessibility. Thanks to her, first- and second-floor Pavilion and Hospital restrooms are now equipped with hand-waving sensors for easy entry and exit, automatic doors and wider stalls. Tyra explained that complying with requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is just the bare minimum, and people need more resources to live independently.
Nationally, Tyra has appeared before Congress and is planning a second visit this summer to ask for disability laws to improve airline travel. She is a blog writer and speaker for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, serves as a motivational speaker, and has appeared on “Good Morning America.”
Tyra has started her own business to advocate for individuals with disabilities and victims of domestic violence, as well as gun violence prevention/control and mental health support. Her goal is to foster a more compassionate and informed society that prioritizes the well-being and rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“I want to be an example for my children,” Tyra said. “I have shown them my strength and that bad things can happen to good people. But it’s up to you what you do with it.”
In March, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas crowned Tyra Ms. Wheelchair Missouri, and she’ll compete for Ms. Wheelchair America in August. Tyra is also writing two children’s books from the perspective of her children to tell their story living with a mom in a wheelchair. “My faith has blessed me and kept me going,” Tyra said. “There is no testimony without a test, which I have to pass or fail, and I feel like I am passing right now.”
