They had driven up and down the streets of her East Dayton neighborhood for 45 minutes, and Wourms was ready to make fliers. But when they drove back to Wourms’ house, Whitener had another idea.
“I just couldn’t give up. I saw a car down the street, and I heard kids laughing,” said Whitener. “Something just guided me that way, and there she was. I had the best feeling when I found Chiquita.”
It wasn’t just a simple task of walking down the street. Whitener traveled in her wheelchair, which she has done ever since a pool accident as a teen. She dove too close to the shallow end in a slope-bottomed pool. That was 22 years ago.
“We’ve been friends since we were 5 years old. We’ve gone through so much together,” said Wourms. “She was in ICU for over 30 days after the accident.”
That accident happened just one week after they had both graduated from Carroll High School.
“I was in such a dark place for two years after my accident,” said Whitener, a Beavercreek resident. “But I finally had to come to terms with how my life was. It wasn’t what I wanted, but I decided to make the best of it.”
She started attending classes at Wright State University and didn’t stop until she had a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation and a master’s degree in community counseling.
She now works as a children’s therapist at a mental health facility.
“Heather goes out of her way every day in counseling children who are abused. She also baby-sits her nephews and nieces on a weekly basis,” said Rose Huart, Jennifer’s mother.
Four years ago Whitener decided to take up painting — with her mouth. She is inspired by the beauty of nature and uplifting words. She sold about half of her exhibit at Town & Country.
Through it all, her friends say she hasn’t lost her optimism or sense of humor. Whitener credits the support of her friends and family.
“That day when Heather found Chiquita, she was Jennifer’s hero. Not only that, but Heather is an inspiration to all who know her, especially me,” said Huart. “People who have any complaints in life should meet Miss Heather Whitener. Soon they would be counting their blessings.”
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