CANTON, Ohio — The bowling lanes in Canton are ones of historical significance.
That’s thanks in large part to Dianna Warren, who has worked relentlessly to make the game inclusive to all, no matter their condition.
Warren, 63, became the first-ever female wheelchair bowler in Canton and went on to organize and run a disabled bowling league, Walkers and Rollers, for 32 years, touching the hearts of dozens of residents within the bowling community.
“I hope they can see the determination, the positivity that I have and most importantly have that good faith. And don’t be afraid to get out there and try something. Don’t let nothing hold you back.” Warren said.
At age six, Warren said she was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Before her diagnosis, Warren recalls being behind in her physical development as a child, often scooting around and easily losing her balance while walking.
A visit to a Cleveland medical center a few years later revealed her condition of SMA, a rare disease that affects the muscles used for essential activities including breathing, eating, and walking.
“They showed us exercise,” Warren said. “We kept up with that. And then when I was about nine, they decided they would try some full-length braces, but I also used the wheelchair along with the braces, and then I grew out of them.”
At age 12, Warren said she was fully bound to a wheelchair.
Unable to attend school with her siblings — due to its inaccessibility for those who were disabled — Warren said her middle school experience was anything but normal.
“We were like in one room all day, and then each year, when you go to a different grade, you just go to a different teacher,” Warren said. “The only thing we went out of the room for was therapy.”
Warren said at the time the thought of attending high school seemed impossible.
However, this all changed with the establishment of McHenry Community High School.
“The kids accepted us,” Warren said. “They offered to push me to class. They offered to help with anything I needed. They invited me to dances, the football games. And to this day, I still go back to all my class reunions.”
An avid sports lover, Warren said she was also a part of the cheerleader team, being recognized at a banquet for her participation. This feeling of involvement and inclusion fulfilled her, and she hoped to one day have the opportunity to do the same.
The time came when she stumbled upon a story in a newspaper. A woman in Canton — who had a daughter and husband who were disabled — had started a bowling league, Walkers and Rollers, for those with disabilities.
Warren said she and her husband decided to join.
“They were all different types of disabilities,” Some of them were from group homes, some were in wheelchairs. Some of us had like I have muscular dystrophy, they had cerebral palsy, but we’re also allowed to have a person on that team that was disabled.”
After just one year into her stint, Warren said she was asked to run the league. At the time, Warren didn’t know the logistics of bowling, however, her willingness to learn it propelled her into the position.
Warren took over the 12-team league in 1990.
Francisca Mishler, a former Walkers and Rollers member, said she’s always loved bowling since she could remember. Once able-bodied, Misher said she suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a car accident, placing her in a wheelchair.
Afterward, she didn’t think bowling was an option, but then she met Warren.
“The two years that I bowled with the team, I was the most improved bowler," Misher recalled. "We had our banquet, got our trophies, and enjoyed each other's company. I know the league meant a lot to all of us and it meant a lot to Dianna.”
Warren said over time the league continued to grow, becoming more involved in city tournaments while gaining popularity amongst residents.
Warren said she also ventured on her own quest, joining several organizations, including the Ohio Veterans Wheelchair Sports, earning first place twice. She also bowled alongside professionals such as Chris Warren, Chris Barnes and Anthony Simonsen.
Warren said she rolled a record 224 game at AMF Hall of Fames Lanes.
“They only wanted me to run the league,” Warren said. “They didn’t want anyone else.”
After 32 years of operating the league, it officially closed down due to COVID-19. Although her time with the league has to come to an end, Warren continues to give back to the community, serving as an Ambassador to Ms. Wheelchair USA and the Dane Foundation.
Warren said her condition has also improved as she’s taking the first at-home treatment for SMA, Evrysdi. She hopes her story can inspire others with disabilities to step outside their comfort zone, no matter how big or small, she said.
“Don’t be afraid to get out to trial. I always say ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines how you do it. Attitude determines what you do.”
