Well, for my 2012 St. Patrick's Day, I celebrated the Pink! As many know, Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection has been my platform of choice since losing my mother to this disease in 2007. The Miss Pink Pageant was started in 2010 by Ashley Shultz (I am proud to say a pageant sister from the International Pageant system) to celebrate the amazing stories of Survivorship of Breast Cancer! Miss Pink 2010, Trish Grzela served as one of the judges tonight, and she is someone who exemplifies the spirit of Survivorship! I met Trish in 2010 making an appearance to raise funds for Bella Tucker! Although we don't see each other often enough, when we do, we remember our connection to the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness and that appearance for Bella! Donna Wadden, Miss Pink 2011 gave up her crown this evening, and it was amazing to see her take the stage with the pride and love of her two sons walking her for her final walk. The year for Donna has been one of glory by winning the crown of Miss Pink, and also a journey to her fourth diagnosis of meta-static breast cancer. To hear her story and see the love and support of so many around her was absolutely amazing! Miss Pink 2012 is Kristen Wood! Kristen represents the younger generation of women being diagnosed with Breast Cancer, being diagnosed at the age of 34. Hearing her story of being a personal trainer, taking care of herself with physical activity and eating well, brings to light that this is a disease that does not discriminate and can choose anyone at any age and stage of their life. I am so excited to follow Kristen's journey as she shares how health and wellness helped her along the road to survirship, now at the age of 36, and giving women hope to help them become stronger both mentally and physically as they work their way to beating this disease!
It was a great night seeing old pageant friends and meeting a new one too! Elizabeth Ensko competed in this past Miss Massachusetts USA Pageant. She entered for the fun of it, and to also represent a young woman who is a Breast Cancer Survivor. Elizabeth should have been on that stage this evening as she has an incredible story, but I know that the road ahead for her is a bright one as she works to educate young women and be an example that it is possible to beat Breast Cancer, but you need to ensure you know how to conduct your own breast self examinations, know your body, and seek the help you need when something just doesn't seem right!
Thank you again to Ashley and Nick Shultz for giving such an incredible opportunity and hope for women to shine and show everyone what Survivorship is all about and to bring awareness to this cause!
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