What One Life Can Do....

As one of the board members for Rikki's Refuge in Orange, VA, I get a lot of opportunities to speak to others about Rikki's and all the wonderful things they do to help save lives, promote spay-neuter (or Speuter as we call them!) clinics at prices pet owners can afford, bring about awareness and support to the many rescues they interact with and just in general help animals of 22 species in any way they can. One of the questions I get a lot when people meet me at appearances is "how did you first hear about Rikki's?" or "what got you involved in animal rescue?"

As a 12 year breast cancer survivor, my Passion for Pink is pretty obviously traced to not only a personal journey of survivorship but a family history with one, but my love for the animals came long before I realized my own life would need a voice one day in the future.

They were also nice enough to mention my Mrs Central Virginia title at the end, which was cool, though you notice the REAL queen is the Siamese princess featured in the photo! This story was just published in the Orange County (VA) magazine and I think wonderfully answers the question about the difference one life can make. Read it and see if you agree!

Click on the story to enlarge it for reading...it's a newspaper size so I had to scan it in halves! 

And this is Candy Cane in color...who sleeps in the sink. On the right she is 

"helping" me with a friend's baby crazy quilt which is almost done! 

National Capital Cat Show with Rikki's Refuge

Those who know me know I volunteer with several organizations, one of which is Rikki's Refuge. I serve on the Board of Directors with them and do my best to try to help with fundraising, publicity, writing articles, and just in general being a big fan of all the work they do to help rescue animals who wouldn't be placed otherwise, ones considered "throw-aways" by someone they had come to rely on.

Yes, there's a kitty under all that tulle & hair! She was SO patient

One of the more fun experiences I get to sometimes share in working with Rikki's is attending the annual National Capitol Cat Show up in Manassas, VA. Now the traffic is horrible coming and going in NOVA (I remember a really bad summer spent up in Seven Corners when it was faster to walk to the mall than drive...) but this show is a unique event. Breeders from all over the country come to show their purebred kitties and competitions are even held for kitties who are housecats or otherwise not your "normal" show kitty.

Here I am with one of the show cats who was modeling for us her extensive wardrobe. She really was a VERY patient and loving little girl

There is line after line of adorable scenes set where owners present their kitties show-girl style in faux treehouses or Parisian themed bedrooms...you name it!

While there I got the opportunity to not only help with raising over $1,000 in sales and donations but got the chance to share the story of Opie, our current spokeskitty, with many children who stopped to come and pet him. Opie was born without back feet. He's differently abled...but he doesn't know it!

I wish I had taken some more photos but as I worked the event the entire time, I only got to sneak away once to meet one of the breeders who runs a blog about her Cornish Rex, who is pictured above. You can visit  http://furrydancecats.blogspot.com/  to learn more about her amazing cats. While some people complain about breeders, there really ARE very responsible groups out there and they enthusiastically support the shelters as well because one does not take away from the other if the breeders are responsible. It is just as important to preserve the wonderful different bloodlines of Maine Coons, Tonkanese, Egyptian Maus and many others as it is to save our feral and stray friends.

Here I got to speak with a little girl about what makes Opie special...

There are also rescues which specialize in what's called "breed rescue," so if you really have your heart set on a blue eyed Siamese or a Forest cat, there are groups who will go to great lengths to match up these kitties rescued from shelters with a breed enthusiast. Also, breeders contribute a LOT of money to Winn Feline Foundation and other organizations which are working to develop vaccinations and cures against FIP, feline leukemia, thyroid and kidney disease, which are the top killers of our feline friends. Without their support a lot of research would dry up. While it was more of a casual event for me (the floors are a little sketch...hence, the sneakers and jeans!), I was honored to be able to help Rikki's make a lot of sales and donations and excited to speak with the children who came up to me to ask me about my crown. MY numbers however paled in comparison with Opie's...HE was the real star of the show! But that's ok...I can't compete with that little ball of cuteness :) All in all it was a great weekend for our group, and I'm looking forward to next year

Here's where Teri was so kind as to mention me in her blog. Hey Coco, I see you eyeing my crown...LOL! 

Dinwiddie County Fair / Susan G Komen & Massey Cancer Center Booth

With Karen before we began...it was SO hot...wowza

Last night I got to work my first event with Susan G. Komen out in the community. I worked at a vendor information booth alongside my new friend Karen Gregory, who is the Community Health education Coordinator for the VCU Massey Cancer Center. She knew a LOT of information that i learned from her, not just about breast cancer but about cancer in general, and some of the ways that Massey and other organizations who partner with Susan G. Komen (ones like the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, who I also support) are reaching people who otherwise might not get to see a doctor in the more rural areas.

This fair was a good example of that, despite the lower attendance being a weeknight for the fair, we still spoke to 2 or 3 dozen different individuals about the programs available after inviting them to "spin the wheel for prizes" (Burt's Bees lipgloss ladies!). It was a great way to break the ice and I got the chance to speak to several caregivers as well as another fellow survivor and many younger ladies who didn't even know what some of the signs to watch for were. I really have to say that a low stress, fun approach like this definitely allows some people to feel comfortable enough to ask questions. And that's what it's really all about..

I know...it looks funny, right? But I was actually sharing my story of how I first discovered my tumor myself with a caregiver who has had quadruple bypass surgery himself! It reminded me that not only do we need to support our survivors and the recently diagnosed, but earnestly recognize & thank those who look after us, support us and care for us as well...often times while having to face their own medical challenges too!

Passionately Pink Part Deux....

If he's man enough to wear the crown to help fight cancer, aren't you? 

Tomorrow I will get to volunteer and work my very first event as an official Susan G. Komen Educator, something which means a LOT to me as I've been volunteering off and on for several years with the Race for the Cure and many other yearly events in Virginia and North Carolina as well.

I also help out with the annual "Fall Bra-Zaar", this will be our 3rd one and one of our biggest fundraisers is the Mr. Brazaar pageant. Believe it or not, my husband posed to be their inaugural "Miss-ter", in a crown and banner no less...but on a motorcycle. As you can tell, he's pretty manly so this really was as much support as any gal could hope for!

What's so special is this fundraiser honors Denys Musselman who passed away of Triple Negative breast cancer. Her life helps others in this wonderful event.
you can find it on Facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/415104278594187/                It will be held October 5th

Now that's devotion ladies! Doesn't he look awesome helping us out for a good cause? ;) 

Working with these events led me to be invited to join a training program & seminar for Susan G. Komen Educators. These women go out into the community at different events such as fairs, women's shows, galas, luncheons...you name it....and not only have the fun of awarding out prizes at table games but more importantly, help women find literature and connection to the programs that can help them most. Whether that's finding a low-cost screening option, getting a referral for financial assistance, or just learning more about what we do (and still don't) know about breast cancer, it's a wonderful opportunity to reach out to others like myself who might not have known who to ask or maybe didn't really think about being pro-active about their health and following up on their own breast care. 

Some of us were survivors, I would say about half, and the rest were from the medical community and a few were relatives of survivors. Every single one had a personal link however connecting them to the cause which made for not a dry eye in the room as we went around to learn about our new sisters in volunteer work. One lady who spoke was a 60+ year old survivor TWICE OVER...which gives even me hope should mine return that I too, could beat it as she did. There were several survivors younger than myself and I remember 12 years ago feeling it was only me that was that young and scared. But more and more women are having the courage to reach out and give support to others through that journey and that's nothing short of inspiring as we work towards a world where our daughters (and our sons, for they too can get it....did you know approximately 35-40 men a YEAR are diagnosed just in Virginia??) can wake up to a day where they won't have to have an annual walk for the cure because it's already THERE. 

Out and About!

Well in honor of my 42nd birthday today, I got an evening to actually sit down and post again~something I've been waiting to do for awhile now!

As Mrs. Central Virginia International, I've been invited to a lot of different events which have been SO much fun to volunteer at. It's hard to say which one has been the best but I would probably have to go with judging the WV Roadkill Festival Pageant!

I know, right? I had NO idea either this was a real competition but not only is this a very honored title in Marlinton, WV where this event is held, but the Roadkill Festival itself draws tens of THOUSANDS of attendees annually! I was very impressed with the amount of contestants we had, from Little Miss on up (I judged the pre-teen and older group, my daughter Alanna who is Miss Relay For Life judged both events since the pageant was split up into differing segments) to Miss Roadkill Festival herself, a beautiful and vivacious blond gal named Allie who stunned us from the get-go with her proficiency in interview and solid knowledge of her community and the festivals and history that go with it. One little girl even taught us a recipe with groundhog and ramps!

It was a fantastic event and we were treated like royalty and got the chance to see a part of the world we hadn't been to before but that I love all the more for having been able to experience 3 days with the people and the pageant itself. Director Shana Smith really did a terrific job with great prizes and making all the contestants a queen in their own right when they stepped on the stage on finals night.

Here on the left is Miss WV Roadkill Festival 2014 Allie Katarina Cole along with my daughter Alanna ;) Good luck Allie during your year!

Of course there have been a lot of other opportunities, not including my most recent one to become a Susan G. Komen Educator (that will be on an upcoming post!), that I was fortunate enough to be invited to as well as honored to be a part of. Here was one in Salisbury, Maryland where I served as a judge for the America's Brilliant Miss pageant as well as an earlier preliminary pageant that morning. Pictured with my daughter and I is Kimberly Sumner Williams, one of the new queens for ABM. One of the outgoing queens, Gigi Giganto (she is my Mini-Me #2 as I call her! I love this girl!) joined us for the photo which I thought came out fantastic given we all got the "memo" on what colors to wear!

With the ABM queens in Salisbury, MD! 

Here we are with one of the younger contestants,
she was the sweetest child and had the best smile all day!

One of the most terrific things about making appearances is getting to share "girl time", (even though these are WORKING events!) with my daughter Alanna. She too is a hard-working queen and has made a terrific year so far of holding her Miss Relay For Life title for Virginia. She rushed and was chosen for Alpha Xi Delta sorority, and as many of you might know, interview skills come in handy not just in pageants but in life as she found out during Rush Week. Yet because of her past experiences she was able to navigate the process with confidence. Not only that, she recently placed 4th runner up for the Miss DC Collegiate America title and Mom (aka her coach) couldn't be prouder!

Above you can see us taking a...you guessed it.... 'selfie' (LOL!) at the Curly Q pageants here in Richmond, VA where I served as the hostess and emcee and Mini-Me had fun doing what she does best, judging the little ones. One thing I love about her is that she's competed a lot herself so she understands as a judge just how important a kind word and constructive tip on how a contestant can do better is the best way to help a girl prepare to win the crown next time around. How amazing at only 18 she's already learned that? Think about that the next time someone thinks "Toddlers & Tiaras" represents anything at *all* about the REAL world of pageantry! A picture is worth a thousand words and I think the one below says it all about the friendships made in the journey to the crown :)

With Amy Berry, Ms Warren County and one of my DEAREST pageant sisters! 

My Passion for Pink!

Most everyone who meets me through my volunteer work with Rikki's Refuge knows I am a huge animal lover and rescue advocate. Compassion for those weaker and more helpless than ourselves is the most supreme of human virtues in my opinion. But one thing some people who know me may *not* know is that not only is my mother a breast cancer survivor but that I, too, am a survivor of 12 years.

My story began innocently enough with me finding a lump in my right breast that just didn't seem "right".  Like many women, I ignored it for a little while. I knew it would be a hassle with insurance and doctors anyway. It wasn't until my husband (at the time my fiance') INSISTED I see a doctor about it that I learned this was a lot more serious than just a little discomfort.

With fellow queens at the Relay For Life Franklin County Walk 

My regular physician referred me to an oncologist but by that time the "lump" I had was progressing in size. I started off with an initial diagnosis of DCIS and wound up with a stage 2a sized tumor being excised from my body in May of 2001. This is where the insurance industry failed me...between the delays in testing and authorizing the surgery, I lost a lot of time waiting. I had BEGUN my quest to find out what was wrong back in January that year. Being only 29 at the time, my PPO would not pay for a needed diagnostic mammogram OR ultrasound. Even though my physician could clearly feel what I was talking about too, I wound up being put through a horribly painful biopsy and subsequent surgery that took place much later than it should have been. All because the carrier didn't want to pay for an $800 test which I wound up paying out of pocket for to confirm if my suspicions were correct. Only after I took charge of my health did I receive the referral I needed to have surgery.

This made me mad.

I began to wonder, how many other mothers of young children were facing the same fears? Challenges with the insurance process? Need for medical care they couldn't afford either? Mind you I was a divorced mother of a 2nd grader who desperately needed her mommy to raise her. I couldn't afford to be selfish and ignore the symptoms any longer when I realized it wasn't about me anymore.

Over the years since, I have worked with various events to help raise awareness and most importantly, funds as well, to change this reality. The law has changed in Virginia to allow for more coverage and hopefully steps will continue to be made to address the "Medicaid Donut Hole" which is the group of women (and men) too rich for Medicaid but too poor to afford the cost of copays (or even entire services) against what it takes to survive. Most are the "working poor" and I was once one of them. An $800 test is simply unrealistic when you make $30,000 a year with kids. Even a $250 copay is pretty much the same.

What to do? Well for one thing, I recently went to visit with legislators at the State Capitol to discuss with a group of like-minded supporters the need for more funding for these women, ESPECIALLY for diagnostic tests. When I had my test done we learned what I could feel represented only about 1/3 of what was really going on deep in my body. Too many times when a woman physically feels a tumor, it's progressed and too late to stop without multiple rounds of chemo, if at all. I was incredibly lucky.

No woman's life should be reduced just to a matter of being lucky.

So in addition to my passion for animal rescue, I work with Susan G. Komen volunteering at races and events as well as support the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation in their awesome work. This is my platform that led me to compete and win in the Pink Queens For Life pageant. I conclude a year of service as their Survivor Ambassador this week and the journey has taken me to meet so many other women with similar stories. Survivors in their 20's and 30's, considered "too young" to be at risk. My daughter Alanna, who I am beyond proud of, is this year's Miss Relay For Life and has volunteered at numerous events alongside me to help champion the cause for a cure. With a grandmother, great aunt and mother having had this condition, she may one day be at risk herself and we plan to test for the BRCA gene. At 18 she faces the possibility of the same fears I had to meet head on because we don't have the answers yet.

It's not a legacy I'm willing to leave her.
And that's why I'm Passionately Pink about a world without cancer.

Pink Queens For Life Survivor Ambassador 2012
It's been a wonderful honor to be your representative! 

Time For Updates!

So much has happened since my last blog post! After crowning my successor at East Coast USA, I decided to enter the Mrs. Virginia International pageant that February. I competed in Roanoke, VA where I won the Interview and Onstage Question portions of the pageant, placing 1st runner up! Below are two photos I took from the event:

Amber Wandtke, the new Mrs. Virginia International competes this week in Chicago...so as her 1st runner up, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Either way, I know she'll do great and represent the Commonwealth well. :) Here's a link to her blog as she continues her journey: http://www.amberwandtke.com/ 

Just a few months later, I was approached by the Susan G. Komen organization to attend a taping of the new show "Total Divas" with the WWE Divas as one of the local survivors being interviewed for the series! Being a total WWE fan already (I served as a ring valet for the Iron Sheik for a match back when I was Miss Virginia Galaxy 2002...good times!), this was a truly thrilling experience! 

I was able to meet two other survivors whose stories were also compelling and I think the taping reflected us in a great light while bringing attention to the need for affordable testing and early detection, part of my Passionately Pink platform I've been working with for years. Here are some photos from the taping...the series debuts this month so keep an eye out for E! TV...the link to our interview on their website is here: https://community.wwe.com/hope/gallery/divas-meet-susan-g-komen-honorees-richmond-va-photos