Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010 - Jane Marshall

Beyond the 11th Bike Ride

2010-10-29T21:37:00.004-04:00

September 11 I was a volunteer at the Bike Ride for Beyond the 11th. I will never forget where I was on the morning of September 11 2001 and how the day progressed with the tragedies that took place in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. Our country was paralyzed by the events that took place and we were all changed forever. In August I was in my car driving to work when I heard an interview on Kiss 108 with one of the founders of Beyond the 1th. I was so intrigued and immediately sent an e-mail when I was able to get to it to be a part of the event in whatever way I could.

Beyond the 11th is an organization that was founded by Patti Quigley and Susan Retik. Both women lost their husbands in the September 11 attacks, and they were both pregnant during this time and had to move on with the rest of their lives and their families without their husbands. What started out the biggest loss of their lives has turned into helping women across the world who have experienced a similar loss to them. They collaborated in 2003 to start Beyond the 11th to help the widows of Afghanistan. In 2006 both women travelled to Afghanistan to meet with these women and their journey was filmed for the documentary Beyond Belief. They continue to raise awareness and funds through this incredible organization built on strength and honor. The funds raised go toward educating these women to be able to generate their own income and to provide for themselves and their families. Recently Susan was awarded the Citizens Medal by President Obama for commitment to empowering women touched by personal tragedy.

I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Susan and her family and was so touched by all the support form friends, volunteers, and organizations that support this cause. In the morning I came to help with setup and registration. I had the opportunity to listen to Susan welcome the riders and talk about what this day means to her in the memory of her husband David. She shared the time speaking with her current husband and children. Susan, her husband, her son, and the rest of the bikers were off on a 36 mile bike ride. Susan's mother-in-law was talking with me and asking me how I got involved. She asked if I could come back with my little girl as she loved children. I did go home and came back with my husband and daughter, and we felt so welcomed by a group of people we had never met prior to this day. The bikers came in one by one, and everyone cheered them on as each pulled up to the house again. We also had the opportunity to speak with some exchange students here from Afghanistan and learned about their culture and families and how they were finding their time her in the United States. It was an amazing oppoerunity and I am so excited to further get involved with Beyond the 11th.

To learn more about this incredible organization and how you can be a part of it or how to purchase a DVD of Beyond Belief, please visit: http://www.beyondthe11th.org/index.php

Sun Rise Assisted Living Car Show

2010-10-29T21:25:00.004-04:00

On August 28, I was asked by Miss Massachusetts Junior National Teenager, Christina Polanco, to come back to the Sunrise Assisted Living Center for their annual car show. It was wonderful to see Christina again, and we had a great time meeting with residents and their families. Christina was selling raffle tickets while I walked around with my daughter and husband as well as Mrs. Massachusetts United States, Jennifer Korzeb, talking to all who came to visit and spending time with the residents. We were able to admire the cars with them and knowing that all funds raised were going toward benefitting the center as well as Alzheimers. A beautiful day, awesome cars, many great people, all for a good cause, what more could you ask for?

New England Coed Pageant

2010-10-29T21:06:00.003-04:00

The weekend of August 22 I had the opportunity to take part in the New England Coed Pageant as an optional competition judge. I spent the day on Friday judging talent, photogenic, speech, and actress competitions for all age groups of children up to the Miss Division. The talents were amazing and the articulation during the speeches was so impressive. The weekend was a great experience for me because while I judged these areas of competition, my husband Rob had the opportunity to judge the remainder of the pageant which included interview and gown, sportswear, and gown competitions. He was equally as impressed with everyone during the interview and speaking portions of the pageant. Being a part of this pageant showed us that there is a bright future to our youth with the involvement they have in the community as well as their goals in life. Judging also gave Rob a deeper insight to the areas of competition and to see what I have taken part in during competition. Congratulations to Tami Charles for putting together such a great event and good luck to her and all her titleholders a the National Coed Pageant November 22 - 27, 2010 in Florida!

Meeting Danielle

2010-08-22T09:39:00.004-04:00

While at the Miss New England Coed Pageant, I had the opportunity to invite two very special guests to join me. Danielle Munoz is an eight year old girl with Cockayne Syndrome, and both she and her mom Lydia came to watch the preliminary evening gown competition with us. Danielle and her mom are here in Boston visiting Children's Hospital from Texas to participte in a medical/genetic study for children with Cockayne Syndrome. Danielle was chosen as she met all the criteria necessary to partipate in this study. As you will recall in an earlier post after the Mrs. International Pageant, I was able to meet a boy named Derick from Arizona who was in Boston participating in the same program. After Derick and his parents went back home, his mom told me about Danielle and asked if I would be able to meet up with her when she came to visit Boston. I said of course, but I did have a conflict with being part of the New England Coed Pageant. I then figured that I could do both and invite Danielle with her mom when I was free from my duties, and it all worked out perfectly. Along for the ride came my other friends Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Tamara Sacharczyk, Miss Massachusetts Teen World, Jennifer Hard, Classic Ms. Massachusetts, and of course my daughter Sierra. Both the girls had so much fun watching the pageant, and after it was over, we traveled over to the Natick Mall to have lunch at the American Girl Store. During conversation we found out that the Danielle's Birthday had been the week before, so we asked our waitress if we could have a little celebration for her. Out came a bowl of ice cream for Danielle with a few candles and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. When lunch was over, we walked through the store and took some pictures of the girls and all of us to remember this visit. I then drove Danielle and Lydia back to Boston and it was so hard to say good-bye as Danielle is such a love. It was so nice to see her interact with Sierra and even at one point they were holding hands in the car, which would have been a sweet picture had Sierra not been fresh and pulled her hand away and giggle. I also loved how when we all came back to my hotel room before lunch, Danielle absolutely loved playing with my dog Lola. She has so much joy and love to give, and it was truly a privilege to have met her. I want to thank Dre, Derick's mom for telling me about Danielle, and also Dr. Neilan from Children's Hospital who gave me the opportunity to meet both of these fabulous children. I hope that this is not the last time, and wish for a friendship that goes on for a long time. I am looking forward to keeping up on both Danielle and Derick through their parents, and hopefully see them soon again on another trip to Boston!

For more information on Cockayne Syndrome, please visit: http://cockaynesyndrome.net/main/.

Dr. Faustman's Diabetes Trial

2010-08-12T11:22:00.004-04:00

Last week on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, I took part in a trial for finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes at The Faustman Lab at Mass General Hospital. I was contacted by a friend of one of my best friends via e-mail looking for someone to be a control in this study for diabetes for a nine year old boy named Jerry. Jerry was traveling to Boston with his mother Cristina, and not having any friends or family from this area, they reached out to people in their state who had ties to the Boston area. I immediately responded that I could make myself available to take part and help out, as Diabetes is something that affects my family with my husband being diagnosed in 2008. It was so nice to meet Jerry and his mom and to learn his story of his diagnosis at the age of two. As with any family, when there is a diagnosis of any disease, we do our research to educate on how we can try to conquer it. Cristina did just that, and after years of being told there is no cure, she stumbled across Dr. Faustman's trial and decided to take part with Jerry in hopes of one day having a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Jerry has been doing a great job learning to manage his Diabetes with in eating right, getting his daily insulin shots whenever required, and staying active as any little kid should. Jerry is now back in Washington and getting ready to start school on September 1. Although we live miles apart, his family and I will stay in touch and we will also continue to support this study as we hope that it will make a difference in Jerry's and Rob's lives and countless others who are Type 1 Diabetic.

Meeting Dr. Faustman was such an honor and bonus to participating in this trial. She was so fun to talk to and hear her story on doing this research. I loved to hear how people come from all over the world to participate in this trial, and she and her lab have actually gotten a geography lesson on several occassions with people coming from areas they have never heard of. I applaud her for having such enthusiasm and for taking the time to meet with us and especially to meet with Jerry and giving him and his family for a cure someday!

Phase I tested has been completed and it has been FDA approved that the vaccination being used is safe for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Phase II will begin once funding has been raised.

For more information on this trial and how you can donate to help Phase II get underway, please visit the website at: http://www.faustmanlab.org/. If you or anyone you know has Type 1 Diabetes, I encourage you to become a part of this trial. For more information on Type 1 Diabetes, please visit http://www.diabetes.org/.

7th Annual Bike Run & Raffle for Homes For Our Troops

2010-08-10T14:03:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, August 1, I volunteered at a bike run that was organized to raise funds for an incredible cause called Homes For Our Troops. This organization raises funds to build homes for our military people coming home with serious disabilities and injuries. Homes For Our Troops is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2004, and has been serving our troops who have sustained their disabilities and injuries since September 11, 2001. For more information on this organization and how you can become involved, please visit their website at: http://www.homesforourtroops.org/.

The bike ride started at the Texas Roadhouse in Nashua, NH and ended at the Harley Davidson Dealership in Manchester, NH. I worked the registration table in Nashua, and met so many great people, many who were veterans themselves. It is estimated that about 800 bikers took part in this ride. It was so much fun to welcome the riders to Manchester where they were able to enjoy a great barbecue provided by Texas Roadhouse.

Another person that I met and felt so inspired by was Michael Guglielmo, who's son, Giovanni, underwent a bone marrow transplant that saved his life. Giovanni's father has not stopped there after his son's life was saved, but he has run bone marrow drives anywhere he can, and in fact, this was #503 for him. It is incredible when you hear of a miracle story and that the story of success is promoted to help save other lives. I of course signed up for the registry with filling out paperwork and taking 10 sipes with a cotton swab on each cheek that was put into an envelope. You never know when you may get that call to help save a life, and I know that I would want that hope if it was my child. To learn more about how you can be a bone marrow donor and also read about Giovanni's story, please visit http://www.helpgiovanniguglielmo.org/.

I want to thank Jennifer Mallios, Mrs. New Hampshire International for attending this event with me, as well as my husband and daughter. It was great to share such a great cause with you all.

Helping a research study to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes

2010-07-30T10:51:00.004-04:00

Next week, starting on Monday, I will be helping out a 9 1/2 year old boy by the name of Jerry from Washington State with his battle with Type 1 Diabetes. Jerry was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes right after his second birthday. There was never any history of diabetes in Jerry's family prior to his diagnosis. After years of research and trying to find answers and a cure, Jerry's family came across Dr. Faustman, Director of Mass General Hospital's Immunobiology Laboratory, who was conducting a clinical trial to test for a potential cure for Type 1 Diabetes. The Phase 1 trial began in 2008, and in June of 2010, Phase 1 was completed. The safety data was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration and now plans for Phase II are underway.

Donations of blood are taken between a diabetic and that of a non-diabetic control. The samples for this study are processed blindly and together with the control sample. The control donor must be of no relation and a non-diabetic without any autoimmune diseases.

I am happy to help toward this incredible research as Diabetes has entered into my life with my husband Rob being diagnosed in 2008 as a pre-diabetic and later as a Type 1 Diabetic. With diabetes running in his family, there is a chance that our daughter could become a diabetic, and it is up to us as parents and a family to do everything we can to help prevent and teach. Jerry and his family are very lucky that he at a young age took control to learn the right things to do with his diagnosis and has faced it head on. His participating in this research study will help not only him, but so many others. I am blessed to meet him and his family next week and to do what I can to help not only my family but others as well.

I look forward to letting you know more next week as this process of three days of blood donations starts on Monday. To learn more about Dr. Faustman and her research, please visit her page: http://www.faustmanlab.org/ and www.diabetes1.org/hero/hero.cfm/3.

Merrimack Valley Mom Bloggers

2010-07-21T17:57:00.003-04:00

As I come off of a week of spending time with some of the most amazing women in the world, I got to meet another group of equally amazing women. Today I met with all the Mommy Bloggers I will working with for the Merrimack Valley Mom Blog. I'm so excited about this opportunity as we are all very different, but we have the common bond of being moms. Each of us will bring to the blog something unique and new, and I cannot wait to start reading the posts in August. I know that not only will I be able to share what I have learned becoming a new mom and as Mrs. Massachusetts, but I'll be learning new things from these amazing ladies as well.

To learn more about each one of us, please visit http:/mvmoms.com/about/. Keep an eye out for out blog posts! Also, don't be shy, feel free to share ideas on what you would like to see written about.

Visiting Children's Hospital

2010-07-21T17:30:00.004-04:00

The day after I returned from the Mrs. International Pageant, I had the great opportunity to visit Children's Hospital. My first visit was coordinated by Dr. Edward Neilan to meet with one of his patients, Derick Penney, who is taking part in a study for medicines for his condition of Cockayne Syndrome. Derick is a 6 years old boy with such a great little personality. I was able to sit with him while he was having blood drawn for testing to go along with this study he is part of. While he was going through this process, he held my hand, and even turned around and gave me a kiss on the cheek. After he was done, he took me by the hand and walked me to the playroom to get some trucks and play food. We then came back and got to spend time playing and also speaking with his parents. Derick and his family are here from Arizona, and he has a 5 year old little brother back home. They were telling me about the retreat that they had attended recently and met other families that have children with Cockayne Syndrome. I was so happy to hear that there is such a strong support group for families affected by this syndrome as many of us have never heard of it. When it was time to leave, Derick gave me a huge hug and then ran over to my husband Rob and gave him a hug as well. This boy give so much love, and I feel so blessed to meet him and his family. I know that I will see him the next time he is in Boston for another treatment and I can't wait for that day. To learn more about Derick, please visit: http://www.cockaynesyndrome.net/main/Derick.aspx. To learn more about Cockayne Syndrome, please visit: http://www.cockaynesyndrome.net/main/AboutCS.aspx.

My next visit of the day was to see my beautiful friend Bella Tucker. I was so excited to see her bright smile when she saw me in the doorway and reach out her arms to hug me. Bella's favorite animals are monkeys, and I found one that I thought she would enjoy. The squeel she let out said it all, and she named him Brownie. We watched some Disney TV together, talked about her physical therapy, and also talked about our shoe shopping date someday soon. Bella will soon be transferring to Spaulding Rehab before traveling down to Philadelphia to get fitted for prosthetics and be trained to use them. I have said it before and I will say it again, Bella is the strongest person I know. This little girl exemplifies so much strength, courage, and determination. We all have so much to learn from her. Her attitude is all about "I Can!" and "I Will!".

I love both these children and feel so lucky that they have been brought into my life. I can't wait to see you both really soon! Thank you to Dr. Edward Neilan for introducing me to Derick and for helping me to get educated on Cockayne Syndrome. I do hope that with the power of the title of Mrs. Massachusetts International, I will be able to bring some awareness to this syndrome.

Mrs. International - My Thoughts!

2010-07-19T21:30:00.008-04:00

Althought I did not come home with the title of Mrs. International, I am still so blessed to have had the experience. The ladies that I have met are some of the most amazing people with hearts of gold. I learned about platforms which include Make A Wish Foundation, Kidney Disease, Organ Donation, Domestic Violence, March of Dimes, Mentoring Young Girls, We Get To Foundation, Alzheimers, and that is only a few of them. Each woman has a story and when you get a chance to know them and their story, you have a deep admiration for a program like the Mrs. International Pageant that brought us together, and as a unity we make a difference in our communities and other people's lives.

The week was amazing which began with orientation and being able to finally meet after months of preparation. The very next day we got to tour the city of Chicago and visiting many landmarks including Michigan Avenue, The Bean, Navy Pier, and many other stops along the way. The thing I enjoyed most about Chicago was the amazing skyline and the combination of architecture of the old and the new, including the new Trump Building which is an amazing structure in itself. Following the tour, we started our rehearsals. Our opening number was to the song "Tonight Is Going To Be A Good Night". I have to say that this was the most intimidating process of the whole week as I am not a dancer at all. However, after several run throughs with our choreographer, Lauren, I felt more and more comfortable. The production crew was simply amazing with all of their support and encouragement. They put together an amazingly professional opening number and general production of the entire preliminary and final shows. A special thank you goes out to Scott Seidl, Rebecca Shubart, Kyle Henry, and Laine Berry for being such a huge part of our success on stage and for making us shine and feel like stars.

Interviews came on Thursday, and I was so happy to be part of the first group and have my interview first thing in the morning. I was so excited to be able to share my platform and the reasons why I have chosen to champion Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection. For me it is a the personal story of losing my mom due to her not having a mammogram to detect her breast cancer at an early stage. Sharing her story allows me to put a face to the disease and share something so personal to show people the effects non-early detection can have on a patient and their family. I will always advocate for awareness, detection, prevention, and celebration of life. Self breast exams are a must for women of all ages along with mammograms after the age of 40 or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer. Eating healthy and maintaining an exercise program is so important too. In the United States, we have 2.5 million breast cancer survivors, but there are still 1 in 35 women diagnosed with this disease that lose their battle with breast cancer. Spreading the world about awareness will hopefully help many women reach that 98% suvivral rate through early detection.

After interviews were completed, I was so excited to welcome my family to Chicago. It had been a few days since seeing them, and as most new moms know, our children change on a daily basis, and Sierra's hair was longer and she seemed to have grown a little bit too. It was so good to hug her and see her smile as well as to see my husband Rob. Later in the afternoon it was off to more rehearsals. On Friday the husbands got the chance to meet with Eddie Peterson who is one of the most amazing and inspirational speakers. I still love his story of "You don't know my life!". Folowing the husband's meeting, they came to the North Shore Convention Center to join us for rehearsals of the evening gown competition. The Mrs. International Pageant is the only married women's pageant that showcases a married couple as a couple. I was so proud of Rob walking the stage with me. Preliminary night began with our opening number and we all looked stunning in our purple Sherri Hill dresses. We then changed and started the fitness wear competition followed by the evening gown. I loved my gown so much as it was a gown that my mother had gotten me years ago in hopes of wearing it someday when I got married and competed in a Mrs. pageant. I certainly had my mother on stage with me wearing this dress, and was thankful that at the end of the walk, Rob was with me to hug me as I did have emotions run through me of missing her so much. Rob did an outstanding job on stage and I was so proud to showcase us as a couple. Saturday brought us back to rehearsals, but this time practicing for the finals show preparing us for top 10. I was able to share my platform on stage and was so proud to speak about my mother and platform with confidence and love. The finals show was wonderful, and although I didn't make the top 10, I completed what I set out to do. I was able to make new friends, share my platform and personal relation to it, and have the time of my life. I want to congratulate Shannon Devine, Mrs. International 2010. She will do an amazing job representing the wonderful arena of adoption having her own personal story with Haley Grace, also known as Miss Magic. I wish Shannon a year like no other, and I hope that her travels bring her to Massachusetts so that we can meet again.

I want to personally thank Mary Richardson for guiding me through this journey and being the best director a girl could have. You are a woman who has taught me so much about class, hard work, and believing in yourself. Being Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010 has changed my life for the better. I have been able to share this year with my daughter and husband, and I know that the experiences brought with it will help shape Sierra's life in a positive way for years to come. I cannot say thank you enough, and I can only hope to have made you proud.

To the Class of 2010, you are the most amazing and inspirational women ever! I love you all and miss you so much! I have been asked by many to coordinate a reunion, and there is nothing I would love more. Please be sure to let me know your thoughts of anything you would like to do and we can share them to get a general consensus on what is best for us as far as time and place. I can't wait to see you all again one day, but till then, I look forward to following your journeys in life. Thank you for being such huge supporters of me as Mrs. Massachusetts and staying true to who you said you were prior to Mrs. International. Being an only child, I view many of you as sisters now. My roommate, Mrs. North Carolina, Cynthia Griner, I thank you for the fun and endless hours of conversation even when we were most tired. I miss you!

Now it is back to being mom, wife, career woman, and Mrs. Massachusetts. I look forward to all the wonderful opportunities this title has yet to bring to my family and I. I will continue to share my year with you and thank you for all the support through it all.

Mrs. International - Day 1

2010-07-14T06:47:00.003-04:00

The morning started off very early with my dad picking me up at 4:00a.m. to catch a flight at 6:50a.m. from Boston to Chicago. The travel was so easy, and I was so excited to finally meet Mrs. Michigan, Toni Joerres, who was picking me up at the airport. After all the months of connecting on Facebook, my fellow New Englander and I were able to catch up in person. As soon as we walked into the Doubletree Hotel in Skokie, there was Mrs. Tennessee, Cydney Miller, who let out the biggerst squeel and ran over and gave me the largest hug. She's another beautiful lady who is doing her part to support cancer awareness, outreach, research, and making a differenct for those afflicted. As I spent time in the lobby, I met so many more ladies who I have gotten to know over Facebook since winning my crown in October. The hugs came naturally as it was more of a reunion rather then a first time meeting. I finally got into my room around 1:00p.m. and was able to rest after a long week of final preparations and travel. At 6:00p.m., we all met in the Monaco Ballroom for our Orientation. Once again, it was all hugs and hellos. After being introduced to the staff of Mrs. International, we were able to introduce ourselves and share the funniest part of our reigns to date. I of course shared the time that I brought my daughter to a fashion show at a Senior Center, and after not wanting to be put down all afternoon, she got down and started walking around and waving to all the residents. What made this story really funny is that she was such a hit, that a few of the residents wanted to buy her from me, or gave me the homework assignment of going home and creating another one exactly like her. It makes me chuckle to think of it again and about the wonderful experience to see my little girl put such a big smile on people's faces and brighten their days. We got so much information about what to expect from our week and the best advice of making this experience all that we can from all the speakers. When I got to my room, I finally got to spend time with my roommate, Mrs. North Carolina, Cynthia Griner. She is lovely, and I look forward to sharing my time with her. We have a week full of activities ahead and a lot of rehearsals, but one thing is for sure, the Class of 2010 will produce one of the most amazing Mrs. Internationals ever! I am very much looking forward to sharing this experience with all these ladies. I feel like I have friends for life in many, and although we may not live close to one another, there's a thing called vacation and getting together. I love to travel, so I have so many wonderful states to visit now!

Have a great day, and I'll update you with pictures and posts whenever I can. To follow the Mrs. International pageant in real time, please visit their blog at http://www.theinternationalpageants.blogspot.com/. This site will be updated live the night of finals, so if you check it out, you will know the results much faster then any of us can get them to you via our calls or text messages!

Ok, its off to tour Chicago now!

Lowell Spinners Game

2010-07-10T23:04:00.005-04:00

Last night I got to throw out the first pitch at the Lowell Spinners Game. I was star struck when I got the opportunity to meet former New England Patriot Steven Grogan who also threw out a pitch as well as Loren & Wally from 105.7 Radio. I had such a blast being driven out on the field along with them all and being treated like a true celebrity by the fans. The best part was prior to the game, kids brining their baseballs and hats for me to sign. I mean come on, I'm Mrs. Massachusetts, not a baseball player! I was completely blown away, and it was such an amazing feeling to do these little things for them. This also continued after the first pitch as I was going to find my seats to join my family. It was so much fun. Kids are always so enthusiastic and they think, speak, and act from the heart, and I always try to remember that someday that will be Sierra asking someone for an autograph, and I try to be the way that I hope someone would be to her. Thank you to the Lowell Spinners for including me in their pre-game celebrations and giving me such a wonderful opportunity and many memories that will make me smile when I think of them.

Meeting Bella Tucker

2010-07-10T22:23:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I had the most incredible opportunity to meet a little girl that has inspired so many and has won so many hearts. For me, if I have ever admired anyone so much to call them a hero, it is Bella. At 8 years old, Bella has more strength and courage then most people I know as adults. In such a short period of time, she has gone through so much. After battling Streptococcus Pneumoniae Sepsis, Bella fell into a choma, had all four of her limbs amputated, and also got through pneumonia. I knew that going to Children's Hospital to meet her would be amazing, but I never realized how rewarding this experience would be. To meet Bella and see her bright smile as her dad wheeled her to the lobby and see her waving to us was the best feeling. We took a walk to an outside garden and talked a little bit about the things that Bella enjoys such as gymnastics, her family, Mrs. BoJangles her cat, and also shoes. Bella has been told that with her new prosthetics, she will be able to wear normal shoes, to which we invited her on a shoe shopping trip, and her smile got larger and brighter, she is such a girl! Its amazing how far medicine and technology has come, Bella's dad told us that the prosthetics that Bella will be getting will be attached to her nerves which will allow Bella's body to control the prosthetics. That is just amazing! When it got a little to warm, we went into the game room and continued to chat and get to know Bella and her family. Also visiting Bella were her neighbors, her aunt and cousins, and her grandmother. It was so nice to meet them and it easy to see where this girl gets her cheer and strength, they are such loving people. We then took a walk back to Bella's room and got to witness her physical therapy session. Bella did 12 different exercises and after each exercise, we got to give her a monkey award on her door. If you don't know, Bella loves monkeys, and she had pictures and stuffed animals all over her room. To watch her do her exercise and see her strength physically and mentally is amazing. She is such a determined little girl, and you couldn't help to notice how proud everyone in teh room was of her. When it was time to leave, we took the elevator ride with Bella as she was heading to have lunch with her family, and as we parted ways, Bella gave us all a great big hug. I was so proud to have met her and her family and also to present funds raised at the East Longmeadow Carnival and some Bella Bracelet sales. You could see the appreciation in her dad's eyes. I know that this family will be a part of my life for a very long time, and I also know that Sierra will grow up looking up to Bella for so many reasons. Bella will do amazing things in her life, and I am so greatful I got to know her and can't wait to support her in all she does.

Along with me came Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Brooke Bibeault and Miss Massachusetts World Teen Tamara Sacharczyk. I have had the honor of sharing my year and several appearances with both, and I think that we all have to agree that this has to have been one of the major highlights of our reigns. Bella has won a very special place in all three of our hearts. Maybe we will even take a road trip to visit Bella in Philadelphia while she is getting her prosthetics.

Another great moment we had was when we were saying good-bye to Bella, a mom approached Tamara's mom to see if we could come and visit her daughter who at 5 years old had just had open heart surgery just a few days ago. When we walked into the room, this little girl's smile just beamed! We took a picture with her and she loved wearing my crown. It was so nice to see her mom smile and be so appreciative that we took the time to visit her daughter. We also got to meet a few other kids who were patients at Children's Hospital in the game room while we visited with Bella.

As Brooke and I were walking to the garage to our cars, a gentleman stopped us and asked what we were doing at Children's and who we were affiliated with. We shared Bella's story with him and told him we were there to meet her and to deliver funds we had raised for her cause. He asked if he could talk to us about research that he is involved in for Cockayne Syndrome. If you have not heard of this disease, it is a rare genetic disorder characterized by poor growth, microcephaly, progeria (premature aging), sensitivity to sunlight, moderate to profound developmental and neurological delays, and a shortened lifespan. CS is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. In order for a child to be affected by CS, he or she must inherit a mutation (-) in the same CS gene from both parents. The parents and other “carriers” of a single CS gene mutation remain healthy. Once a couple are known to carriers, they have a 1 in 4 (25%) chance of having another child with CS. As Ed was telling us about this, Brooke told him that a family friend's child had died of this disease. Once again, there are no coincidences in life, and things happen for a reason which is why Brooke and I were leaving the hospital with our banners still on to catch this person's attention. Today I got an e-mail from Ed expressing his gratitude for sharing our time with him to allow him to talk to us about CS. I am so looking forward to working with he and Brooke to bring awareness and meet these special little kids and hopefully make a difference in their lives in whatever way we can.

Thank you again to Bella and her family for allowing us the opportunity to come and see her and to spend an incredible day with her. We are so blessed to have met you and have you in our lives. http://www.friendsofbella.org/.

Mitochondrial Disease

2010-07-10T21:49:00.003-04:00

While I attended the Chelmsford Country Fair and walked around with Rob and Sierra checking out all the booths, we came across the booth for Immune Deficiency Foundation. Mitochondrial Disease is a disease I had never heard about and I was so happy that Stefani reached out and asked if I could come over and speak with her. She told me that she was diagnosed with this disease as an adult and after carrying her daughter during pregnancy, it was discovered that her daughter also has this disease, and now her son will be tested to see if he is a carrier as well. Her story amazed me as well as the fact that I have never heard of this disease and that there is no cure. To listen to a person who is living through this tell you that there is currently no cure, makes you want to learn and see if there is anything you can do to help. That's where I hope the power of the title of Mrs. Massachusetts will allow me to provide some support as well as spread the word. The one thing that I have learned this year is that you just never know how your life can be impacted any different day and from what. I look forward to being in touch with Stefani and figuring out a game plan on how I and others interested can help.

Here is a little bit of information about what Mitochondrial Disease is: Mitochnondria are often called the "powerhouses of the cell." They are specialized compartments within almost every cell and are responsible for producing the energy needed by our body to sustain life. Mitochondria combine oxygen from the air we breathe with calories from food to produce the energy required for all bodily functions. If the mitochondria fail to produce sufficient energy, the cell will not function properly and organ systems will fail. There are more than 40 known types of mitochondrial disorders and more then 200 inherited diseases of metabolism that are known to affect mitochondria. While the majority of the cases are inherited, there are cases in which the disease seems to be a random occurence. Patients present with wide range of symptoms including strokes, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, blindness, deafness, respiratory diffficulties, lactic aciosis, immune system problems, autistic-like symptoms, and liver disease.

To learn more, please visit www.umdf.org.

Chelmsford 4th of July Parade

2010-07-06T22:44:00.006-04:00

The 4th of July festivities continued on Monday, July 5, at the Annual Chelmsford 4th of July Parade! This parade is one of the largest and well known parades in the state of Massachusetts. This year's parade had many special guests including Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown who I got to personally meet and have my picture taken with. He was a very gracious person walking around meeting and greeting people and taking pictures with whoever asked. Attorney General Martha Coakley also was in presence. I was so greatful to the Chelmsford Parade Committee for inviting me to particpipate in this even, especially since it is in my hometown. I was in a brand new 2011 Shelby GT Mustang Convertible car. Everyone that I told about the care was in awe, and I have to admit I can see why when I saw the car in person. What made this ride so special to me was that the car was provided by Jim Dolan of The Dolan Funeral Home in Chelmsford. In 2007 when my mom passed away, I went to the phone book to look for a funeral home to help us with arrangements. Having never been through this process, Jim and his staff walked us through the most difficult time and made it so much easier. Our paths crossed this time for such a celebratory experience, and I was able to thank Jim personally for how much he helped us during that time.

As I rode the parade route, I was so touched by all the families that came out to watch the parade, especially in the hot weather. The kids were amazing and it was so fun to waive to them and say hello. I even heard a little girl Riley, who I met a the Chelmsford Country Fair the prior day, scream my name, and her mom was so psyched when I waved back and yelled Riley's name. Its experiences like this that I love about being Mrs. Massachusetts, I am able to put smiles on people's faces, especially the kids. I was able to share this experience with my niece Kayla who was able to ride with me. She looked adorable in her outfit with her sequined hat. She loved that someone gave her an American Flag which she got to waive around.

Thank you to the entire Chelmsford Parade Staff, you created an amazing event which the whole town enjoyed! I'm so excited to have been a part of it! A very special Thank You to our Armed Forces who give so unselfishly with all they do. I hope that each and every one that is serving overseas is able to return back to their families, and those that are no longer with us, I thank you for giving us our freedoms and you will never be forgotten!

Chelmsford Country Fair

2010-07-06T22:15:00.005-04:00

I am so incredibly proud to be living in the Town of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This weekend the town put together a country fair that got so many different parts of our town involved. There were booths all around the Chelmsford Common ranging from school organizations such as the music department, swim & dive team, class of 2012 to name a few. Also represented were booths for the Chelmsford Mother's Club, Chelmsford Republican and Democratic Committees, Bella's Friends, Chelmsford Recycle Program, and so many more. The Chelmsford Rotary Club had a mini choo choo traing ride around the common for children and their families. There was a lot of musical and dance entertainment. I loved being a part of my friend Maureen's booth which was doing a Rubber Duckie Adoption and raffles with all proceeds being donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. What is so special to me about events like this is when there are suvivors who open up to me after I speak to them about my platform of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection, and hear their stories. So many credit a mammogram for saving their lives which is a part of my message everywhere I go. There was one woman who stopped by and bought a few raffle tickets and she is a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor. I thanked her for sharing her story with me and let her know that she is the hope for those that are newly diagnosed with this disease. There was also a gentleman who came by and bought several raffles and told us that his wife passed away from this disease and thanked us for what we are doing. The more I do this, I realize that everyone has a story and is in some way affected, and it makes me even stronger to further pursue spreading my mother's story and advocating the importance of awareness, detection, prevention, and celebration of life. I want to congratulate Maureen and her mom Sally on a job well done and they raised about $350 by weekend's end. I had such a great time, was happy to see my husband and daughter stop by and enjoy the festivities and to see all the children and their families that came.

East Longmeadow Carnival for Bella Tucker

2010-07-06T21:49:00.004-04:00

On Saturday July 3, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the East Longmeadow 4th of July Carnival with some of my sister queens Tamara Sacharczyk, Miss Massachusetts Teen World who just got back from Houston after competing for the Miss Teen US World title and placed top 10, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA who is off to compete in Miss Teen USA on July 24 in the Bahamas, and Trish Grzela, Miss Pink who won this title that is dedicated to Breast Cancer Survivors. We all got together to raise funds for Bella Tucker by selling raffles for four custom created jewelry pieces from Karmic Kreations by Kathleen O'Connor and a basket full of Aveda Products. Kathleen O'Connor who I met through Great Dog Rescue of New England while adopting one of my dogs saw my facebook post on the carnival event, could not attend, but wanted to do something to help raise funds for Bella. I was so touched that our paths crossed once again for another good cause, and I thank her for her generosity, her pieces are beautiful. Please visit her Facebook to view more items she's designed. Also thank you to Trish who owns two salons and donated the Aveda basket worth $100. It was amazing to see Trish and also Tamara's mom at work passing out flyers I printed out and asking everyone to spread the word about Bella's story. People just came by entering the raffle and also buying Bella Tucker Bracelets. Some people were just so touched that they just came by and made donations without even entering the raffle. At the end of the night, I was so excited to let the girls know that we raised $320, all proceeds to be donated to Friends of Bella.

Now, I look forward to personally meeting Bella on Friday, July 9 to give her all the donations we collected, and I am so excited to share this incredible experience with Brooke and Tamara. This visit will be the highlight of my year as this little girl represents strength and courage in a way that I have never seen before, and it makes me appreciate life so much when I hear how well Bella is doing these days! Stay tuned for my update on this incredible visit!

If you have not already, please go to http://www.friendsofbella.org/ where you can learn more about Bella and donate. I am also selling Bella Bracelets, so please let me know if you or anyone are interested in purchasing one. Thank you!

Send Off for Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA

2010-06-29T10:18:00.003-04:00

On Saturday evening I attended the send off party for Brooke, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA at her family home in Uxbridge, MA. Brooke and I first met when I asked her and Lacey, Miss Masschusetts USA to join me on a Habitat for Humanity build project in Bedford, MA back in February. Since then, Brooke and I have done so many events together bringing awareness to so many causes such as Habitat, Breast Cancer, American Heart Association, Best Buddies, to name a few and I am sure there will be so many more to come. We had an amazing appearance together at the UMass Worcester Pediatric Unit where we got to visit some great kids and their families, and we were so touched to be welcomed by everyone as we were. Brooke is an incredibly accomplished young woman with so many different sides to her. She is an amazing basketball player, has modeled in NY Fashion Week, has biked 100 miles to raise funds for Best Buddies, graduated high school this year, and also won Miss Massachusetts Teen USA on her second try. Its been an incredible year for her, and her next stop is Miss Teen USA in the Bahamas on July 24. I am so proud of Brooke, she is like a little sister/daughter to me. Her parents are two of the most genuine people I have ever met, and they have done such a great job of raising Brooke and her little brother. When I asked her father how they did it, he said it was easy as Brooke is one of the most humble people he has ever met, and that is such a true statement. I am so proud that Brooke is such an incredible role model to young women in our state (and hopefully the nation soon), and I look forward to the many years of her being a role model to my daughter Sierra!

Good Luck at Miss Teen USA Brooke! The Marshall Family loves you!

Habitat for Humanity House Dedication

2010-06-29T09:56:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, June 26, I was invited to attend the house dedications for the Nguyen and Wiggins families with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. This was such an honor for me as I worked on the Wiggins family home in February as well as in May. In February, I got together with Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts USA, Lacey Wilson, and Miss Connecticut USA, Ashley Bickford to work on this house and we all met for the first time ever. As we arrived, we were all presented with Hot Pink Hard Hats that had Crowns attached to them. It was such a nice gesture and something that will forever stay in my life as a trophy of this experience during my reign as Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010. It was so incredibly cold that day, but Brooke, Lacey, and myself were put to work to dig the master sewer trench in the basement. This was no easy task as the ground was almost frozen solid. With a little assistance from a Jack Hammer, we were able to break through the ground and rock and dig about an 8 foot long by 1 foot deep trench. It was an amazing experience considering I have never done such a thing, and to see three beauty queens put there muscles to some hard work was awesome. We definitely changed the perception of beauty queens that day! In May I came back during the Women's Build Week with a few of my co-workers. That day I learned to use a few different table saws as well as a nail gun. I was taught how to measure out pieces of hardwood floor to put down, cut them down to measurement, and then install. I also nailed down the baseboards. The room that I worked on that day was for Dimitrius Wiggins who is the young gentleman that has Cerebral Palsy, and this home needed to be designed with handicap accessibility.

On the Saturday Dedication, I was finally able to meet Alexis and Dimitrius. I had heard so much about them from their mom Debra. Debra is herself an amazing woman and so deserving of this home, Bbing a single mom and raising three amazing kids, she's worked so hard. She also understands the dynamic of the Habitat for Humanity program and giving back to an organization that has helped her family. She was given the opportunity to choose a home anywhere in the world to have Habitat for Humanity help another family. Not only did she raise funds for this effort, but she chose a family in Bulgaria who she felt a connection with as one of the children also has Cerebral Palsy, and knowing how Habitat has helped her and Dimitrius, she wanted to give back to a family that would have the same type of help.

I cannot wait to get back from Chicago as my next task at hand will be to go shopping with little Alexis and pick out the perfect yellow color paint for her walls, and I am going to help her paint her room. She did mention that Micky Mouse is her favorite character, so I am thinking there will have to be a little Micky to keep her company. Dimitrius mentioned that his favorite colors are blue and red, and his favorite character is Spiderman, so I think I will have to come up with something creative for his room as well!

Congratulations to such a deserving family, and thank you to everyone at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell who make dreams become a reality. Thank you to Kim Trainor for welcoming me into the Habitat Family and I can't wait to work on the next home, which I hear is going to be built by women only, and I have been asked to be a part of that planning committee!

My Journey as Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010

2010-06-25T09:53:00.015-04:00

As I prepare to leave for Chicago to compete in the Mrs. International Pageant, I reflect on my time as Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010, and cannot believe the journey that I have had. I have come a long way since being crowned in October, and I am so thankful for the opportunity. After not having been involved in pageantry since 1994, I decided to compete again eight weeks after my daughter was born as a means of motivation to get back into shape. The first pageant was a learning experience and I realized that I wanted to do more then just compete to get back in shape, I wanted to stand up for a passion very near and dear to my heart. In 2006, my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer, and unfortunately in 2007, she lost her battle with this disease. Two years after losing her, I felt that I needed to share her story and show people how important awareness and early detection are. You see, I experienced two sides of cancer with my mother. In 1990, she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and was a survivor after surgery due to early detection. She lived so many years of celebrating life, birthdays, traveling, etc, until that July in 2006 when she, my dad, and I heard the words "You have breast cancer". Those words changed our lives forever. My mother was the strongest women I ever knew. Something that many people don't know is that my parents came to the United States in 1969 from Poland and Czechoslovakia with nothing but themselves and a few personal belongings. From that point on, they learned the English language, found jobs, started a family, and became US citizens. If that doesn't exemplify strength, nothing else does. As she fought this battle with breast cancer, I knew that our time was limited, and when she passed in November of 2007, I realized there would be so many things that she would miss out on in my life. Because she was so ill at the time, she never got to meet my boyfriend at the time, Rob, who in December became my Fiance, and in September of 2008 became my husband. She would never meet my beautiful daughter Sierra. Having gone through this loss and not being able to share these monumental milestones in life with her, made me want to fight to make a difference so that no other family has to experience the loss and saddness that we did without my mom. Awareness and early detection are the most critical factors in helping someone diagnosed with breast cancer conquer this disease. We are making leaps in research and our death rates have been decreasing since 1990 because people are aware, screening, and treatments are getting better each day.

I started my reign by making introductions of who I was and what my platform was and asking to volunteer wherever I could. Little did I know the doors about to open up to me. I was welcomed by Lowell General Hospital and asked to become their Honorary Chairperson for TeamWalk for CancerCare. I was asked to speak at several Relay for Life events with the American Cancer Society. I raised funds for LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare, Susan G. Komen, Avon Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association to name a few. I participated in a Polar Plunge to raise funds for cancer and I also dug a master sewer trench and learned to use table saws and a nail gun to put down hardwood floors and baseboards at a house for Habitat for Humanity. At work I coordinated fundraisers which also provided educational sessions for breast cancer and also heart health for my fellow employees. I have traveled my state sharing my mother's story as well as mine and have learned so many new things with regards to breast cancer awareness, prevention, heart health, and working in my community. The confidence I have gained is amazing. When I spoke at my first Relay for Life Kick-off, I could barely get through my story without my voice quivering and tears rolling down my face, now I share the story with a smile and strength as I know I am making my mother proud and making a difference. This has not only been a rewarding journey, but also therapeutic one in a sense knowing that I am not the only daughter that has gone through this with the people who have shared their stories back with me and said thank you for coming out to share mine with them.

I want to thank Lowell General Hospital's Andrea Jackson, Ellen Kallman, Meg Lemire, and so many others for welcoming me into their organization and helping me spread my word. To Kevin Campbell, Helen Sullivan, Beverly Siebert, and all the other Surivors and Patient Families, you have filled my heart with hope and inspiration with all you do to remember your loved ones and for your survivorship. To Lisa Einstein at the American Heart Association who shared with me ideas on how to better my life with heart health as well as sharing knowledge that helped me earlier this year when my father was going through heart related issues, I thank you so much! To the American Cancer Society who has amazing programs for cancer patients and their families, thank you for putting together the most amazing event, The Relay for Life. To my Relay for Life Team, Queens for Relay, I thank you so much for all your hard work to raise funds and help our team come in second place for fundraising! The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is an amazing organization that focuses on PREVENTION of breast cancer, I am so proud that you are an organization in my home state educating our residents on how to prevent breast cancer. The New England Coaltion for Cancer Survivorship which helps patients after they have fought the battle of their life and helps them in their new journey in life as Survivors. To the Chelmsford Rotary Club and the Town of Chelmsford for including me in your events and making me so proud of the town I live in! A new opportunity that came my way was winning a contest to be a Mommy Blogger with the Merrimack Valley Moms! I've always had a passion for writing, and this is an amazing opportunity to share and learn through writing on life as a mom.

I will be off on a jet plane to meet some of the most amazing women at the Mrs. International Pageant on July 13. Facebook has been such an amazing tool for us to create friendships well in advance. I am so looking forward to meeting my new friends Feryl, Cydney, Deanna, Julie, Shannon, Shana, Anita, Jennifer(s), Toni, Bernadette, Elaine, Nancy-Ellen, Cynthia, Heather, Remy! You have all been so supportive and encouraging to me, and I cannot wait to finally meet you! Being an only child, I feel like I have lots of sisters now! To all the other ladies that I will meet, it will be an incredible time, and I know that the Class of 2010 will produce the most amazing Mrs. International ever! Mary Richardson, thank you for choosing me as your Mrs. Massachusetts, your support, and belief in me. You have an amazing organization that supports women to be the best that they can be and to help them promote what is nearest and dearest to their hearts in their platforms and their families.

Thank you to my husband Rob, my daughter Sierra, my father, and all my family and friends! Your support and belief in me means more then you will ever know, and I could not have done this without you! Because of you and this experience, I am a better wife, mother, and person. Life is a gift, and each day needs to be cherished as if there is no tomorrow!

Thank you all for being a part of my life and I hope to make everyone proud as Mrs. Massachusetts at the Mrs. International Pageant and beyond!

Mom, I know that you are looking down on me and you have guided me down this path in life. Thank you for teaching me to be a strong woman and laying the foundation for me to be the mom that I am to Sierra! You are always in my heart and I know that you will be on that Mrs. International stage with me, in that dress that you chose for me so many years ago saying "Maybe someday when you get married and compete in a Mrs. Pageant, you can wear this!" That day has come and I know I will feel beautiful and have you right there with me! I miss you and love you!

Chicago, here I come, and I know "Tonight's Going to be a Good Night!"

Skydiving for a Cure by Audrey Rose for Susan G. Komen

2010-06-20T22:46:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Audrey Rose for putting together an amazing event to raise funds for Susan G. Komen and Breast Cancer. With this event, she raised $2500 where $50 of each jump was donated to SGK as well as the proceeds of the raffles and refreshments and food. It was such a beautiful day and to see people who are survivors jumping and those that support this cause made the day even more beautiful. Congratulations to Barbara on her jump and I loved hearing her enthusiasm after the jump, and also to my friend Maureen for introducing me to Audrey and Barbara and this event! Who knows, maybe someday I'll jump for a cure, now that would be something!

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition - Against the Tide

2010-06-20T22:02:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, June 19, I attended the event held by the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition called Against the Tide. This event included a 1 mile competitive or recreational swim, a 2 mile kayak, a 3 mile walk, and a 5K FUN run. I had the opportunity to speak right before the recreational swim and to do the countdown for the swimmers to start. This was very special to me as I was a competitive swimmer in high school, and it definitely gave me the urge to jump in that water. It was amazing to see how many people turned up for this event.

What makes the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition special is that it is very unlike many of the breast cancer foundations we are familiar with, this organization focuses on prevention with our environment and our diet. I think that this is so important to educate people about prevention, because although we hope for a cure someday, we have to live in the present and work to prevent breast cancer now. Please visit their website to learn more on how you can learn to prevent and about this amazing organization at http://www.mbcc.org/.

I want to thank the many sponsors who were at this event with the wonderful food products to feed the participants and to educate about healthy eating. Whole Foods, Cabot Cheese, Eddy's, and Paino Organics to name a few. A very special thank you to Cheryl Osimo, Director of Special Events and Communications for inviting me to be a part of this wonderful event and teaching me about PREVENTION and helping me add it to my platform of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection. I'm so proud that there is an organization based in my state of Massachusetts that is working so hard to get the message about breast cancer prevention out to the public.

Merrimack Valley Mom Blog

2010-06-18T19:40:00.002-04:00

Earlier this month, I on a whim decided to enter a contest that I went back and forth on about participating in. I thought to myself that entering the Merrimack Valley Mom Blog Contest would allow me to share my experiences as a wife, mother, career woman, and someone who gives to her community. The reason I chose to enter was because I feel that holding the title of Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010 has given me a voice to advocate about Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection and sharing my mother's story of losing her battle to this disease. Little did I know that being chosen as Mrs. Massachusetts, I would have opportunities of a lifetime come my way. I have learned so much, have become part of organizations that I never knew existed, and have been able to share it all with my family. As I go along this journey, I learn to be a better mom and hope to one day have my daughter look up to me with all the positive things I have done and to follow in my footsteps. When I say that, it doesn't mean that she has to be involved in pageants, but I hope that she will be someone who gives back to the community and to those that are less fortunate. I hope that she finds a cause that is dear to her heart and is able to make a difference. Above all, I want to see her be a happy little girl, grow into a beautiful young woman, and eventually have all her dreams come true, whaterever she chooses to do in her life.

Social networking such as Facebook and blogs have allowed me to share with people all that I have done with the Mrs. Massachusetts title, and I realize that there will be so much information to give and to absorb communicating about issues that moms experience each day.

I can't wait to start, and will keep you posted on all the new developments and posts that I am part of with this new endeavour.

I want to thank the people who were tasked to choose the winners of this contest, and I want to congratulate all the ladies that entered. You should be proud that you were confident with who you are as a woman and mom to enter into this wonderful opportunity. You all have so much to offer based on what I have read with all your entries, and I hope that our paths cross and that we continue to inspire one another with our experiences and our stories. This is an opportunity for me to share, but to also learn from you, and I am so very greatful for having been chosen.

To see more details of this contest and the other winners, please visit: www.mvmoms.com/.

Fundraiser for Bella Tucker

2010-06-15T11:23:00.003-04:00

On July 3, I am fundraising for Bella Tucker along with Miss Massachusetts Teen World, Tamara Sacharczyk, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Pink, Trish Grzela, and Miss New Hampshire National Miss, Shauna Conwell, at our booth at the East Longmeadow Carnival to be held at Veterans' Memorial Field.

Bella is a beautiful 8 year old girl who on Easter Weekend was rushed to the hosptial with a strep infection. Little did she or her family know that their lives would be forever changed. Bella lost all four of her limbs as a result of this infection. She has been between Children's Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Center since Easter Weekend. As you can imagine, the medical expenses are rising each day for Bella's family. We are gathering at the carnival to raise awareness to Bella's story and help raise funds for her ongoing treatments. Bella is from Londonderry, NH, and her dad grew up in my hometown of Chelmsford, MA. My heart has been filled since first hearing about Bella's story, and being a mom, I cannot get her beautiful face out of my head. I am hoping to share and spread my passion for Bella with all of you in hopes of making this a successful fundraiser. If you are not able to attend the carnival, but would like to make a donation, please visit http://www.friendsofbella.org/.

The Rotary Club of Chelmsford

2010-06-14T21:43:00.003-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to speak to the Rotary Club of Chelmsford. I introduced myself, spoke about my platform as Mrs. Massachusetts International, talked about the community service and involvement I have had, and my plans for the future. This appearance was very special as my husband was able to attend and hear me speak about our life and this year that we have shared together as a family. Once again, I was amazed at the support and thanks I received after speaking and how many people came and told me that they themselves were cancer survivors and appreciate what I am doing with my platform and the organizations I work with. I was also asked to become a part of this organization after I return from the Mrs. International Pageant, as they saw a perfect fit with my community involvement and the values of the Chelmsford Rotary Club. I am once again so honored, and I thank the Mrs. International Program for giving me this opportunity and helping me to become the person I am today because of the opportunities that have come my way by holding this prestigious title. Having this title has allowed me the chance to have a voice and make a difference.

Mrs. New Hampshire America 2010

2010-06-14T17:00:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Mrs. New Hampshire America 2010, Heather Merrill, who will be going to compete at Mrs. America in Tuscon, Arizona later this summer! I first met Heather earlier this year when she competed in the Mrs. New Hampshire United States Pageant and was first runner-up. I know she will have an amazing year and I know that our paths will cross at least a few times. Heather, make this year a chapter in your life that you will never forget. You will share many special times with your family, and you will be making your state incredibly proud of you in serving you community! Welcome to the sisterhood of titleholders and once again congratulations on your new title!

New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship

2010-06-14T15:48:00.003-04:00

The New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship had a booth at the Channel 7 Health and Fitness Expo, and I was asked to be a part of it on June 13. This organization focuses on helping cancer patients and their families and care givers to educate, advocate, and empower the patients after going through the fights of their lives. Cancer patients focus on their treatment plans after they are diagnosed as do their families, doctors, and care providers. It is after the treatments end that survivors need support as they move into the next phase of their lives. I saw just how important this is in the stories I heard yesterday and how thankful those that have fought the battle of cancer were to learn that there is an organization already in place to help them through this next chapter of their lives. There was a woman that I met that was a one year breast cancer survivor. I was so touched by her story and how hard she worked along with her family to get her to the point she is today. She shared with me that the Dana Farber Cancer Institute has asked her to be a speaker and I encourage her to do so as she is a role model to the women that face this battle. She was so excited to meet me and to talk to Karen from NECCS to learn that they had similarities in things going on with their bodies now that they are both survivors. There was another older woman that I met who had tears brought to her eyes when she learned what NECCS does for cancer patients. I told both women that they are the face of Survivorship, and although not always easy, they provide the hope, the strength, and the inspiration to those that are just entering the journey of becoming a cancer survivor. They represent the fact that you can survive cancer and live. NECCS is an amazing organization that is built from survivorship, and I am so proud and honored that they have asked me to be a part of their organization. I look forward to the opportunity and to see this organization grow and see the wonderful things they will do for the people that are survivors. To learn more about NECCS, please visit their website at www.neccs.org.

Remember Beads

2010-06-14T15:12:00.003-04:00

I came across a booth at the Channel 7 Health and Fitness Expo that touched my heart and promotes Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection. As I was heading to the NECCS booth which I was going to be a part of for the afternoon, a woman came to me and asked if she could talk with Mrs. Massachusetts for a moment, which I agreed to as I saw the booth name from afar and was going to stop to take a look at anyway. She started off by telling me that their products are designed to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and immediately I stopped the woman and told her that my platform as Mrs. Massachusetts is Breast Cancer and the Importance of Early Detection. We automatically had a bond and connection. This woman is Marth Hayward who came up with this idea after she herself went through breast cancer treatments. You see, Remember Beads promote the awareness to a woman to know what she is looking for when doing self breast examinations which are a must by all women to detect breast cancer at an early stage. The size of each bead represents the different stages a tumor in the breast. What better way to open up conversation and bring awarness then having something that people will ask questions about. The products include lanyards, doorknob hangers, keychains, and necklaces. Another part of the conversation I enjoyed with Marth is that the way that many times they get these products made are by getting together for a party, enjoying conversation and with appetizers and drinks, and making these products. We all have had parties to promote comanies to sell products, but what about making products that actually bring meaning to awareness of a disease that takes too many women away from us each day because they are not aware of how to detect tumors in their breast or what to look for. I am very passionate to learn more about this company, and to have a party of my own with friends to promote my platform and belief in this cause! Please visit the website at http://www.rememberbeads.com/. I thank Martha for her generosity with some beautiful pieces which I am so excited to share with friends and at Mrs. International

Channel 7 Health and Fitness Expo

2010-06-14T10:25:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, June 13, I had the opportunity to attend the Channel 7 Health and Fitness Expo. Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA joined me to attend the session by Tedy Bruschi, former New England Patriot Superbowl Champion who is also a Stroke Survivor. I was very interested to hear Tedy speak about his journey after suffering a stroke, especially since the Mrs. International platform is the Go Red for Women Campaign with the American Heart Association with one of the major health risks being stroke along with heart disease. It was wonderful to hear Tedy speak and then have the audience ask questions and make comments. There were a few people that got the opportunity to thank him for giving them hope to be able to bounce back to normalcy in life as they themselves were stroke survivors and were going through the same issues of vision loss, coordination, and various other symptoms from suffering a stroke. Tedy then signed some autographs, and gave the opportunity to 20 lucky kids to throw around a football with him. Brooke and I then walked around the floors of the Hynes Convention Center and were so touched by all the fans we had asking us to take pictures with them and sign autographs. One of the rewarding things of being Mrs. Massachusetts is to be able to be there for children as a role model, especially since I am now a mom, I know how much this means to parents. I then headed to the New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship booth which is an organization I have partnered with. Before I got there, I came across the booth for Remember Beads (http://www.rememberbeads.com/), which was so touching as the start of this company was inspired by a woman who was a breast cancer patient. The story is amazing, and I will be sharing it with you in a post all of its own. This was an afternoon that was one of the highlights of my reign with all the people that I met and the stories that continue to inspire me when it comes to cancer survivors.

Relay for Life of Tyngsborough

2010-06-13T22:11:00.005-04:00

Where do I begin but to thank my wonderful team, Queens for Relay, for doing such an amazing job fundraising. Currently we are in first place for our Relay for fundraising, raising over $1040.00, and the tally is still going. You did such an amazing job spreading the word and taking a stance for a wonderful cause. The money raised from Relay will go towards the amazing programs that the American Cancer Society offers to cancer patients and their families as well as to fund research to one day have a cure for cancer. Two of my favorite programs are the Look Good Feel Better Program (http://www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/) and Hope Lodge (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/hopelodge/index.asp), which we are fortunate to have two locations in Massachusetts, one in Boston and one in Worcester! My team included Dana Matthews who unfortunately could not walk with us as she was diagnosed with a double ear infection and strep throat! Thank you for stopping by to visit us and offer us your support and dropping off more of your donations, YOU ARE AMAZING! Also included were Jennifer Korzeb, Mrs. Massachusetts United States, Shauna Conwell, Miss ANTSO New Hampshire Miss, Maureen Polson , Lisamarie Forte, and Brianna Mccombs! Jennifer, I will always remember trying to put the tent up in the rain and then having Lisamarie walk down with Maureen and Brianna and telling us that they didn't know that was us, and to think how much they were laughing at us. Thank you to Shauna for all the wonderful conversation as we took laps! Maureen , I thank you for coming back into my life after graduating high school all those years ago, ok, 22 years ago, LOL, and also for bringing Lisamarie and Brianna into the walk and my life. To Brooke Bibeault and her mother Donna, thank you for coming out to support me in the rain and hear me speak during the Fight Back portion of the Relay! Thank you to all the staff and walkers of Relay for Life of Tyngsborough for putting this event together and allowing us to be a part of it! The Luminaria Ceremony was very special and emotional for me to remember my mom and why I walk and participate in Relay. I know that she was with me and thanking me as the song "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban came on. The Josh Groban concert was the last concert we went to together, and she told me that she would never forget that night, and that song coming on was a sign to tell me she is ok in heaven! I love you mom, thank you for giving me the stength you do and for making me the woman and mother I am today! I miss you so much!

I finally left Relay at 4:00a.m. to go home as I was exhausted and needed a little bit of sleep as I started on with my next day full of appearances! I'll post all about those tomorrow!

Fashion Show at Sunrise Assisted Living Facility

2010-06-13T21:43:00.004-04:00

Christina Polanco, Miss Junior Teen Massachusetts National Teenager helped to coordinate a wonderful prom themed fashion show for the residents of the Sunrise Assisted Living Facility in Leominster, MA. Amongst the models were Amber Coehlo, Miss Teen Massachusetts National Teenager, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Shauna Conwell, ANTSO New Hampshire Miss, Jennifer Korzeb, Mrs. Massachusetts United States, and my niece Lexi Marshall-Sobczak. We each chose a dress to model for the show and so many different colors, fabrics, and styles were showcased. My dress choice was a jersey knit that was black and white diagonal stripe over one shoulder and black on the bottom with a slit on the left leg. This dress is one that my mother and I got many years ago, and it was nice to get the compliments I did on it. I did add a flower to the strap on the left shoulder which everyone liked and thought it to be unique that I had added it. It was a very special memory for me to wear this dress and make me think of my mom and our times together as mother and daughter. You could hear the oohs and ahhs as each girl went out to model her choice dress. Oh, and did I mention that my daughter Sierra was also a model? When it was my turn to walk out, I was carrying Sierra on my hip. As soon I walked out with her, I could hear the gasps and comments about how adorable she was. I put her down on the rug, and she immediately started waving to the residents which prompted even more giggles and cute comments. At the end of the show, we did a parade of dresses and then we got to mingle with the residents. I cannot tell you how touching it was for me to share this experience with my sister queens that I have met throughout my reign as well as my daughter. The cutest part of the event for me personally was when one of the residents asked if she could buy Sierra from me or if I could create a duplicate of her. I was so touched that a little girl could make these people smile as much as they did and I was so proud to share the moment with her. This was one of my favorite appearances and I look forward to one day sharing the story with Sierra and showing her the pictures!

Survivorship Day at Lowell General Hospital

2010-06-09T21:20:00.004-04:00

I would like to thank Meg Lemire of Lowell General Hospital for asking me to be a part of the hospital's Survivorship Day Celebration this evening. I continue to meet so many incredible staff members, nursing staff from the cancer center, and patients who have the most amazing stories. It is such an honor to be a part of such a wonderful group of people and organization who are making such a difference in people's lives. Survivorship Day honored just that, Survivor's being treated at Lowell General Hospital's Cancer Center. First there was a raffle drawing which Sierra and I were asked to pull out the winning raffle tickets which consisted of prizes such as a framed autographed flag from the Lowell Devils Hockey Team, a Facial Gift Certificate, a Hair Care Basket, a Mountain Bike, an Autographed Celtics photo, just to name a few. Each person attending was given a beautiful hand crafted heart pillow with breast cancer symbol patterns in all varieties, which was especially dear to me as Breast Cancer Awareness is my platform. The survivors were introduced by their nurses to share their stories with us. I was so proud of Helen Sullivan, a Stage IV Breast Cancer Survivor. Helen and I met at LGH's TeamWalk Open House earlier this year, and have run into each other since at several events leading up to TeamWalk. Helen represents exactly what my platform stands for and shows the hope and courage each patient diagnosed needs to have to fight a cancer diagnosis. Her spirit and will to fight and live life to the fullest is so touching, and I am so happy that our paths have crossed and that we will have a friendship for a long time going forward. Another inspiring story was by a woman named Katie who is from my hometown of Chelmsford. Katie is a two-time breast cancer survivor. The first time was when she was 21 years old and in college. She was forced to attend a human body well-being class by a friend, and this class eventually saved her life. The class taught her how to do breast self examinations. After finding something that didn't feel right, she made an appointment with her doctor which eventually turned into a Stage I Breast Cancer Diagnosis. The class saved her life not once, but twice as later on in life she was diagnosed yet again, this time as a wife and mother. These stories go to show that awareness and early detection do save lives. The evening ended with everyone receiving a battery operated candle, the lights were dimmed, and we had a candle ceremony to honor all the survivors of cancer. Thank you to everyone for allowing me to be a part of this special evening and to be a part of your lives, you have enriched my year as Mrs. Massachusetts with your courage and love for life and inspire me to continue bringing awareness to your cause.

Take Steps for Chron's & Colitis of Boston Walk

2010-06-05T21:53:00.004-04:00

I had a beautiful afternoon at the Take Steps for Chron's & Colitis of Boston Walk with my family at the Boston Common. We attended this walk in honor of Sofia Sobczak who is six years old and has Chron's Disease. Team Sofia raised $1,300 and today's walk raised over $200,000 towards helping with treatment and research for both Chron's and Colitis. To learn more about this organization and also about Chron's and Colitis, please visit the CCFA website at http://www.ccfa.org/.

New England Cinderella Pageant

2010-06-02T22:03:00.004-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend I got the opportunity to judge the New England Cinderella Scholarship Program. This program is designed for girls ages 2-26 and competitions included personal interview, party wear, casual wear, talent, and on stage questions. I was so impressed with everyone during the personal interviews, especially the young children. They were so spontaneous and conversational, it was wonderful to see the world through a child's eyes. The talkent portions for the Teens and Women were equally impressive! Congratulations to all the winners, and Michele Stevenin for putting on a class act program! Wishing you all the very best of luck in Texas in July at the Cinderella International Finals! Also, thank you to everyone for celebrating my birthday with me and allowing my family to be a part of this weekend with me too! Sierra even go to meet Cinderella and Snow White!

Best Buddies

2010-06-02T21:58:00.002-04:00

I want to thank Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, for asking me to attend a pizza/ice cream party with the Best Buddies group she has been working with. This was my first experience with this organization and certianly not my last. The kids were just so fun and genuine, and I loved spending time with them, especially sitting in circle time and hearing everyone's name, favorite ice cream, and if they were going to be a part of Best Buddies again next year, and of course the answer was YES!

Relay for Life of Burlington

2010-06-02T21:33:00.004-04:00

On May 21, I was part of an amazing event, the Relay for Life of Burlington. This appearance was very special to me as it brought me back to the town that I grew up in and the football field which I graduated high school on 22 years ago. It was an amazing feeling to speak to a crowd filling the football field and lining the track as the Mission and Advocacy Chair for the Burlington Chapter of Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society. I was able to share my mother's story and talk about how I became involved with Relay for life as well as talking about the wonderful programs such as Hope Lodge and The Look Good Feel Better that are offered by the American Cancer Society to patients in treatment and their families. I was also at the Mission and Advocacy Table which had numerous pieces of literature about all the programs as well as having a skin analyzer machine which drew huge crowds from kids to adults. Congratulations to the orgnaizers of this event for raising over $88,000 for the fight against cancer! I want to thank my fellow Massachusetts Queens who came out to take part in this event with me. Chistina Polanco, Miss Massachusetts Junior National Teenager, Tamara Sacharczyk, Miss Massachusetts Teen World, and Monique Jones, Ms. Massachusetts United States. I also want to thank my high school friend, Maureen Polson for being so super supportive of this event and so many others, and for coming out and working the Mission and Advocacy Table with us. Now its off to my own Relay for Life to be held in Tyngsboro on June 12.

Queen for a Day - UMass Memorial Pediatric Visit

2010-06-02T21:18:00.003-04:00

On May 19, I was invited by Jennifer Salvitelli, the Massachusetts Director for the Queen for a Day Program, to visit the Pediatric Unit at the UMass Memorial Hosptial in Worcester, MA. Queen for a Day was started by Jenna Edwards, a former Miss Teen All American, Miss Florida America, and Miss Florida USA. This is an amazing organization that has chapters nationwide for groups to visit with children in pediatric units and take part in reading, playing, and fun art activities. Attending with me was Brooke Bibealt, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. We met with children from the ages of 2 all the way up to 21. Some of the visits we had to put on a full outfit of mask, gloves, and smock. It was incredibly rewarding to see the smiles that we put on these children's faces as well as that of their parents. One young man in particular was actually asleep when we came by, but his mom woke him to tell him he had some special visitors, and the look on his face was priceless. Being a mom, I certainly had a soft spot in my heart for this visit as it made me appreciate Sierra and her health even more so and makes me realize how lucky we are. I look forward to having many more visits like this as it is one of my most favorite appearances thus far as Mrs. Massachusetts. I love children, and if I can make just one child smile, then it was so worth making the visit.

LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare

2010-06-02T15:47:00.006-04:00

Finally, May 16, the day that Lowell General Hospital has worked so hard to put on the TeamWalk for CancerCare! What an amazing day with weather, and the enthusiasm of all the volunteers and walkers. I am truly honored to be part of this amazing event as the Honorary Chairperson and to speak at the opening ceremony and then to lead off the walkers on the 6 mile walk along with my daugther Sierran and husband Rob. We did this together as a family and it was incredible to see how many families were right along with us. I applaud all the LGH staff who worked so hard on this event and thank all the volunteers and walkers who made this walk a success. TeamWalk raised over $716,000, that is amazing, and the funds will go right back into the community for the patients and families that need assistance during their treatments at the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center! I know that I will be back next year again to work with this amazing organization and event!

LGH TeamWalk Registration Day

2010-06-02T15:36:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, May 15, I was able to meet walkers who were registering for the LGH TeamWalk to take place the very next day. It was amazing to meet more people who have been treated at the LGH Cancer Center and to hear their stories and see that they are now taking part in this amazing walk. There was one woman who heard about the walk, and presented us an envelope with a donation in her name as she is not able to walk, but wanted to make a contribution. It was so exciting to meet children that would be taking part in this walk as well with the families, it really does start in the home and becomes a wonderful thing when the young get involved in events like this. I was also take upstairs to meet the team that was busily counting up the donations received as they were coming in minute by minute. I got to get my team shirt from Kevin Campbell who is the organizer of Team JoMama, in memory of his late wife who has a similar story to my mom's. Kevin's team at this point was one of the highest fundraisers, which is so exciting to be part of for me and seeing him go out and work so hard and passionately for TeamWalk. Its going to be a great day with lots of walkers, beautiful weather, and fun festivities. I can't wait to speak at the opening ceremony and the lead the walkers as their Honorary Chairperson for TeamWalk 2010!

LGH TeamWalk Drive at Dunkin Donuts

2010-06-02T15:29:00.002-04:00

On May 7, I had the best time working with Lowell General Hospital Staff giving out information about the LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare. I was out by the drive thru with Bruce, and let me tell you, that man doesn't need any coffee with all the enthusiasm he shows for this event. It was wonderful to see how many people had already taken part in the walk in previous years and would again this year as well as the ones that asked questions about the walk in general and gave thought to participate for the first time. Frank FM's Sarah Sullivan was there doing a live broadcast as well. I can only imagine how successful TeamWalk with be this year with raising funds to benefit the community patients and their families! I am incredbly blessed and honored to have been named the Honorary Chairperson for the 2010 TeamWalk!

Habitat for Humanity - Women Build Week

2010-06-02T15:18:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday, May 5, I organized for a few ladies from my office at PointRight to take part in Women Build Week for the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. I was amazed to see the progress on the Wiggins Family House which I first worked on in February. The master trench that I helped to dig with Lacey and Brooke was now completely cemented with a floor. The upstairs where we had written our messages of love on the skeleton part of the walls was now enclosed with a beautiful kitchen. I was able to also chat with Debra Wiggins who will be moving in with her family in July and see the excitement build in her eyes knowing that this is her home. She is an amazing woman who is giving back to Habitat by helping with her house as well as the new builds that will be starting in the same development. This time around I learned how to use two different types of table saws, measure out wood panels for the hardwood floors in the closet, and also to use a nail gun to put up the baseboards. This was incredbly rewarding, and who knows, maybe someday I'll be taking up the rug and putting down floors in our master bedroom at our house. I know that Debra's son who has cerebral palsy and her daughter who attends school in Bedford will love their new home. The next time I see Debra will be on June 26 as she is handed the keys to her new home at the dedication ceremony.

May Day - Polish Constitution Day

2010-06-02T14:58:00.003-04:00

On May 2 I had the honor of being a part of the May Day, Polish Constitution Day! This was such an incredible honor to me as my mother who I represent throughout my year of reign as Mrs. Massachusetts was born in Poland, and this was a beautiful tribute to the country that she came from. I got this honor through a beautiful Breast Cancer Survivor that I met through the Lowell General Hospital TeamWalk for Cancer Care, Beverly Seibert. She is a member of Lowell's Dom Polski and mentioned to the committee that she had met Mrs. Massachusetts whose mother was from Poland. The most wonderful part of this ceremony was that my father and I were asked to raise the Polish Flag on the steps of Lowell's City Hall. My family and I were welcomed into the Dom Polski Club with an Honorary Membership. As I stood on the steps of City Hall and spoke about what being Polish meant to me and how my mother originally came from Poland, I couldn't help to think how proud she must have been that I was bringing recognition to her native Poland in my community, and also introducing my daughter Sierra to our Polish Heritage as well. I thank everyone for the opportunity and for making this a very special moment during my year as Mrs. Massachusetts, and it truly shows that you never know what doors and opportunities may present themselves to you at any given moment.

Central Massachusetts Heart Walk

2010-06-02T14:45:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, May 1, I attended the Central Massachusetts Heart Walk with Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts Teen USA. The Heart Walk is part of the American Heart Association, which also runs the Go Red for Women Campaign, the platform of the Mrs. International System. I was excited to once again see Lisa Einstein, the Director of Marketing for the Massachusetts Heart Association affiliate. Brooke and I were not expected to walk, just to mix and mingle with the crowd, cheer them on at the start line, and then welcome them back at the finish line. However, we decided that we would walk, at least the mile, well, while walking, we kept on going with crowd, chatting with walkers, and ultimately completed the six mile walk, all while wearing our flip flops. Along the route, we were asked to have our picture taken with a little boy named Matthew who is 9 years old with Severe Pulmonary Stenosis and an Atrial Septal Defect. We come across his picture during the closing ceremon on the "We Are Special Board", and we where honored that his family had asked us to be a part of his walk and to be photgraphed with him! It was an amazing day, and very inspiring to be part of a walk with so many people who are survivors with heart related issues, and making a difference to spread the word about the importance of Heart Health! This walk and the American Heart Association is making a difference for children like Matthew and so many others!

Mrs. MA/NH United States Pageant

2010-06-02T14:37:00.002-04:00

On Sunday, April 25, I attended the Mrs. Massachusetts/New Hampshire United States 2010 Pageant. It was wonderful to reconnect with many old friends and to meet some new ones. Last year I competed in this pageant 8 weeks after my daughter Sierra was born as a way to get back into shape. During this time I realized that I could make an impact with my platform of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Early Detection after losing my mother to this disease in 2007. Outgoing queens were Wendy Jack and Irene Alton (who happens to be a former Mrs. New Hampshire International and also the new Director for the MA/NH US Pageants). I also was able to reconnect with Kelly Howe, Mrs. Maine International and meet Jennifer Mallios, Mrs. New Hampshire International, both ladies that I will be competing with at Mrs. International in July. When the pageant concluded, the new Mrs. Massachusetts United States was Jennifer Korzeb, and Mrs. New Hampshire was Racheal Bohac. Good luck to both of these ladies as they travel the Mrs. United States Pageant in July out in Las Vegas!

Lowell General Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic

2010-06-02T14:28:00.002-04:00

On Saturday April 24, I visited the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua, NH to be part of Lowell General Hospital's Teddy Bear Clinic. This clinic allowed children to bring their stuffed animals to various stations for physical examintions. They were taught how to put a band aid on a boo boo, given flu shots, had their blood pressure taken, and various other things to prepare children for their own doctor appointments. I was able to meet so many cute children and help out at the boo boo station. One little girl touched my heart so much when I heard the story how her dad was on his third tour with the military in Iraq. We took a picture with her mom's cell phone with the little girl wearing my crown to send to her dad in Iraq. It was so nice to be part of putting a smile on her face and sharing that moment with her dad so many miles away! It was an honor to be part of this event representing my position as the Honorary Chairperson for Lowell General Hospital's TeamWalk for CancerCare!

Lacey's Miss USA Send Off

2010-05-21T15:20:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, May 11, I attended Lacey Wilson's Miss USA Send Off Party as she was on her way to compete in Miss USA 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 16 Live on NBC. I wish her all the very best as she will do great, and has has been a wonderful Miss Massachusetts USA! So proud of my Massachusetts sister queen!

MS Walk Concord

2010-05-21T15:14:00.003-04:00

I was so proud of my town of Chelmsford when I volunteered for the MS Walk of Concord Wall of Hope, and the number of young people that came over to me that were from Chelmsford. Its amazing to see young people getting involved in the community, raising funds and awareness, and just giving of themselves!

Miss/Mrs. New England Ethnic World Pageant

2010-05-21T15:01:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, April 3, I was a judge at the Miss/Mrs. New England Ethnic World Pageant. This pageant it designed to change the face of pageantry, and boy did it do that. The women that competed in both divisions were amazing. We first met them during a panel interview, and the stories of their lives made you stop and appreciate life. It was incredible to hear what has made them the women they are today through hard work and determination. The most important aspect of this interview was to get a look into what they planned on doing with their new titles within their community should they be crowned, and each had amazing ideas of giving back and being strong role models to their communities and to the youth of today and tomorrow. Their was a sportswear competition where they chose an outfit to represent their personality, an evening gown competition, and the cultural expression competion which was the most incredible part of the evening. These are very strong ladies who I am honored to have had a part of choosing to be representitives of our region in the upcoming Ethnic World Pageant! Congratulations to Lovern Augustine, Mrs. New England Ethnic World and Shalon Chester, Miss New England Ethnic World!

Young Survival Coalition Fundraiser for Breast Cancer

2010-04-09T16:21:00.002-04:00

It was no ordinary April Fools night as I attended a Young Survival Coalition Fundraiser in Boston. $800 was raised through raffles and karaoke to benefit this wonderful organization for young women facing breast cancer together. Also in attendance were Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2010, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts USA 2010, Lacey Wilson, and Miss Delaware USA 2010, Julie Citro. For more information on this amazing organization for young women, please visit: http://www.youngsurvival.org/

Ladies' Night with the Lowell Devils and Mary Kay Ash Foundation

2010-04-09T16:11:00.003-04:00

On March 28, I attended the Lowell Devils Hockey game for the Ladies. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales went to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation dedicated to ending women's cancers and domestic violence. Also attending with me was Miss Massachusetts Teen USA 2010, Brooke Bibeault, Miss Massachusetts National Teenager 2010, Kara Dodd, Miss Massachusetts National Miss 2010, Jessica Cookson, and Mrs. Rhode Island International 2010. To learn more about the Mary Kay Ash Foundation, please visit: http://www.mkacf.org/Pages/Home.aspx.

LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare Kick-Off

2010-04-09T15:55:00.003-04:00

On March 27, I was at Lowell General Hospital for the TeamWalk for CancerCare 2010 Kick-Off for which I have been honored to be named the Honorary Chairperson. This was such an amazing event for me as I was able to meet many cancer patients who have been treated at the LGH Cancer Center, and to hear the amazing stories put such joy into my heart to be representing this wonderful cause. This walk raises money for patients in the local community for so many wonderful programs including rides to treatments should you need them, wigs and makeovers, and so many other services. To read my story and those of others who have been touched by the LGH Cancer Center and TeamWalk, please visit: http://www.lowellgeneral.org/services-and-specialties/cancer-center/teamwalk-for-cancercare/teamwalk-stories

MA & ME United States Pageants

2010-04-09T15:48:00.002-04:00

On March 21, I attended the Massachusetts and Maine United States Pageants in Portland. I had the opportunity to see old friends (Miss Massachusetts USA 2010, Lacey Wilson, Mrs. Maine United States 2009, Jessica Radley, Mrs. Maine International 2010, Kelly Howe) and to witness the crownings of the new Teen and Miss delegates who will go onto the national United States Pageants. The highlight of the evening for me was meeting former Boston College Heisman Trophy Winner and Patriots Quaterback, Doug Flutie. He and his wife were there to cheer on their daughter who won the Miss Massachusetts United States Pageant. He and his wife were such gracious people never turning anyone away for an autograph or picture and taking the time to talk to anyone who approached. The Flutie family created the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. For more information on this wonderful organization, please visit their website at http://www.flutiefoundation.org/.

3rd Annual Habitat for Humanity Gala

2010-04-09T15:35:00.003-04:00

On March 20, I attended the 3rd Annual Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Gala at the Tewksbury Country Club. This event raises money for build projects taking place in the Greater Lowell area, currently the builds are located on Great Road in Bedford, Massachusetts. The evening consisted of honoring the many people who make these builds possible, great dinner, a performance by Dancing with Realtors, and introduction of the Foy and Wiggins families who are currently are residents and residents to be at the Bedford location, a live auction with Billy Costa of Kiss 108FM and TV Diner. After all was said and done, $16,000 was raised and I know that this money will be well spent to help families in need homes and the current build projects. I was amazed by how many people from the Habitat organization came by to thank me for all I've done with them on helping with the planning of this event as well as participating in the build. Even Christine Odom of Habitat International came over to introduce herself and thank me. It was truly and incredible feeling and knowing that I gave my time to a wonderful organization. I am looking forward to the first week in May when all building for that week will be done by women only! I will keep you posted on that as I will be taking part in the build myself on May 5.

MA & NH America's National Teenager 2010

2010-04-09T15:24:00.002-04:00

I was honored to be a judge at the Massachusetts and New Hampshire America's National Teenager Pageant for 2010 on March 14. Not only did I have the opportunity to work with some amazing judges, but I met the most incredible group of girls. We were so impressed during the interview process at how these girls can incorporate school, sports, activities, life, and community service into their lives and balance it all out. The impressive part of this pageant system is that the girls must have a strong scholastic background with proof of GPA as well as a strong committment to community service. Instead of having a fitness or swimsuit competition, these girls had to decorate a pair of jeans to speak to their personality. These jeans were so creative that you could not wait to see the next girl come out and see what her design of choice was. Massachusetts and New Hampshire will be represented very well at this year's America's National Teenager Pageant! I can't wait to see how our girls do! Good luck to them all and may each have the most incredible year!

Avon Breast Cancer Walk Boston 2010 Expo

2010-03-11T20:27:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, February 27, I traveled to the Reebok Headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts with my high school friend Maureen who has participated in the Avon Walk in various cities over the last several years, to attend the 2010 Expo. I was asked to speak to the attendees about my personal story of losing my mother to breast cancer in 2007 and how participating in the walk in 2008 made a difference for me and what they can do and the difference their participation makes. It always amazes me when people come to me after I speak and thank me for sharing my story. For me, the message is all about the importance of early detection, and how participating in an event like this raises funds for breast cancer research to hopefully one day put an end to it all so another woman and family won't have to fight the battle of breast cancer.

Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion Show

2010-03-11T20:16:00.003-05:00

Friday, February 26 started off being in the dark with the storm that hit the Chelmsford area hard and knocked out our power. Thank goodness I was going to a fashion show where my hair and makeup were going to be done.

The Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion show was put on by the Massachusetts chapter of the American Heart Association. This cause is dear to me as it is the platform of the Mrs. International Pageant, and I have learned so much about Heart Disease, and also being affected by it personally when my father was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

There were many local celebrities from tv and radio as well as several of the Go Red Ladies from the 2009 Campaign. It was wonderful to meet these ladies especially and to hear their individual stories of how and why they became invovled in this important cause. There was a 12 year old who had undergone open heart surgery, a woman who was a survivor of several cancers as well as heart disease running in her family, to a woman who was there because her father-in-law suffered from heart disease.

Fashions were provided by the incredible designer Sara Campbell who has boutiques located in Boston and Wellesley.

I look forward to working on more projects with this organization, and am in the process of trying to organize a team at work to walk in the 2010 Heart Walk later this year! Till then, Go Red!

Lowe's Grand Opening in Lowell

2010-03-11T20:04:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, February 25, I attended the Grand Opening of the new Lowe's in Lowell, Massachusetts. Not only will this Lowe's stimulate the local economy for contruction projects, but it also added many new jobs in the Lowell and surrounding area. The store also provided a $1000 Grant to the Charlotte M. Murkland School for their library which is a huge help during these trying times of budget cuts.

I had the opportunity to be there representing Habitat for Humanity and the wonderful way that Lowe's was helping the Great Lowell Branch. For every gift card purchased on this day, Lowe's was matching 100%, up to $5000 in a donation to the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell!

Next on the calendar for my work with Habitat for Humanity, attending the Gala on March 20 and then volunteering during the Women's Only Build Project in Bedford, MA the week of May 1 - 9. Stay tuned for an update from the wonderful Gala event!

Polar Plunge for the LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare

2010-02-22T12:34:00.001-05:00

2010-02-21T20:31:00.006-05:00

I had such an amazing weekend of appearances!

It all started on Friday evening when I attended the Beantown Beauty Gala where all proceeds from the evening, including a silent auction of Boston related memorabelia, were donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness! Ashley Bickford, Miss Connecticut USA 2010 also attendended.

On Saturday I was part of a Polar Plunge where all proceeds went toward the Lowell General Hospital's TeamWalk for CancerCare which I am the Honorary Chair for 2010. I want to thank all my supporters who helped me raise $300 which was part of a a total of $4000 raised with this event! It was such a beautiful day where an old friend from high school and I actually went in for a second time as it was for a great cause!

Sunday was back to a little bit of glamour by taking part in a bridal fashion show for New Hamsphire Wedding Magazine at the CR Sparks Event and Conference Center in Bedford, New Hampshire. The other models included Irene Raisis Alton, Miss New Hampshire United States 2009, Wendy Mello-Jack, Mrs. Massachusetts United States 2009, and my niece Alexandria who was a first time model and future contestant in the Miss New Hampshire Outstanding Teen Pageant for 2011! Thank you to David's Bridal for providing the beautiful bridal fashions we wore, and to Kristina Hathaway for putting together an amazing event!

After this wonderful weekend, I am looking forward to this week which starts on Thursday with wonderful appearances. Thursday I will be at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Lowes that is opening in Lowell, Massachusetts, where a portion of the proceeds of all gift cards sold throughout the day will go toward the Habitat for Humanity Women Build Only Project. I'm so excited about this as I have been asked to be on the board for this project which Congresswoman Niki Tsongas is the Honorary Chair. On Friday I will take part in Boston's Go Red for Women Luncheon and be a model in the fashion show with other local celebrties. It will be an honor to participate in this event as the Go Red for Women program with the American Heart Association is the platform of choice for the Mrs. International Pageant. Saturday will bring me to the Avon Breast Cancer Walk for Boston Expo at the Reebok Headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts where I have been asked to speak about my participation in this event as a walker, the reason why we walk, and to share my mother's story about her breast cancer battle and why early detection is so important.

I will be sharing details with you next week after all these wonderful events that I feel so blessed to be part of! Till then, enjoy life, and give a little bit of yourself to a good cause, it will make a difference for those in need, but also for you!

Polar Plunge for the LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare

2010-02-17T12:28:00.001-05:00

I am so excited for this weekend to come and to take part in the Polar Plunge to benefit LGH's TeamWalk for CancerCare! Call me nuts for doing it, but it is for a great cause, and something to check off on my list of To Do Items in my life. To date I have raised $275 for this event! Be sure to check out the pictures after the event, and do keep warm thoughts for the weather to be on my side!

Kick-Off for Relay for Life of Burlington

2010-02-10T16:37:00.003-05:00

I was very honored to be asked by Tiffany Freeman, Cheryl Shafman and Janna Loureiro to be a Caregiver Speaker at the Kick-Off for the Relay for Life of Burlington on February 9. The event was incredible with the enthusiasm of the Committee for 2010, the amount of people already planning to participate including so many young people, two very moving Survivors telling their stories, and a beautiful Luminaria ceremony to honor Survivors and those whose memory we hold deep in our hearts. I was so excited when it was announced that I would be joining the Committee as the Chair for Mission and Advocacy. I look forward not only sharing my mother's story, but also the wonderful work that The American Cancer Society does for people afflicted with cancer and their families. For more information about this Relay for Life, please visit their website at: http://www.RelayForLife.org/BurlingtonMA.

Group does volunteer work on North Road habitat house - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman

2010-02-10T11:03:00.001-05:00

Group does volunteer work on North Road habitat house - Bedford, MA - Bedford Minuteman

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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell - The Wiggins Home

2010-02-06T19:02:00.011-05:00

Today started off really cold and the fingertips were going numb, but as the project to work on the Wiggins home started, all those things were forgotten. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Debra Wiggins, the mother of two who will be moving into this home upon completion. Debra has two children, a daughter and son. This home is being built as a fully handicap accessible home as her son has Cerebral Palsy and needs to have wheelchair access throughout. It was amazing to actually work with Debra on her future home knowing that her kids will be able to play and enjoy this home and call it their own and know that their mom was such a large contributor to it being built.

On this project I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet my state sister queens, Miss Massachusetts USA, Lacey Wilson and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Brooke Bibeault, as well as Miss Connecticut USA, Ashley Bickford. The Habitat for Humanity Staff gave us such a warm welcome and even gave us pink hard hats with crowns attached with them, it was awesome! Lacey, Brooke, and I worked on digging a trench in the basement area and also outside of the house to allow for the main piping to be built. At the end of the day, we got to write a message within the house to promote the heart and warm wishes of the hard work put into the build for the walls that will be built around our messages.

Habitat for Humanity has built over 350,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.75 million people in 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. This not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. For more information on this wonderful cause, please visit their website at: http://www.habitat.org/.

Thank you to the wonderful staff of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, the many volunteers, and the girls from Bentley who made this such a wonderful and memorable event for me, and one that I look forward to visiting often to view the progress until the home is finally completed!

New Hampshire Wedding Magazine Bridal Show, Nashua, NH

2010-01-24T19:40:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Kristina and Jeff Hathaway for asking me to be a part of the New Hampshire Wedding Magazine Bridal Show at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua, NH. Bridal fashions were provided by David's Bridal! There were so many wonderful vendors who were able to share their areas of expertise in the wedding industry with so many brides-to-be. The other models joining me were Mrs. New Hampshire United States 2009 Irene Raissis Alton and Mrs. Massachusetts United States 2009 Wendy Ann Jack. Please visit the New Hampshire Wedding Magazine at http://www.nhweddingmagazine.com/, and join us at the next show to be held on Sunday, February 21, at the CR Sparks Event Center in Bedford, NH. Also join us for the Mrs. New Hampshire & Massachusetts United States 2010 Pageant where Irene and Wendy will be passing on their title for an opportunity of a lifetime on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the CR Sparks Event Center in Bedford, NH.

LGH TeamWalk at the UMass Lowell Hockey Game

2010-01-24T19:29:00.003-05:00

On Friday, January 22, I had the wonderful opportunity of attending the UMass Lowell vs. Merrimack College hockey game on behalf of Lowell General Hospital's TeamWalk for CancerCare. I was so honored to be asked to walk out with Bev, a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor for the puck drop at the beginning of the game. Representing TeamWalk is representing these amazing survivors, those that have lost their battle with cancer, and the amazing opportunities that Lowell General Hospital's TeamWalk provides for cancer patients and their families. This is one of many events that I will take part in as the Honorary Chair for the 2010 TeamWalk. I am looking forward to the March 27 Open House for Lowell General Hospital's Cancer Center! Thank you again to Andrea, Ellen, and the rest of the Philanthropy Office at LGH for welcoming me into your family, and for giving me the honor of representing LGH and TeamWalk!

Greater Billerica Relay for Life Kick-Off

2010-01-20T22:27:00.006-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to tell my mom's story about her bouts with Ovarian and Breast Cancer tonight at the Greater Billerica Relay for Life Kick-Off Meeting. It was incredible to see young people organizing teams to promote such a great cause to raise cancer awareness and funds for cancer research.

Tomorrow night I will speak at the Tyngsborough Relay for Life Kick-Off. Thank you to Kristin Scott for inviting me to both events. For more information on how to get involved in the Relay for Life, please visit the American Cancer Society to find an event near you. http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/

UMass Lowell vs. Merrimack College Hockey

2010-01-20T13:42:00.005-05:00

VS.

I am so excited to announce that I've been asked by Lowell General Hospital and its TeamWalk for CancerCare to be a part of the hockey game on Friday, January 22 between UMass Lowell and Merrimack College. Not only will I be a the game, but I have the honor to drop the first puck! It will be a fun family event to attend, as well as the fact that my husband graduated from Merrimack College! Thank you to Lowell General Hospital for including me in such a wonderful event!

Lowell General Hospital's Team Walk 2010

2010-01-15T12:52:00.005-05:00

I have been honored yet again and asked to be the Honorary Chair for the 2010 Team Walk with Lowell General Hospital! The event will take place in Lowell, MA on May 16, 2010.

Since it’s inception in 2000, TeamWalk has raised over $3.5 million and more than 10,000 people have received assistance. Money generated by TeamWalk enables Lowell General Hospital to provide help in many forms. It funds innovative support programs for patients, their families and caregivers; financial assistance for medications; and transportation to and from treatments. TeamWalk dollars help provide workshops and classes to help people feel better, build confidence and instill hope throughout their battle with cancer.

I am looking forward to being the face and voice to promote this event and to take part in it again this year! See you all on May 16!

March 28 is Ladies' Night with the Lowell Devils

2010-01-08T13:23:00.004-05:00

Sunday, March 28 is Ladies' Night with the Lowell Devils! This evening is dedicated to raise funds for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation which works to end women's cancers and domestic violence. For more information about this cause, please visit their website at http://www.mkacf.org/Pages/Home.aspx.

The first 2000 people to arrive at the Tsongas Arena for the game will receive a Player-of-the-Month Bobble Head. The Lowell Devils have had much success this year with their players going to play with the NHL New Jersey Devils Team.

Joining me at this game will be Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Brooke Bibeault and other titleholders to be named soon!

Please come cheer on the Lowell Devils at this exciting event and then lace up those skates for some more family fun, and all for a good cause!

Go Red for Women Fashion Show and Luncheon

2010-01-07T13:11:00.005-05:00

I am so honored to have been asked to be a model at the Go Red for Women Fashion Show to be held on February 26 at the Westin Waterfront Hotel at the Go Red for Women Luncheon.
The Fashions will be provided by Sara Campbell Boutique of Boston http://www.saracampbell.com/default.aspx.

Other models accompanying me will include local news anchors from the various Boston TV stations, survivors and ladies who have made lifestyle changes.

Go Red For Women celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress now stand for the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.

Things To Look Forward To!

2010-01-06T09:15:00.005-05:00

As 2010 has begun, I am thankful for the opportunities that await me. This coming weekend I will be fitted at David's Bridal in Nashua, NH for two bridal shows that I will be modeling in sponsored by The New Hampshire Wedding Magazine on January 24 and February 21.

On January 21, I will be a speaker at the American Cancer Society's Kick Off Meeting for the Tyngsborough Relay for Life, which I have also created a team called Queens for Relay. I hope that as the months go by leading up to the June 12 event, my team and event will grow larger and more successful. I will be speaking about my mom who I lost 2 years ago to Breast Cancer, and hope that her story will educate and make others aware of early detection.

On February 6, I will be working with the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell to help build a house in Bedford, MA. This will be a wonderful opportunity to help a family in need. I have been lucky to join up with Miss Massachusetts USA, Lacey Wilson and Miss Massachusetts Teen USA, Brooke Bibeault to work on this project. We will also be participating in the "Women Build Week" for Habitat the week of May 1-9.

I will also be attending the Miss New Hampshire Outstanding Teen Pageant on January 17. This pageant is the Little Sister Pageant to the Miss New Hampshire America Scholarship Program.

March 28 is also an important date for me. I am working with the Lowell Devils Hockey Organization on selling tickets to their game which is dedicated to the Ladies! A portion of ticket sales will be going to the Mary Kay Ash Foundation to help end women's cancers as well as to help fight domestic abuse. Please visit the official site to learn more about this wonderful foundation: http://www.mkacf.org/Pages/Home.aspx.

I know that there will be so many wonderful opportunities that will come my way througout the year, and I can't wait to experience them all and share them with you.

Happy New Year and here's to a wonderful 2010!

Habitat for Humanity

2009-12-29T15:44:00.007-05:00

I am so excited that I will have the opportunity to work with The Habitat for Humanity on February 6 for their project in Bedford. This home is being created for a family that needs it to be handicap accessible to accommodate the children in the family. I look forward to watching this project grow and to hopefully meet the family between now and its completion.

Habitat also has a wonderful program May 1-9 which is known as "Women Build Week". I will participate through this event at the Bedford site. This program is hosted by Lowe’s and is held all over the country. Last year over 200 affiliates participated. I am looking forward to this opportunity can't wait to share this experience and the photos!

For information on how to volunteer on this project and others, please visit the Habitat website at: http://www.lowellhabitat.org/volunteer.htm.

2009-12-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

I had the best first Christmas as a Mom! Sierra is such a happy little girl, she puts a smile on everyone's face. Talk about a true blessing and being the greatest gift my life could have ever received! I hope everyone had as wonderful a holiday as I did, and remember, life is a gift, treat each day as it is the last!

Delivering Toys and Books to the Pediatric Unit of Lowell General Hospital

2009-12-25T21:35:00.000-05:00

On December 21, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Pediatric Unit at Lowell General Hospital to deliver toys and books from a drive that I coordinated with my co-workers at PointRight Inc. in Lexington. It was incredible to be able to visit with these children and their families and spread some holiday cheer. Thank you to the wonderful nursing staff who welcomed me and allowed me to tour and visit with these very special kids. Also, a great big thank you to Andrea and Ellen at the Philanthropy Office of LGH for putting this visit together for me.

Wrapping for a Cure

2009-12-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

On December 19, I participated in Wrapping for a Cure at the South Shore Plaza with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It was so much fun wrapping and talking to people about our cause and to see such generosity. Thank you to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the South Shore Plaza for putting together such a great event during this holiday season!

Mrs. Massachusetts International 2010

2009-12-25T20:53:00.000-05:00

This October I was honored to be chosen to represent Massachusetts as Mrs. Massachusetts International. I will be competing at the Mrs. International Pageant to be held July 13-17, 2010 in Chicago.

As Mrs. Massachusetts, I will be championing my platform of breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Lowell General Hospital to name a few. During my year, I will also be working with the Go Red for Women Foundation which is part of the American Heart Association, the choice platform for the Mrs. International Pageant.

This year is dedicated to my mother, Jozefa, who in 2007 lost her battle to breast cancer. I hope that her story will be an inspiration to others for the importance of early detection.

I look forward to sharing this opportunity with my husband Rob and daughter Sierra, and thank them for their support and belief in me as this year would not be possible without them.