GIFT FROM THE HEART ~ CREATED WITH LOVE

When I decided to compete for Mrs. Oregon International 2010 the one award I wanted most, (beside the title, LOL!) was to win "People's Choice". The winner of People's Choice would be awarded a portion of the proceeds collected to give to the charity of her choice.

Now, I have moved MANY times during my lifetime along with the opportunity to travel throughout our great country, and because of this, God has blessed me with incredible, lifelong friendships. So I decided to take advantage of the wide world of cyberspace to reach out and ask for help. I wanted the opportunity to present the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life with a gift that was created through friendship and love. The responses I received from my Facebook posts were unbelievable and touching ~ I even made NEW friends through my requests!

On the night of the pageant when the winner of the People's Choice Award was announced my name was called. I was SO excited and overwhelmed with pride ~ my wish came true and I was going to be able to present OUR gift just as I had hoped!!

On the last committee meeting before our event I had the opportunity to show up in my crown and banner and tell my story of how much I wanted to win this special award. As I stood before my peers to tell them of my journey it was an emotional moment ~ I shared with them that not only did I win the crown but also People's Choice and that the gift I was about to present was made possible because of friendship and love from across the country. As I turned to present the check to our committee chairperson, who is also a survivor, I saw the tears in her eyes and how overwhelmed she was with emotion. It was a feeling like walking on air ~ together we truly can make a difference!

CELEBRATE ~ REMEMBER ~ FIGHT BACK!!

This is a heartfelt motto and one that I try to live up to each and every day.

THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to help make this possible. We WILL find a cure one day!!