More life lessons in 2011

I am back from Oklahoma after competing in the Mrs. Kansas America pageant system. Although I certainly trained hard, prepared diligently, and gave it my absolute best effort, I did not walk away with the crown this weekend. I have to admit I was disappointed in myself. Our director reminded all of us that only 1 person can walk away with the crown and that it is simply the opinion of 5 people (the judges) on that given day. That makes me feel a tiny bit better because I can only be myself, and be the best me that I can be. The person they chose to be the 2011 winner looks nothing like me. Having spent the entire weekend with her, I developed a friendship with her and quite frankly, I think she will make a great Mrs. Kansas America 2011. Her platform is child trafficing, something I have only a vague knowledge of. I hope to learn more on this subject from her in the coming year.
Although I wanted to win and worked hard to make it happen, I can't help but be happy for her and all that she will accomplish in the coming year. I feel like I learned alot from the competition this weekend. You cannot judge beauty by just the outward appearance. I know that sounds cliche! It is true! I met a lot of women this weekend and learned alot about myself. I feel like I made some true friends through this experience and hope to stay in touch with all of the Kansas girls and many of the Oklahoma girls as well. Many of us are the same on the inside. We are married women, most with children at home, who are trying to make a difference in our communities. We try to take good care of ourselves, we take risks, we make mistakes and we try to learn from them. In a pageant only 1 person can be crowned the winner. However, there were many winners this weekend. I feel like a winner and my "prize" was the new friends I made and the things I learned from each of them. I don't know what 2011 holds, but I know it will be something meaningful and something great!
God bless!

Miles Against Melanoma

Most of you know my platform for Mrs. Kansas is skin cancer prevention and awareness. I am excited to share that I am helping organize a 5k run/walk here in Kansas City that is called Miles Against Melanoma KC. We have a date set for May 28, 2011 at Grounds Park in Blue Springs, Missouri. We are donating proceeds to the Kansas City Cancer Center. Our goal is to educate people in the community about melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. We also want to make people aware of the dangers of tanning beds and showcase some local companies who provide custom spray tanning services. We are currently searching for corporate and individual sponsors. We will honor survivors and angels at our event with signs donated by sponsors. Each sign will also include facts about skin cancer and prevention tips. I am working with a family who recently lost their loved one (a mother, daughter and best friend) to melanoma in 2010. It is fabulous to see what God can use for His glory! Her story will be a wake up call to other young women, a beautiful remembrance of her life, and a celebration of her courageous battle with melanoma.

Please visit our Facebook page or our web page at www.milesagainstmelanoma5k.com. If you are interested in volunteering at our race, participating in the walk or run, or sponsoring us in any amount, please contact me!