As a farmer and someone working in the funeral industry, I see both sides of life every single day. I see the strength it takes to build a life, and I see what happens when health is taken from us too soon.
This cause is deeply personal to me.
Years ago, my grandma lost her life to complications that started with something so preventable. A lack of exercise and not having the right nutrition. It led to diabetes, and over time, she lost her limbs and eventually ended up on dialysis. I watched someone I love slowly lose pieces of her life, and there was nothing we could do to get that time back.
That stays with you.
It is why I care so much about raising awareness and helping people understand that small, everyday choices matter more than we think. As a farmer, I believe in knowing where your food comes from and fueling your body the right way. As a mortician, I have seen firsthand how precious and fragile life really is.
So this is more than just a fundraiser for me.
For every dollar donated, I will be doing a push up. Not because it is easy, but because it is a reminder. A reminder to move your body, to take care of your heart, and to do the things today that your future self will thank you for.
If sharing my story or doing a few push ups gets even one person to make a healthier choice, then it is worth it.
Let’s make it count.
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Miss America and Miss America's Teen National Scholarships are awarded by a separate non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Miss America's Scholarship Foundation Inc. This collaboration provides funds for national awards, and in addition, both Miss America's/Miss America's Teen State Scholarships and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women is Miss America's Scholarship Foundation's national health thought leader. All above mentioned entities are 501(c)(3) organizations and all donations to this campaign are fully tax-deductible per IRS regulations.
