*InternationalMrsScotland

My platform The Canary Project focuses on raising awareness for MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) and other environmental illnesses. My husband was diagnosed with MCS from exposures to industrial chemicals at work in 2007, and it changed our lives forever. People living with MCS are known as canaries, after the birds carried into coal mines to warn miners of toxic fumes, and they are an early warning sign for us all of the toxins permeating our every day lives. 

 

So many folks in the canary community are fighting internal battles. It’s a diagnosis that often leads to mental health issues, and understandably so. Not only do the physical mechanisms in the body that cause MCS symptoms also cause all kinds of imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and damaged detoxification pathways in the body and brain, but living with chronic illness itself takes a toll. The suicide rate among people with MCS is high. Some countries are now approving medically assisted suicide for MCS patients who apply for it, and when I hear stories . . . it shatters my heart into a million pieces. 

 

Ever since I stepped up to become a public facing advocate for the chemically sensitive, awareness has been my number one focus. There are other areas of this larger problem to be tackled for sure, housing, for one, and public access and accommodation for another. But I’ve chosen to stick mainly to trying to bring awareness – because I still have those every day conversations where I explain what it is that my husband has and why he’s not at this or that event with me, and I hear “Wow, I’ve never heard of that!” If even one person still has no idea what MCS is, my work is not done. Of course, I hear a lot more often now “Oh yah, I have an allergy to fabric softener,” or Oh, my sister has that!” It’s becoming so much more common for everyone to know someone or know of someone close to them who has experienced some level of chemical sensitivity – and yet, still not have heard the term multiple chemical sensitivities.

 

I've learned over the years of being in a marriage with someone who has a chronic illness, just how much I can handle and keep persevering. I know that I am strong. I know that I've been made so by being broken and picking the pieces back up and gluing them back together because I had to, because he needed me, because I wouldn't give up. I've learned to live with a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. I know, though, that I need to safeguard my own mental health. I have to build in practices that protect it. Pageants are one of those practices for me. Being in a pageant is my little escape for a few days a year, its my little oasis of glamour and sparkles and communion with like minded, powerful women. 

 

The Still She Rose Initiative is leading a revolutionary movement in the pageant industry, to ensure that we as women, who ALWAYS put everyone else ahead of ourselves, have the tools and the support to safeguard our own precious mental health. Please join me in supporting them in this fundraiser for Metal Health Awareness and the work they are doing. 

 

** THE EARRINGS **

Just for this fundraiser I have created a very special edition of Earth Crystal Earrings called Still She Rose. They are an open filigree rose design drop earring featuring ultra hypoallergenic titanium posts, my iconic canary logo in 18K gold, and genuine crushed crystal resin mixes. As always, I will customize with any color combination of crystals and rhinestones that you'd like! Every donation of $40 scores you a pair of these stunning earrings. Contact me at angelique@canary-project.com to let me know what colors you would like and where to ship them. 

 

Thank you for supporting Mental Health Awareness and my continued efforts.