Renée Bailey: A Journey from Pain to Purpose
In every chapter of life, there's a story waiting to unfold. My narrative is one of resilience, transformation, and a relentless commitment to personal health, environmental health, mental health awareness and being a survivor. As International Ms. Virginia, I embody the spirit of advocacy, empowerment, and holistic wellness.
The turning point came in 2020, a year that forever altered the course of my journey. My cardiologist unveiled a startling reality: five issues flagged on a heart monitor, a grim prognosis, and a stark choice - surgery or the looming specter of mortality. This moment thrust me into the depths of uncertainty, yet also ignited a flame of determination within me.
Prior to this pivotal moment, I had navigated years of unexplained health challenges, enduring symptoms that not only confounded some medical professionals but others plainly dismissed me and my symptoms. I thought I was going to die. I felt that I had no choice and no voice.
Armed with a newfound sense of agency and supported by a dedicated medical team, I underwent heart surgery in 2021 - a transformative experience that marked the beginning of my journey toward healing, physically. I even lots over 100lbs naturally by creating my own heart healthy recipes and eating plan. I went down from a Size 18 (215lbs) down to a Size 2 (115lbs). But mentally, I faced a monster. I had lost everything - my family, my money, my home, my stability, my world as I had known it for the past 13 years was gone. And I slipped into a deep depression and shocking despair. However, in the face of adversity, I found my voice, my strength, and my purpose.
As I emerged from recovery, I realized the intricate connection between Personal Health, Environmental Health and Mental Well-Being - a revelation that would shape my mission in the years to come.
With unwavering determination, I embarked on a mission to educate, inspire, and advocate. From legislative advocacy to community engagement, my efforts spanned realms, driven by a commitment to raising awareness and fostering positive change. I was even presented with the 2022 Bronze Presidential Volunteer Service Award for my positive efforts.
But my mission extends far beyond policy advocacy. It's a deeply personal quest rooted in the belief that true healing begins within. Drawing from my own journey to wellness, I specialize in the studies of Cellular Health and Neurotoxic Illnesses, encouraged to spread a message of empowerment and transformation to communities around the globe. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Nutritionist, I empower individuals to embrace a holistic approach to wellness, nourishing mind, body, and spirit.
For me, the journey from Pain to Purpose has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope. Through my platform #HealthyPeople #HealthyPlanet as International Ms. Virginia, I seek to amplify my message, ignite conversations, and inspire positive change on a global scale. With every breath, I remind us that true wellness is not merely the absence of illness, it's a radiant embrace of life's infinite possibilities, a celebration of the extraordinary healing potential that resides within each and every one of us.
I am deeply passionate about promoting mental health awareness and healthy behaviors that benefit our personal health and environmental health through my platform, "Healthy People Healthy Planet"; and am committed to making a meaningful impact as an advocate and survivor.
*The International Ms pageant proudly supports the Still She Rose initiative. The overall highest fundraiser will automatically be placed in the Top 10 during pageant finals on September 1, 2024 in Orlando. All International Ms candidates who raise $250 USD will be considered for our annual Still She Rose grant totaling $500 USD. Award recipients will be announced during the Still She Rose gala on August 31.
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Still She Rose is a wellness program for leaders, women and teens in the pageant industry. Funded by the B4ACUSA Foundation, wellness program initiatives are open to all pageant community members.
The ROSE is symbolic of the spirit that grows within each of us when proper care and attention is applied.
Together, we can encourage wellness through self care, positive body image, renewed self esteem and affirmation of one's identity beyond pageantry. We aim to engage in a conversation of support, honesty, reflection and awareness, in order to promote wellness as the foundation of the pageant industry.
Because each of us can say, She Struggled; and Still She Rose.
