Over the past fifteen months, an unexpected teacher has defined my life: Relapsing Polychondritis. Navigating a rare and aggressive illness has meant facing medical uncertainties, including critical airway complications and hospitalizations that challenged me in every way. In fact, after months of intensive physical setbacks, I had to relearn how to walk this past March. However, true resilience isn't about avoiding the storm; it’s about learning to walk tall right through it.
Even while managing heavy medical regimens, I’ve refused to let illness dictate my boundaries or my passions. From the high-energy runways of New York Fashion Week to standing proudly on national and international stages, every step has shown that strength, grace, and perseverance can coexist.
Now, I am stepping into a new chapter. Thanks to the generosity and belief of a cherished, passionate sister and best friend, I have the incredible opportunity to represent International Mrs. Kentucky on the national and international stage, aiming for a milestone achievement close to my heart.
More than a personal goal, this platform is the launchpad for a larger mission. Surviving this journey has given me an unwavering commitment to advocate for the rare illness community. My focus is to bridge the gap in patient visibility, support those fighting invisible battles through Dignity at-diagnosis boxes, and foster a community where no one feels isolated by their diagnosis and caregivers are supported.
Your support helps me carry this message forward and build a lasting impact for others facing rare health journeys. Thank you for standing alongside me as we change the face of rare illness togeter.🦓💜🌹
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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.
