Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010!

Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen 2010!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Alzheimer's Rally Day at the MN State Capital.

On Thursday, I was very excited to head down the Minnesota State Capital. I had been anticipating this day for weeks, I could not believe it was already here! The Rally Day on Preparing Minnesota for Alzheimer's! At an event like this, people from all over the state come to support the Alzheimer's cause and get the chance to speak to your Senator and Representative. This was the first on ever in Minnesota, and only the second nation-wide! The other was in Sacramento, California.

The day started out great! My Mom and I rode the bus from St. Cloud to the Capital. It wasn't too far to  drive for us. I'm starting to think I should just move into my car :) Once we got the the St. Cloud Alzheimer's Association Office, we were handed t-shirts and pins. Already I felt the passion that these people had, was the same passion that drives me to do what I do. I could, literally, feel it in the room. It was amazing!

We then boarded the bus. I was so excited! We got a "mini" training session on what key points we should talk about to our Senators and Representatives and how to go about doing that. It was great training for when I spoke to Representative John Ward and Senator Paul Gazelka. I also was asked to speak a little about my education program and what it all entails. Needless to say, the bus ride down was short and pain-free!

When we arrived at the Capital, I was in awe. I've only been to the Capital once and that was a few years ago... I could feel the tourist inside of me :) I walked up the thousands of steps, snapped a quick picture of course, then headed for the doors. I opened the door to find LOTS of people and everyone was in PURPLE! The actual event was held right in the Rotunda. I could not believe how many people had shown up. All I could do was smile! I would say there were at least 300 people there, a great turnout for the first annual event.

Prior to the start of the program, I got to walked around a bit and chat. I met with man who I didn't know had Alzheimer's until he told me... That just proves that you can't tell is someone has the disease just by looking and sometimes even talking to them. Also, I met my twin :) Well, not my real twin obviously (haha!). Her name was Bailey, she is Miss Teen Dayton International, and her platform is centered around Alzheimer's. Even though she is blonde and is shorter than I am, we could still be twins!!

The program was so inspiring to listen to. Many people talked, including a man who is currently suffering with Alzheimer's disease. It was amazing watching him speak. His passion is so prevalent. He knows he has Alzheimer's and that's exactly why he was at the Capital. No one should have to suffer from Alzheimer's! It is the 6th leading cause of death in America and has no prevention and no cure. By the end of his speech, I was a bit teary-eyed. He is so strong for getting up on that stage and talking the way he did!

After the program, we were then free to roam around the Capital and find our Senators and Representatives office. My Senator, Paul Gazelka, is from Brainerd, so I've seen his face many times in my hometown. I shared with him my story of my battle with Alzheimer's, and how it has changed me as a person in so many good ways. I made sure to say that we need to educate MN's youth about Alzheimer's and related dementia's. It is imperative that they are not forgotten in the fight to end Alzheimer's. I also met with Representative John Ward. He and I have formed a bond over the past year and a half because both of his parents suffer from dementia and he is ready for a cure just as much as I am. He already knows my story and what I am doing. John is so supportive of everything I do. Whether it be the Walk to End Alzheimer's, pageants, or events like these, he never fails to show is graditude and support. Thank you, John!

After talking to our congressmen, my mom and I headed back to the bus. It was a totally worthwhile and rewarding day! I felt so accomplished. God is great for making the day such a success. I pray that by 2020, Minnesota will be fully prepared for the devestating effects of Alzheimer's. We will no longer whisper the steps that need to be made to end Alzheimer's disease, we will shout them!

"PREPARE MINNESOTA FOR ALZHEIMER'S!"

"PREPARE MINNESOTA FOR ALZHEIMER'S!"

"PREPARE MINNESOTA FOR ALZHEIMER'S!"

With love,
Bailey

P.S. On a quick note, I just want to say a huge good luck to our Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knutila. The past few days she has been competing in preliminary competions for the Miss America pageant. TONIGHT is were they narrow down the 53 contestants and by tonight we will have a new Miss America! Please, please, PLEASE pray for Kathryn. She is doing an incredible job. Keep up the great work Kathryn! We love you, you look fabulous, and are doing great!




 Representative John Ward!
Senator Paul Galzelka!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Gillette and Kathryn's Gown Showing.

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to tour Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul with Bethany. Gillette Children's Hospital is our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital (CMN), which is the national platform of the Miss America Organization. Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals, including Gillette right here in Minnesota. At Gillette, children of all ages and backgrounds can receive treatment for every imaginable disease. The partnership between CMN and the Miss America Organization is so great, because Miss America titleholders are asked to raise money for CMN. Thousands of dollars are donated each year by titleholders in the Miss America System. It is so inspiring to hear about the children who are treated at Gillette. They have a love and drive for life, even after everything they have been through they still manage to keep their heads up.

The tour was absolutely amazing. It was incredible to see how advanced they are in their medical practices. They just opened their new addition in December and Bethany and I got to see it... It was gorgeous (and it still has that "new" smell to it)!



I then attended a gown showing party for Miss Minnesota, Kathryn Knuttila. Kathryn leaves for Miss America tomorrow and the arrival ceremony is on Thursday! Kathryn has been such an inpiration as Miss Minnesota. She is one of the most beautiful, talented, and poised women I know! Kathryn is amazing on the piano. If you have ever heard her play, you would know. I could sit and say how talented she is one thousand times, but until you hear her, you will never understand. Kathryn has a gift for composing her own music. God has blessed her in so many ways! I wish her all the best as she competes for Miss America and enjoys every moment up on that stage. She deserves this. I wish I could go to Las Vegas and watch her compete, but my TV will have to do :) Tune into ABC on January 15th to see who is crowned the next Miss America. GO KATHRYN! :)

Bailey