Lakeside Elementary and Day 1 in Atlanta, Georgia!

Yesterday,  Mom and I traveled to the small town of Silver Lake, just west of the cities. I was asked to speak to 3 classes of 6th graders at their elementary school, Lakeside. It was so great to speak to them! This was my first time speaking to 6th graders. It was a change, but in good ways! They had a lot of great questions, and of course I got the "Are you a princess?" question many times. I always leave a school  feeling completly inspired by the children. They remind me why I do everything I do with the Alzheimer's cause.

Then this morning, I was off to Atlanta, Georgia for an Alzheimer's conference and to accept an award for the Brainerd Walk to End Alzheimer's :) My flight left at 10:30 AM and I landed in Georgia around 2 PM.

 I am constantly reminded of God's amazing love and power. While still in Minneapolis, we came across a woman. My Mom and I were just sitting, waiting to board our flight when she came up and asked to sit by us. She and my Mom started talking and I started to get in on the conversation too. We got to talking about why we were headed to Georgia, which lead us into q conversation about pageants and my platform. I gave her one of my business cards and she asked me about being Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen. Mom told her that right when my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's was about the same time that I wanted to get involved in pageants and it was the perfect platform for me. She turned to me and said: "You know... Everything happens for a reason." She is completly right! I try to live by this quote everyday, and for her to say that, was just amazing.

Our first day in Atlanta has been great! We picked up our bags at baggage claim and walked outside to 60 degrees, sunny, and NO SNOW! Compared to -20, snow, and ice, it felt almost like Heaven :) We then got into our shuttle that was going to take us to our hotel. We got to talking to our shuttle driver, Don, who asked us what hotel we were staying at. Mom told him we were staying at Loews. He then said that, when all of the famous people come to Atlanta, they stay here! He said Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Chris Brown, and P. Diddy were at this same hotel just last weekend and we might see someone when we are here! Exciting!! But I have yet to see someone famous so we will see if that actually happens :)

After getting everything situated in our hotel room, we headed out to do some shopping at the Atlantic Station. They have great shops, so for  Mom and I to hit them is a no-brainer! We ate dinner at Rosa Mexicano, a Mexican (shocker!) restaurant that was sooooo good!

Tomorrow is the first day of the conference. I'm really excited to see what's in store! I know it will all be fun :)

So until next time,

Bailey

Miss Coon Rapids 2011.

Saturday night, I traveled to Coon Rapids with my Mom and a friend, Paige Meyer. Paige and I met when she was the first Miss Red River Valley Outstanding Teen and we competed with each other at Miss MN Outstanding Teen 2010. She was 1st runner up and I was 2nd runner up. I can actually remember the moment when I knew we were going to be friends for a very long time: it was right of MMOT when we were both announced as runner up's. I can remember looking at her, and something just clicked. It was so wierd I can't even describe it. But ever since that moment we have been incredibly close!

The Miss Coon Rapids pageant was really fun! It had been a while since I had gone to a local pageant, so it was great to get that "pageant fever" again :) And of course catch up with girls I hadn't seen in a few weeks!

I would like to say congrats to the new Miss Coon Rapids Megan Elhert and the new Miss Coon Rapids Outstanding Teen Emily Freeh. Emily and I will compete for Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen in just 54 DAYS! It is crazy how fast time is flying by.

 Miss Twin Cities OT, Miss North Metro OT, the new Miss Coon Rapids OT, and Miss MN OT!

I got to thinking today and if you know me, thinking makes me want to express what's on my mind.

With the state pageant in 54 days, I find myself wondering what the outcome will be, and what will happen after the pageant. I have worked so hard for this. I want this title bad, and I do hope that you see my dedication and passion. I have grown so much in the past year, and I know full well that I am ready for the title as Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen. I also know that if I was meant to represent this wonderful organization as the Outstanding Teen of Minnesota,  it will come to me. If not, then it was never mine in the first place . God has great things in store for me, I have never doubted in His timing. He is the one that has made me everything that I am today. I pray that in the next few weeks, He will watch over me and guide me through this journey.

I wish that I could promise to bring the MMOT crown home on April 2nd, but I know full well that I can't. God is great. I know that this is what He put me on this earth to do. I can promise you this though: I will continue to advocate for the Children's Miracle Network and for my personal platform of Alzheimer's even after I am no longer competing in the Miss America Organization. I won't stop fighting until I see a cure for Alzheimer's! I promise that I will give every ounce of myself up on that stage in April. I will be Bailey and no one else.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this road, whether it be in big ways or small. The road has had a lot of bumps and curves, some harder than others to overcome. When I think of all of the people who stand behind me and God beside me 150%, it makes everything worth it.

Bailey

St. Cloud State University Student Government.

Thursday night I had the amazing opportunity to speak to the Student Government Association (SGA) at St. Cloud State University (SCSU). SGA is a group of college students who represent and address issues of the student body.

When I wen't to the Capital for the Alzheimer's Rally Day, I met Richard, who is on the Senate for the SGA. He got me connected with SGA and SCSU.

Prior to SGA's meetings on Thursday, they like to have someone from their community come in and speak about a community service project. I spoke about Alzheimer's and shared my story, the basics, and my education program and how SCSU could help me in my journey. I shared how important it is to keep getting the word out about Alzheimer's. I always say: "You never how many people are affected with Alzheimer's until you start talking about it." Which is absolutly true. So many people are affected by this fatal disease, and education is so important.

This night was also the first time that I got the chance to present "The Basic's" powerpoint presentation on Alzheimer's and dementia. I had been working with the Alzheimer's Association MN-ND on this exact powerpoint to make it geared for a younger audience. It is being used all over the state right now. It is a great feeling knowing that I helped with this powerpoint and it was an even better feeling getting to present it.

Tonight is Miss Coon Rapids. I'm very excited to see who will win! This is one of the last Miss MN local pageants. In a few hours I will be meeting with Paige Meyer. Paige and I met at Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen 2010 when she was 1st runner-up and I was 2nd runner-up. She is an amazing girl, and I love her so much! I'm excited to see her :)

Bailey

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!

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