Last month, I joined an amazing friend, Amanda Alicea (who also happens to be Miss Staten Island 2013), at the annual T.E.A.L. Walk in Brooklyn. This walk is held to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer. T.E.A.L., the organization name, stands for "Tell Every Amazing Lady."
The opening ceremonies were beautiful. It was a great change from last year's weather (which was rainy and gloomy) - this year was sunny and warm! The ovarian cancer survivors were each announced on stage and received a flower, while Brielle Von Hugel sang. She has such a gorgeous voice, which made the entire ceremony that much more touching. An added bonus was seeing Amanda give her mom, a survivor, a flower on stage. I was so happy to be there for the two of them.
Though I had to leave the event early to head to "Music For A Cure" in Staten Island, I had an awesome time with my mom, Amanda, and her mom. As I told Amanda later on that evening, it is a pleasure seeing other titleholders attending events for the right reasons. We do it because we truly care about the causes we are supporting. Amanda is a perfect example of this and I am honored to call her a friend.