For months, we prepared for the big day - when the walk would finally commence. I not only participated in the planning, but created a team and fundraised, as well. Prior to the walk, "Miss Greater New York's Angels" were able to raise $2,710, crushing our previous year's total of around $700. All of this money goes directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to fund therapies and treatment advances for blood cancer patients. I am proud that my team was able to raise this money, as the organization fits directly into my platform, "H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer," a cause I am very passionate about.
I have been an enormous supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light The Night" walk for many years. I tell everyone I speak to about it that I believe it is, quite possibly, the most beautiful walk to be a part of. Between the balloons, the lights, and the atmosphere, there is nothing exactly like it. That is why I was so honored when I was asked to join the Light The Night Committee this past January. For months, we prepared for the big day - when the walk would finally commence. I not only participated in the planning, but created a team and fundraised, as well. Prior to the walk, "Miss Greater New York's Angels" were able to raise $2,710, crushing our previous year's total of around $700. All of this money goes directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to fund therapies and treatment advances for blood cancer patients. I am proud that my team was able to raise this money, as the organization fits directly into my platform, "H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer," a cause I am very passionate about. Equipped with my white angel wings, I arrived at the walk with more than 13 team members, ready to celebrate life and the advancements being made thanks to LLS. My first stop was at the "Bright Lights" tent. Having personally raised over $1,000, I was named a "Bright Light" and was able to pick up a special shirt, as well as other prizes! I kicked off the night by meeting a very special girl who is bravely battling cancer - Marina. I had been looking forward to meeting her for many weeks. I was happy to speak with her, even giving her a little gift. We attended then attended the Remembrance Ceremony to honor all those we have lost to blood cancers. It was a moving ceremony and standing next to Dominic's family made it very special for me. His younger sister, Natalie, signed the banner with me in memory of Dom. It was then time for the opening ceremonies and to begin the walk. Once I picked up my balloon, I was ready! During the ceremonies, I was called up on stage with other committee members to be acknowledged. As I looked out into the crowd, I saw a see of balloons: white (for survivors), gold (in memory of those we've lost), and red (for supporters). It was a beautiful sight. Finally, it was time to walk down the boardwalk, that only a few months before had to be rebuilt due to Hurricane Sandy. I, with the rest of the committee, was glad to have it restored. My angels and I had a great time! Again, it was an honor to serve on the 2013 Light The Night Committee. I couldn't be more proud of those I worked with on the event, as well as my own team members, for stepping up and raising thousands of dollars for blood cancer research. Thank you to everyone to donated and/or participated. You helped me "shine a bright light to end blood cancer." ** There were many, many, MANY photos from this event. If you would like to see more, please follow this link to my Facebook Page.
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The weekend of September 28th was filled with platform-related events. Saturday morning began with the Cookies 4 Kids' Cancer fundraiser, which was run by the Pilatsky sisters, 7-year-old Amelia and 12-year-old Lauren! Cookies 4 Kids' Cancer "is committed to raising funds for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer." This ties right in with my platform, "H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer." Pediatric cancer is the #1 disease related killer of children in the U.S. and I am proud of Amelia & Lauren for taking action to stop it! We spent the afternoon selling baked goods - many of which were generously donated with the help of Kelly Lam, her beautiful daughters, and families from Our Lady Queen Of Peace. Thank you all so much for your help! The event was a great success, with donations totaling over $1,000! I am proud to say that the event even inspired young Amelia to join the Star Princess Program -- a mentoring opportunity through the Miss America Organization. Congratulations to the girls on their great success. May you continue to show this philanthropic spirit as you grow up, as well! We need more determined girls like you!
Last month, I attended "Hearing Our Heroes" at Farrell High School. This event was developed by a group of Farrell students to celebrate our veterans while raising money to build "smart houses" for those who were severely wounded. The adaptive and technological design of the smart homes allow these brave and deserving veterans to live more independent lives. It was beautiful day! We had a great time meeting the guests and hearing stories from some of the veterans. There were politicians and community officials in attendance to take part of the very special day. My favorite part of the program was hearing from one of the wounded soldiers, a triple amputee who will be receiving a smart house in his home state. His words were so positive and his outlook on life is one we can all learn from. Congratulations to Sean Egan, a senior at Farrell, for leading his group in another successful event. With a $25,000 grant from State Farm, they will now be able to serve veterans in even greater ways! Great job!
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.
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