*SPECIAL NOTE*
My platform was recently expanded from "The Make-A-Wish Foundation: Kids For Wish Kids" to "H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer," to encompass a larger vision. I will continue to promote the Make-A-Wish Foundation in addition to many other organizations under this platform.
My platform was recently expanded from "The Make-A-Wish Foundation: Kids For Wish Kids" to "H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer," to encompass a larger vision. I will continue to promote the Make-A-Wish Foundation in addition to many other organizations under this platform.
"H.O.P.E.: Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer"
Pediatric cancer is an all-to-familiar term in America, today. Though the general public knows what cancer is, and people are not under the assumption that children are immune to it, very little is being done to help those who are fighting the hardest battle of their young lives. That is why I chose not to “raise awareness” of pediatric cancer, but rather, to inspire action against it.
My best friend Dominic LaForgia was diagnosed with leukemia when we were in elementary school. I saw, firsthand, the struggles that both Dominic and his family had to endure. Though I was young at the time, as well, I learned very quickly what it meant for a child to be diagnosed cancer. Dominic passed away when he was only 15. Promoting my platform allows me to have an impact on others in the same inspirational way Dominic had an impact on me.
I started my journey as a local titleholder in the Miss America system with a more specific platform, “The Make-A-Wish Foundation: Kids For Wish Kids.” I am proud to say that I raised over $22,000 to help grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. It was through my support of other events that I became educated about the more extensive needs of children with critical illnesses – specifically cancer. Of the already small amount of federal funding for cancer research, only 4% is allocated for all childhood cancers combined. The number of pediatric cancer cases has risen 29% in the past 20 years. Still, treatments have not changed significantly in more than a decade and cure rates for some pediatric cancers remain below 50%. Because of my personal connection through Dominic and my new knowledge of these staggering statistics, expanding my platform seemed only logical.
In addition to Make-A-Wish, the numerous organizations I consistently support all focus on methods of “Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer.” I use the acronym “H.O.P.E.” to describe these actions: Help, Outreach, Prevent, and Educate. I also use these verbs as a tool to provide others with simple ways to get involved.
As a titleholder, I hope to educate the public on the lack of federal funding for pediatric cancer research and inspire them to take action. Until the government increases financial support, and provides the amount that is necessary to find cures and treatments, it is up to us to bridge the funding gap. As Miss Greater New York, I will continue to give “H.O.P.E” to children and families affected by pediatric cancer.
My best friend Dominic LaForgia was diagnosed with leukemia when we were in elementary school. I saw, firsthand, the struggles that both Dominic and his family had to endure. Though I was young at the time, as well, I learned very quickly what it meant for a child to be diagnosed cancer. Dominic passed away when he was only 15. Promoting my platform allows me to have an impact on others in the same inspirational way Dominic had an impact on me.
I started my journey as a local titleholder in the Miss America system with a more specific platform, “The Make-A-Wish Foundation: Kids For Wish Kids.” I am proud to say that I raised over $22,000 to help grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. It was through my support of other events that I became educated about the more extensive needs of children with critical illnesses – specifically cancer. Of the already small amount of federal funding for cancer research, only 4% is allocated for all childhood cancers combined. The number of pediatric cancer cases has risen 29% in the past 20 years. Still, treatments have not changed significantly in more than a decade and cure rates for some pediatric cancers remain below 50%. Because of my personal connection through Dominic and my new knowledge of these staggering statistics, expanding my platform seemed only logical.
In addition to Make-A-Wish, the numerous organizations I consistently support all focus on methods of “Inspiring Action Against Pediatric Cancer.” I use the acronym “H.O.P.E.” to describe these actions: Help, Outreach, Prevent, and Educate. I also use these verbs as a tool to provide others with simple ways to get involved.
As a titleholder, I hope to educate the public on the lack of federal funding for pediatric cancer research and inspire them to take action. Until the government increases financial support, and provides the amount that is necessary to find cures and treatments, it is up to us to bridge the funding gap. As Miss Greater New York, I will continue to give “H.O.P.E” to children and families affected by pediatric cancer.