Next Week.....Chicago

Next week I will be in Chicago.  I can't wait.  I am really excited to meet all of the other contestants.  As I have been getting ready for the pageant, I am remembering all of the great experiences I have had this past year and all of the people I have met.  It has been a great experience.

 I am also grateful for all of the people that have supported me in this pageant journey.  I am especially thankful for my aunt, Cheri Kennedy who has been so helpful and generous with her time to help me.  She is so kind and patient.  I just love her.  She is the best.  Thank you Cheri - for EVERYTHING!!! 

Favorite Pictures - Favorite People

Pattygrace & me

Getting the BEST hug ever from my buddy Henry!




Pattygrace Herzog and Me, Gretta Herzog

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world!"

Here is a picture of my sister, Pattygrace and me at St Clare of Assisi Catholic School, my old school.   I was invited to speak to a couple of classrooms about the pageant and my platform.  It was a great day.  The kids were really excited to have us there.  Pattygrace really enjoyed it too.

Pattygrace is the inspiration for my platform, "Supporting Kids with Special Needs".  Pattygrace was born with a rare metabolic disorder called, GLUT-1 deficiency.  She is intellectually and physically delayed.  Although she faces a lot of challenges in life, she is very happy.  She is funny and loves to have fun.  What she loves most, is being around people.  Sometimes it is hard for her to be in a larger group setting.  So, she really appreciates the opportunity to be one-on-one with people.  That is why I am so excited about the Best Buddies International Organization. 

Best Buddies International knows how important it is for people like Pattygrace to have one-on-one friendships and they make it happen!  It only takes one person to make a huge difference in another person's life.  I have seen it. 

I started a lunch buddy program at my school, Battle Mountain High School.  I, along with some of my friends volunteered to have lunch a few times a week with Pattygrace and other students in her cognitive needs program.  It was a lot of fun.  Everyone loved it.  I can't wait to do it again next year and add more students.

I have also been fortunate to work with a local organization called, Small Champions.  They provide opportunities for kids like Pattygrace to participate in sports and activities with other kids, that they would not otherwise be able.  It is so much fun seeing the kids horseback ride, rock climb and do all the sorts of things kids in Colorado do and take for granted. 

I have had a lot of volunteer opportunities because of Pattygrace.  I am really grateful. 

Here is my younger brother, Nolan (13 years old)  racing in the CO State Championship Time Trial this past weekend.  He got second by just 7 seconds.  It is always fun to watch him.  He is so good!! He is getting ready for the National Jr. Championships in Wisconsin in 2 weeks.  I wish I could be there to cheer for him.

We also got to see some old friends in Denver and went to the PrideFest, which was really cool.  It was great seeing it all.  There were some crazy costumes, fun bands and great fair food.  Overall, it was a great weekend of friends & family!!

Just going through some photos and came across this photo of one of my favorite Small Champions, Henry!  I love Henry and our time together.  He always makes me smile.  Right now we are in the middle of the Small Champions Summer Camp program.  I will have more great shots of Henry and all of the awesome kids. 

American Heart Association Heart Walk

Had a great time volunteering for the Denver Heart Health Walk.  I was with Tammy Caison, Mrs. Colorado International and Cindy Harwood, Mrs. Rocky Mountains!