Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Monday, July 29, 2013

Kids Get Arthritis, Too!

Kids Get Arthritis, Too Ice Cream Social!

On Tuesday, July 30th from 6-8pm, Orange Leaf in Kanawha City will host a fundraiser for The Arthritis Foundation! Anyone who mentions The Arthritis Foundation or the Jingle Bell Run will have 15% of the proceeds donated to us.

Join us! This event will be great fun and for a great cause!


HealthMonitor Arthritis Magazine

I am so honored to announce that I will be featured in the HealthMonitor Arthritis Magazine! Today, I conducted an interview with one of the fabulous editors and I can't wait to see the outcome. I got to tell my story about arthritis and why I have chosen to be so actively involved with the cause.

I hope that sharing my story and encouraging others to get out and become involved with The Arthritis Foundation is inspiring to others. The more we can help, the more awareness we can spread, the more we can educate others on signs and symptoms and the more money we can raise for research to find a CURE!

Join me!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Happy Anniversary to my Wonderful Hubby!

I am truly blessed. Four years ago, two very good friends took me on my very first camping trip to Jamboree in the Hills. Sean and Leeann (boyfriend and girlfriend at the time...who are now married and just welcomed their first baby into the world last week) decided they would introduce me to this country boy, Lowell, while we were there.

He was handsome and nice and funny and we had a great time, but it wasn't until we got back to Charleston that we got together for dinner and haven't been apart since.

Two years later, on the exact day that we met (July 16th) we were married! 

I know how truly blessed I am to have a supportive, loving husband who cares about my needs, our family and our home as much as he does. We have a beautiful home, 8 furbabies that we treat like real children and a future full of hopes and dreams together and I know that I am truly with my soul mate.

He has been SO supportive throughout my pageantry experience and has been right by my side at appearances. He has learned about The Arthritis Foundation and understands the challenges that arthritis patients go through because he is right by my side through every flare, every hard day, every ice pack. I don't know where I would be without him, that is for certain.


This morning, I came back from breakfast with a sweet surprise wishing me good luck as I compete this week and Happy Anniversary. He already did a fabulous job before I left for Chicago and found the perfect crown necklace from Tiffany & Co :) 

I love you so much, Hubby! Happy Anniversary...and CHEERS to many more!


The Many Types of Arthritis

I love this photo - it outlines just how many different types of arthritis there are. While I suffer from a familiar Rheumatoid Arthritis, it's important to know that there are many types and arthritis can take many forms.

Arthritis does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any age. Make sure you know signs and symptoms and talk to your doctor if you think you might have it. There is no known cure, but there are certainly methods to help!


Monday, July 15, 2013

Support from all Arthritis Foundations!

Wow! I am overwhelmed with joy as the Arthritis Foundation Chapters from all over are sending me good luck wishes! This brings tears to my eyes!




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Taking It All In!

Mom and I have certainly enjoyed Chicago thus far. Our hotel is conveniently located in a great shopping area! I followed my "be smart" rule with Arthritis and stopped when I started getting tired in my joints! :) Here are a few pictures:









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Mrs. International - I'm Here!

My mom and I packed up and left early yesterday morning for our journey to Chicago for Mrs. International!






We arrived last night safe and sound and unpacked to prepare for the week!








My week begins tomorrow with orientation and competition begins Thursday with our private interviews. Friday will welcome our preliminary competition an Saturday is finals!

I can't wait to compete and represent my wonderful state all while promoting a platform that is truly my passion and such a huge part of my life. Before Mrs WV and after Mrs WV, we will still move toward our vision of a world free of arthritis pain but this year, I love using my Mrs. WV title as a voice! :)




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Juvenile Arthritis Conference

The Juvenile Arthritis Conference begins later this week! I am so excited today because I am working on my Welcome To The Conference video that I will send tomorrow to be played when everyone arrives at the conference. This video will be taken from Chicago at the Mrs. International Pageant! I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization. Cheers to raising awareness during Juvenile Arthritis Month!

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Saturday, July 13, 2013

Send-Off Party

Last night, I was joined by amazing friends and family as they wished me good luck at Mrs. International before I left for Chicago!




There are no words to explain the overwhelming joy and emotion I felt as friends, families and girls I have competed with and become friends with came to wish me well.

I am also so thankful that my platform, The Arthritis Foundation, came and joined me! Our "Arthritis Warriors" were there in full swing, continuing to share our message. It was the perfect way to gear up for Mrs. International.




Thank you so much to everyone who came and especially my Mom and Cynthia Parsons for hosting the amazing event. The well wishes are coming with me to Chicago - I'm sure they will keep my spirits high all week!




I can't wait to share my story about arthritis and raise awareness at one of the most incredible pageant systems I have ever been a part of. Fingers crossed!

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Passion Behind My Platform

I leave for Mrs. International so soon! I have dedicated time to my blog to not only talk about my platform, The Arthritis Foundation, but I've also shared posts to take you along my journey as Mrs. West Virginia International, too.

Tonight, I wanted to share a special post to talk about the "WHY" of my platform. I have met so many incredible people along this journey and I've had so many conversations about how simply sharing stories of arthritis have helped them understand that they aren't alone.  

So, here we go:

First and foremost, I am passionate about my platform because I live it daily. The Arthritis Foundation's Vision to live in a world free of arthritis pain hits home in my life because I was diagnosed when I was 22 years old...but, it wasn't easy.

I went to five different doctors in West Virginia before I ended up at the University of Pittsburgh all while I was still an active college student at WVU and while I was still running track on the WVU Women's Track Team. 

I thank God so many times, over and over, for having a strong family who loves me and didn't take 'no' for an answer. My mom ended up being the one to make the call that landed me in the doctor's office in Pittsburgh where I was diagnosed.


While arthritis in my own life has taken the lead role for my involvement, it doesn't stop there. When I started my career in Charleston, WV, I learned that we didn't have the Arthritis Foundation in our state. 

How odd, I thought. Because I knew that knowing someone with arthritis, having a support system, sharing stories, reading articles or simply having some inspirational words would have really been a benefit when I was diagnosed.

So, I talked to the National Arthritis Foundation and served as a key player in bringing this amazing organization to my state. I have eaten, slept and breathed arthritis as an active member of the Advisory Board, a fundraiser and a volunteer.

West Virginia is the Number 1 state with arthritis. This is not something we want to be Number 1 in. (Along with obesity, by the way).

Anyone can get arthritis. It doesn't discriminate. And I think that's an important message. Whether it's a child, a young adult or a senior citizen, it drastically decreases the quality of one's life and it isn't acceptable.

I have spent my time as Mrs. West Virginia heavily promoting The Arthritis Foundation because this title gives me such an incredible VOICE. But, it didn't start there. The passion has been in my platform and in my world for many years, I'm just so thankful to be Mrs. West Virginia International where I can share my story and this great organization to people all over the world.

A special shout out to those involved with this organization. Those who have supported our efforts, those who take a part in our efforts and those who choose to wish for a world without arthritis pain, too. 

I hope my passion inspires other to get involved, to live a healthy lifestyle and to always remember that we are in control of our lives. Arthritis is a part of my life...it doesn't control my life and I LOVE sharing my message. :)

Eating Well - Arthritis and Healthy Living

Of course you should have a healthy lifestyle...even if you don't have arthritis!

However, a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet can certainly help relieve arthritis pain. Remember - We focus on arthritis being a PART of our lives, NOT controlling our lives. So, we need to do everything we can to maintain a great lifestyle so our joints feel the best they can!

Check out this page from www.arthritistoday.org. If offers healthy lifestyle tips for anyone - not just people with arthritis. 

Take the first step toward a healthy life!

Jingle Bell Run - WV Arthritis Foundation

Last night, planning continued for the Jingle Bell Run this December! Remember, this is our state's biggest fundraiser for The Arthritis Foundation and as your Adult Honoree, I'm so excited to raise money! It will be in Charleston and it can be timed for you competitive runners! I'm definitely tying jingle bells on my shoes and making this a great day!

So many amazing people are on our board. So thankful for passionate individuals who are ready to fight a world with arthritis pain.

Since my diagnosis, I've been active involved with The Arthritis Foundation, but having the opportunity to have it as my platform this year as Mrs WV has truly made it that much more special!

Join us!




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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Inflammatory Foods

I'm sharing this great image from our WV Arthritis Warriors Facebook Group which outlines different foods which cause inflammation. I thought it was a great, educational piece! Enjoy!


Monday, July 8, 2013

Thank You, Coach Huggins!

West Virginia University Men's Basketball Coach, Bob Huggins, graciously recorded several promotional audio spots for The Arthritis Foundation West Virginia!

Thank you so much to Coach Huggins and his support of our amazing organization.

Our vision: A world FREE or arthritis pain! 

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Preparations Have Begun!

The preparation for Mrs. International has
officially begun! The SUV is cleaned out, if I can keep it that way for a week, haha, and the clothes hanger is installed! Next Sunday, we hit the road for Chicago!



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An Amazing 4th of July!

Wow! The 4th of July was such an amazing experience this year as Mrs. West Virginia International!

I started at The Ripley 4th of July. It was amazing! The whole community was out to watch the parade and enjoy the day. I had so much fun seeing this loving and supportive community come together to celebrate America's Birthday!




After they, we headed to Hurricane, WV for the Hurricane 4th of July Celebration! I was the Mrs. Hurricane 4th of July Queen when I was crowned Mrs. West Virginia International, so this title is very close to my heart! We have an amazing new group of queens to represent Hurricane this year and we are so blessed!



Unfortunately, a thunderstorm cut my time short at this celebration, but it was certainly great to ride in the parade and see the people of Hurricane! I am Co-Director now of the Hurricane 4th of July Pageant, so it was great to see our queens looking beautiful and representing their titles so well.

A special thank you to my Hubby for driving me in the parades and spending the day with me. He's so supportive and loving, I truly am blessed!




The evening ended as we went to my parent's 2nd home on the Elk River to have some much needed family time. Even our dogs went!




It truly was a day to remember. I'm so thankful for this amazing opportunity as Mrs. WV International and love making the most out of it at every opportunity!



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Monday, July 1, 2013

It's Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month!

Our Children Shouldn't Hurt From Arthritis Pain!

Juvenile Arthritis is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting children. However, it often goes undetected or misdiagnosed when symptoms fist appear.

The Arthritis Foundation has declared July as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month and plans on increasing awareness of early signs and symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis. They also hope to increase the resources available for families affected by the disease.

While sometimes called "growing pains" when a child complains of achy joints, some believe this is a part of the natural growth process. However, it is known that joint pain, stiffness and swelling in or around the joint may be early signs of a serious, inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Susan Carter, Chief Executive Officer of the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region explained, "Early medical treatment of juvenile arthritis can prevent serious, permanent damage to your child's joints and enable him or her to live an active, full childhood. When joint pain, swelling or stiffness occurs in one or more of your child's joints for at least six weeks, it is important not to assume these symptoms are temporary and to get a proper diagnosis from a pediatric arthritis specialist.

Arthritis is generally believed to be a disease for older individuals, which is not true at all. Approximately 300,000 children are affected by juvenile arthritis with no known cure. Advances in research have produced new treatments that do assist in moderating and even stopping the effects of juvenile arthritis which prevents significant disability in later years.


The resource of this article and for more information about programs from The Arthritis Foundation: