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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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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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!

 http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/eating-well/index.php

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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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!