PA International Pageant 2010

We traveled to PA on March 20th for the PA International Teen, Miss, and Mrs Pageants. I was so excited to see some of my fellow queens from the class of 2009, including, Heidi Scheer, Deanna Linz, Mary Moulds, and the new Mrs. New Jersey, Heather Cunningham! I also met Amber Smith, who is America's Miss East Coast 2010.

I was a judge and my family came along as well. I have to say that my husband gets the award for "Husband of the Year" He took the kids swimming, to a pet store, and played with them in the hotel room all while I was "busy" with judge duties! I love how close we are as a family. This past year has made me realize how truly lucky I am! The highlight of the trip was coming through the tunnel at night to see the city of Pittsburgh! Maxx was amazed at all the lights. You can tell we are country folk! It was another busy, yet a fun weekend for the Gregg Family. We took Anna and Maxx to Cabelas in West Virginia. We have been to Cabelas in Michigan and Indiana, but the WV store is great because it has a white tail deer museum. The kids loved it!

Butterfly Benefit in Louisville, KY

We just arrived home from Louisville where we attended the "Butterfly Benefit" for EB. Leslie Rader is the organizer of the event. She lost her little girl to EB and has been very proactive in raising research dollars and awareness for EB through DebRa of America. This was our 4th year attending the event. It is a fahsion show/silent auction and lunch. The day was beautiful and my little man Maxx was part of the show. He did an amazing job! My family was able to meet two new EB families from TN and IN. I love being part of such a wonderful event! Today was my last appearance as Mrs. Ohio. I pass my title on to the next amazing woman on April 10th. My year has been more than I ever expected. My family and I have been blessed to have the opportunites that have been given to us. We are off to Florida on Monday morning to visit with family! Love to everyone!

www.studiormphotography.com

I had the pleasure of working with Rick Martinez from studiorm in Delaware/Westerville, Ohio. He has an amazing talent for photography! Thanks Rick!

BeFriend EB Butterfly Ball 2010

My family and I just returned home from Michigan where we attended the BeFriend EB Butterfly Ball. I was a guest speaker and my husband and I also presented a check (in memory of my grannie who passed away over the holidays)to BeFriend EB for their continued efforts in making life bearable for all children and adults suffering from epidermolysis bullosa (EB). We had so much fun with our children, and the hotel was absolutely stunning to say the least! I have posted some pictures from the event, and I have to laugh because my crown is on crooked...........these things always happen to me! Hahahaha!

We also stopped at Cabela's on the way home so the kids could see the fun wildlife exhibits, as well as the fish. It was a wonderful weekend! A special thanks to Todd and Julie (founders of BeFriend EB) for all their hard work!

Miss SEO Teen Pageant

I had the opportunity to judge the Miss SEO Teen pageant in Zanesville on Super Bowl Sunday! Amazing panel of judges, phenomenal young women and so many great talents! Miss Rachel Sharkey is your new Miss SEO Teen. She is so full of life, and I have no doubt that she will take the title to the moon and beyond! A special thank you to Vicki LeVeck for giving me an opportunity to meet these young woman. She puts on an A++ production. I was able to visit with Tiffany Schramm, Miss Ohio International, as well as Ryan Harris, Rick Martinez, and the lovely Miss Ohio United States, Sharon Witmer. I will add on-stage pictures soon!

Go Red for Women Holiday Event

December is a wonderful time to be together with friends and family, as well as spreading good cheer through lending hands. I hosted a "Go Red for Women" holiday wine event at my home. My guests wore red and chose their favorite red wine to drink for the evening. Donations were made to the American Heart Association. My guests were given information about heart disease, warning signs, and tips for a healthy heart. Everyone who made a donation received a red dress pin to wear as well. At the end of the night, good food and wine was shared by all who attended, and a donation of $100 was given to the AHA.

"My Life" Magazine Featured our Family for their November Issue

Mats Wilander Tennis & Golf Classic

I recently attended DebRA of America's national fundraiser at Westchester Country Club in New York, the "Mats Wilander Tennis & Golf Classic". Mats and Sonya Wilander's son, Erik was born with EB simplex and the event is DebRA of America's biggest money maker for research and education. Will and Vivica Ferrell were among some of the evenings most famous people attending the event. Roger Waters, from Pink Floyd was also on hand to sign a guitar and auction it off for $6000. It was amazing to see so many people in one place who shared one common purpose...........raising money for EB research and education. It was a lovely day filled with tennis and golf and the evening was just as exciting with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, a live auction, and dancing. I also had the chance to thank Hollister Woundcare for sponsoring the back inside cover of the International Pageant program book in Chicago. I presented them with a framed version of the page while at the dinner. Thanks Hollister! After dinner, DebRA of America presented an award to a young man who battles EB on a daily basis. EJ spoke to a crowd of about 200 guest and there was not a dry eye in the house after he finished. He is an inspiration to us all for his courage and strength. This is what all the hard work is for!

Tyler Fisher Spaghetti Dinner for EB

My family and I traveled to Columbus on Saturday evening for a spaghetti dinner to raise more awareness and funds for EB. The Columbus family lost their son, Tyler to the Recessive Dystrophic type of EB over 10 years ago. Trisha Wirick, who is the aunt to Tyler was the organizer of the event. There was a silent auction, delicious food, and donated baked goods from the Brice United Methodist church women. Maxx and Anna played and played with all the kids, while my husband and I talked with family members and visitors.

I was able to sit down with Tyler's mother, Lori for a while to talk to her about EB, Maxx's current situation regarding EB, and just how hard it was to lose her son to this devastating disease. Even though it has been 10 years, her pain is still fresh and just talking about him brought tears to her eyes. I was able to speak with her about all the wonderful opportunities she has with DebRA of America. She is ready to start volunteering, spreading awareness, and helping to find a cure.

Trisha Wirick, who is the aunt of Tyler is one of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever met. She told me a story about what led her to Brice United Methodist Church, and ultimately Tyler...........it touched my heart so much. You are doing a great thing Trisha! Thank you so much for including my family and I in your wonderful event! PS........and thanks for all the yummy spaghetti!

Preble County Pork Festival

I visited the Preble County Pork Festival this weekend where pork was definitely plentiful! I learned that the festival brings in about 16, 000 loins, which produces 70,000 pork chops! The food was delicious! I got to spend the afternoon with the reigning Miss Ohio America, Erica Gelhaus. I had the opportunity to listen to her beautiful voice as she sang opera for the fine folks of Preble County. She was amazing, and I am cheering her on all the way to Vegas for Miss America! She was a delight to get to know! We were both in the parade and the people of Preble County embraced us with cheers and smiles!

The 1st Annual Tyler Fisher EB Awareness Dinner & Auction

October 10, 2009
5pm-7pm

Brice United
Methodist Church
3160 Brice Rd
Brice, OH 43109

Price
$8 Adults
$5 Children

Call Trisha Wirick @ 614-353-1573
For Tickets or More Information

Click link below for full story:

Special on TLC about Epidermolysis Bullosa!

Next Wednesday (September 16, 2009) on TLC at 9 p.m., please watch "Truth Be Told - I have a child with Special Needs". A family with EB will be featured. The child featured in the special is in Minnesota right now undergoing Bone Marrow Transplant for EB. - please watch TLC on September 16th to learn more about EB.

Mrs. Ohio International Interview at Fifth Third Field

Please watch the interview by clicking the picture above!

Dragon's Game!

Last night I had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Fifth Third Field for the Dayton Dragons as Mrs. Ohio International! My family and I were escorted down the tunnel that the players come out of. We went through the dugout and out onto the field! There were close to 8,000 people in attendance! It was such an amazing experience! Maxx got to meet Heater and Gem (Dragon's mascots) and my husband was so proud of me! Inquiring minds wanted to know if I “made” it to the plate. I did in fact have a talk with the catcher before hand. I told him not to make me look bad. He laughed, and said, “No problem”. I even got to keep the ball for a memento! Chris A. came and photographed me while I was at Fifth Third Field. He is an amazing photographer who really has an eye! He is also putting together an interview piece for me where I talk about EB and the research foundation. Please check out his work!

http://public.fotki.com/rockwriter/dragons/

Clemens Cycle for Cancer

Today my family and I enjoyed an early morning bike ride with almost 200 other bikers from across the Miami Valley. It was a beautiful day for the Clemens Cycle for Cancer! We rode in honor of my Grannie and Jason's cousin Mark, both of whom are living with cancer today. I cannot explain the overwhelming feeling that came over me when everyone took off on their bikes together...........I had a lump in my throat as I thought about those living, beating, and who have lost the battle to cancer. The ride was 10, 25, or 50 miles. We opted for the 10 mile ride since we had our 6 year old and 17 month old with us! We took two wrong turns and instead of a 10 mile ride, it turned into more like a 15 mile ride.............oh well..............better exercise for the day! A special thanks to Jenny Lewis (CEO of the Miami Valley Foundation) for being so hospitable to my family! Oh, and the highlight of Jason's day was going to Dick's Sporting Goods (it was 2 stories)...........after the ride! It's the little things that make the hubby happy, you know?

P.S. Anna fell asleep on the bike ride, and she was still sleeping when we crossed the finish line.........see the picture below!

Everyone Loves a Wedding!

Since I have returned home from Chicago, I have been busy getting my calendar set for the upcoming year as Mrs. Ohio International. My family and I are making plans for traveling this fall and winter. We will be going to New York for DebRA's annual fundraiser, which is a golf and tennis classic. We will also be traveling to Michigan for the EB Butterfly Ball to celebrate the lives of children and adults afflicted with Epidermolysis Bullosa. I am also working on going back to Chicago to present Hollister Woundcare with a special plaque for sponsoring me and supporting me on my journey as Mrs. Ohio. In the middle of all this, I am returning to work this fall as a middle school math teacher. It is going to be busy, busy, busy!

Last weekend my cousin, Patrick got married. The ceremony took place at a lovely outdoor venue, and my children enjoyed running around and above all, dancing the night away! I have posted pictures to share with all of you! Have a great weekend everyone!

Exemplary Attainment from the Ohio Senate

Today I was awarded for exemplary attainment by the State of Ohio Senate. I received a certificate in honor of my work with EB and DebRA of America, as well as becoming Mrs. Ohio International 2009.

"An intelligent, motivated, and personable woman, you have worked diligently to develop your knowledge and skills, and as a result, you were named Mrs. Ohio International 2009. In all of you endeavors, you have amply demonstrated your ability to meet challenges with enthusiasm and confidence, and we applaud you on your tremendous efforts."

~Senator Bill Harris, President of the Ohio Senate

~Senator Keith Faber, Majority Floor Leader

Mrs International Pageant 2009

Stephanie Gaines (Mrs. Missouri) evening gown winner

Mrs. International 2009, Armaiti Shahidi Fitzgerald



My Aunt Sandy and I after the pageant


On stage after prelims on Friday


Mrs. International opening number dresses........love you girls!

My fabulous and loving husband, Jason (Mr. Ohio)


Meet and greet before the prelims with my sponsor Hollister
and DebRA of America, as well as my directors and husband.

My beautiful sister, Brigette!

I have returned home from the International pageant in Chicago! What an amazing experience it was! I met so many fabulous women who had special stories to tell. I loved getting to know everyone and especially understanding why everyone was there............it was really moving to talk to people about their messages. There were cancer survivors, stroke survivors, those who knew others affected by heart disease, or suffered from heart disease themselves, volunteering for the United Way, the YWCA, foster/adoption awareness, CASA........all women were there for a purpose..........to share their life long journey of philanthropy with others. I grew as a person and as a wife and mother during my week. I learned that there are so many others making differences in their communities and beyond!

I cannot mention all women I met, but a few that I got to know during the week were; Deanna Linz, Mrs. Alabama-you are an inspiration to your son and family, as well as other mothers dealing with medical issues and their children. Mellissa Zwilling, Mrs. Southern States- Wow! You are poised and very well spoken......you have won the battle and are a mother to a beautiful little girl! My roommate, Mrs. Washington D.C. Diane Lebson........a girl could not ask for a better roommate than you. You were so gracious to me all week and I will be grateful to you forever! Last, but certainly not least..........Adrienne Waston Carver, Mrs. Maryland. I have found a friend in you.....one that will last a lifetime I am sure! We were brought together and shared so many stories throughout the week. You inspire me, your story moves me, and I am so happy for all of your accomplishments! I love you girl!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't emotional about not getting into the top ten, but it was not meant to be. I loved every second of my journey, and I know in my heart that my work is not done, and nor will it ever be. My son and other EB sufferers need me. My family and I will continue to spread awareness and raise research dollars! Thank you to my family, friends, DebRA of America, and Hollister for making this week special for me!

My beautiful sister gave me a special gift after the pageant on Saturday evening. It was a necklace with a single pearl, and the message it represents is this:

One in a Million

Embrace your individuality! You are the best "you" there is.

Let your necklace be a reminder to stay true to yourself.

You are one of a kind!

Brigette, I love you with all of my heart. You are an amazing sister and I thank God everyday for you! Thank you!