Most recently, I met several heart cancer survivors at the Start! Heart Walk Kansas City 2010. These survivors taught me what it is like to learn and live strong. I was amazed to see how many survivors were under the age of 15 and that they were walking to raise money for something that once affected the future of their lives. As I arrived at the walk, I was immediately shipped to the Kid Zone to sign autographs.
While I was there I was greeted by a good friend of mine, Chief's mascot, KC Wolf! KC and I have done several appearances together and I have had the opportunity to get to know him personally.
For those of you that know me, I cannot sit and watch kids playing... I have to get involved in the festivities! Since I was a child, I have always had a love for children. Since there were a ton of hula hoops, I decided we should have a contest!!
(I used this picture to help explain to my middle school students how the forces of gravity work- look at my hula hoop!!!)
After mingling with some of the kids, it was time for the opening ceremonies of the Heart Walk. As we began the stage announcements, I noticed someone waving at me. I immediately waved back with a smile. As this person continued to wave at me and dance around, I soon realized it was my brother, Jimmy! He was running sound for the entire event!
Such a goof! What would I do without the support of my awesome family??
Once the ceremonies ended it was time to meet some of the survivors.
Heart survivors! They were all provided with red survivor hats from Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Before the walk could begin we all took a moment to think about those that lost their battle with heart disease and stroke.
It was during this time when I truly began to realize the impact that a healthy lifestyle has on community members in the KC area. I learned that the Heart Walk is the largest fundraising event that focuses on exercise as an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Over $1,000,000 was raised on Saturday for America's number 1 and 3 killers, heart disease and stroke.
Walkers were able to choose between a one mile or a four mile route around Theis Park on the Plaza. Over 12,000 walkers of corporate teams and individuals joined together to reach the goal of $1.25 million. The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
As the day continued I met so many gracious supporters and was able to thank them for volunteering their time to the American Heart Association.
This woman says that I am her good luck charm! She was convinced that after meeting me, I brought her good luck.
Theis Park served as a wonderful area for the walk!
Once a majority of the walkers returned, I was back in the Kid Zone!
I LOVE hugs!!
The Kids Zone was a blast and I loved hearing about all of the princess crowns the girls had at home! As you can tell, I got a great thigh work out on this day....
This little sweetheart saw me out of the corner of her wagon and literally leapt at me!! Luckily, I was able to catch her just in time for a big hug.
I was also able to visit with the Blue Bell cow!
The walk was a success and KC volunteers got in a great day full of fun and exercise!
Directly after the Heart Walk I took off for my next appearance, the Just for Her Expo in Overland Park! The Expo was filled with ladies who came out to treat themselves to some fun. Some of the expo activities included; a bachelor auction, boutique crawl, fashion show, pamper lounge, prizes, tasting tables, over 250 booths of services and shopping, and of course, yours truly!
When I arrived I was greeted by my good friends from Mix 93.3, we were also together at the Heart Walk that morning! I was immediately handed a script and t-shirt to get ready for the fitness portion of the Expo. Fitness is a major part of my life and I wanted to help promote a healthy lifestyle of all of the women there. This particular day I was promoting kc180fitness, run by Kri Chay. Kri and my trainer, Dorn Lovan have assisted me with my nutrition and fitness a great deal in the past few months. A group of their boot camp girls and I were up on stage, presenting a skit about making time to work out and the benefits of kc180fitness. After the skit, we presented a short segment of work outs.
Kickboxing!!
Believe me, working out with the crown on can definitely be a challenge!
After the skit and short workout segment, I was able to visit with the "expo-ers"!
Signing autographs!
While at the Expo, I was able to meet a wonderful young lady who was interested in pageants. She was such a sweetheart and I was able to recruit her! Watch out teen contestants, you definitely won't miss her this year! Although she lives in Kansas, she will still be a great asset to this organization.
Also, if anyone out there is looking for a great way to get in shape, feel free to contact Dorn Lovan!!! He has worked wonders for me. You can read all about him on his website: http://www.iamoneup.com/ and also check me out on his client spotlight!
Sunday brought more preparations for Miss Missouri! My sister queens are I are extremely lucky to have a wonderful support group at our send off party and wardrobe showing in Platte City! We are pictured here in our opening number dresses with our fabulous directors, Angie Young and Tim Collins, along with our photographer Megan Knott.
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