October 26th, 2009 - Women's Health Summit

"The Women's Health Summit is a meaningful, educational, and fun conference for women of all ages. It is meant to encourage you to take a proactive role in your own health and learn new strategies for healthier living. Women are educated, motivated and rejuvenated!"

North Dakota First Lady Mikey L. Hoeven.

Wellness and health education booths are set up for women to visit and gain knowledge in between sessions. I joined the Go Red booth to encouraging women to sign up for Go Red and LOVE YOUR HEART! Our 3 keynote speakers were amazing, funny and heartwarming. We were privileged to be among Dru Sjodin's mother who spoke about losing Dru and struggling to heal from this loss. Her goal now is to bring awareness to everyone to decrease the number of countless victims of violence. Tracey Conway, an award winning actress, was taping a television show when she literally dropped dead in her 30's from Cardiac Arrest. She survived and is motivating women in a poignant laugh-out-loud presentation to start taking their health seriously. Karyn Ruth White, a comedian, did not leave a dry eye in the house...hilarious does not even come close. Karyn wants women to realize the benefits of laughter and humor in their life and to begin to live a laughter-rich life! Mikey Hoeven was right - we were educated, motivated and rejuvenated!

October 22, 2009 - 4th Annual Bras on Broadway Benefit Auction

With honor, humor and hope, the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo, ND along with the American Cancer Society raised $40,000 to help breast cancer patients in North Dakota. Bras on Broadway is an annual fundraising event which raises money to help breast cancer patients. The event showcases signature bras and other artwork created by region artists. The bras are then modeled and actioned. My co-workers felt it was time to decorate a bra on behalf of the American Cancer Society and who other than Mrs. ND International would be chosen to be the model? ;-) The bra was decorated as cupcakes to celebrate the new logo for the ACS which is "Celebrating More Birthdays By Saving More Lives". Modesty and shyness went out the window as over 35 women, including myself, proudly strutted our stuff in gorgeous ....sometimes funny.... but always with the utmost spirit.... bras for a great cause! I had a wonderful time and I would do it again!

October 16th, 2009 - Medcenter One Run/Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness

Come rain or shine, walkers and runners take to the Tom O' Leary trail in Bismarck, ND for the Medcenter One Run/Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness. One in 8 women will be affected by breast cancer. Look around....do you have 8 women in your life that you love and care about? Odds are one of them will be affected by breast cancer. Walkers and runners come from all over to participate in this community event. Organizations, including the American Cancer Society, gather together at the beginning of the Run/Walk at the Women's Health Center and offer a multitude of education regarding health and wellness....most centered around conquering breast cancer. Pat, who is pictured with me above, is a wonderful woman and a great friend to my father. I have known her since I was a child. Pat has always participated in this event in the past working hard to try and bring awareness regarding this disease to our community and now at the 14th annual event she spoke about her own battle with breast cancer - she was diagnosed this summer. Honesty, humor and life sprang from her as she spoke about her personal fight as she battles this terrible disease. Her hat reads, "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!" Do your duties women.....take care of your breasts and end this battle!