Happy (Belated) Holidays to Sojourner Health Clinic!

As I mentioned back in October (An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure), I have been vigorously fundraising for the Sojourner Health Clinic as a part of my platform service. I am so honored to be a part of this compassionate organization that works toward providing medical care for underserved areas and for uninsured patients. Please visit either my previous blog entry or the Sojourner website for more information about their mission and my participation.

Being a free and non-for-profit clinic, Sojourner is always looking for donations, be it supplies, toiletries, or money, to help our team best take care of our patients' every need, not just their medical ones. Along with the Columbia Duffer's Club, I have been able to raise funds to again buy toiletries such as toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, deodorant, and soap as well as raise $500 to be used to purchase medical equipment and medication. We decided to present the "gifts" as a belated holiday celebration.

Presenting the check to Dr. Purdom, my advising physician, and Charlie Spencer, the president of Sojourner Health Clinic

When I came to present the donations and check, my patients were shocked to see me out of my scrubs and in my crown and sash. After my crown got passed around and tried on, my patients were selflessly asking if there was anything they could do to help me in my quest for Miss Missouri. Again, my wonderful patients amaze me as they forget their own problems or concerns to encourage and help me. Unfortunately, I had to tell them that the crowning of Miss Missouri was not decided by a public vote, but I appreciated their support. :-) Again, since I provide care for the patients at Sojourner, I am not allowed to post pictures of them, but Craig is a team member, and he wanted to try on the crown, too!

Thank you to the members of the Columbia Duffer's Club for recognizing and working so hard to fulfill the needs of these patients and our clinic. Also, thank you to Dr. Purdom and Charlie Spencer for guidance and participation in fundraising.

Good Luck, Erika!!

Maybe it's just me, but can you believe that Miss America is only a week away? It seems like Caressa Cameron was just crowned! Well, whether I'm ready or not, I know one girl who is: our Miss Missouri Erika Hebron. In a few days, she will be leaving for Las Vegas to represent our state at Miss America. And, a first for me: I will be there in Vegas to watch her perform!

My two moms: My real mother and my Miss Missouri host mom, Karen Linnemeyer

This past weekend, all of the Miss Missouri pageant family gathered in Mexico, Missouri, to throw Erika a fabulous send-off party. Not only did we get to visit with our state titleholder and encourage her as she prepares to leave, but also, we were able to preview her entire Miss America wardrobe! The Gateway crew and I were delighted to "ooo and aww" as Erika shared her dresses and the stories of how the designs were created. Her gorgeous dresses were perfectly chosen to highlight her beauty and her spunky personality. The audience was also treated with wonderful talent performances by Erika, Ashley Skinner- Miss Sikeston 2010, Mary Bauer- Miss Jackson 2011, and Katy Reed- Miss Gateway to the West 2010 (my stunning friend who crowned me a few months ago).

The Reed sisters: Gilda, Miss Texas County 2011 and Katy, Miss Gateway to the West 2010

Ashley Skinner, Miss Sikeston 2010 AND my amazing Vegas traveling buddy. One week until we leave for Miss America!!

Erika even shared with us her extravagantly designed shoe for the traditional "Show Us Your Shoes Parade." When the Miss America Program was hosted in Atlantic City, the contestants would ride in a parade down the boardwalk. Eventually, the parade became focused on the stylish shoes the contestants were wearing as the crowd would shout "Show us your SHOES!" Needless to say, Erika's shoe design and parade outfit does not disappoint! Get ready Miss America, Erika is coming ready to work for that crown! And, since I will be in Vegas throughout all the untelevised events, I will update you on her journey here on my blog. Be watching!

The Gateway girls

Good luck, Erika! You are an amazing Miss Missouri and I am so proud to have you as our representative at Miss America.