Sarah French - Fox61, Hartford, CT
As Miss Missouri 2006, Sarah acted as a spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network. She helped the nonprofit organization raise $150,000 in their annual KPLA Radiothon. Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for more than 170 Children’s Hospitals. Donations to Children’s Miracle Network create miracles by funding medical care, research, and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children every year.
“Through Children’s Miracle Network, I had the opportunity to meet Children’s Miracle Network Missouri Champion, Danielle Roeder. When Danielle was born, her parents thought she was a normal, healthy baby. She was 6 months old when she started to lose all muscle control. She had no control over her arms, legs, or head. When she was old enough to speak, she spoke in a very quiet, strained whisper. The doctors had no idea what was wrong with her. For six years, she was misdiagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy. She was completely wheelchair bound and dependent on her parents for everything. During the summer of 2005, with the help of Children’s Miracle Network, Danielle and her family traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Three days after their trip, the doctor called and told them that Danielle has L-Dopa Responsive Dystonia, which is like a childhood form of Parkinson’s, and it is treatable! Danielle received treatment for two years. And after a hip surgery, Danielle is finally walking on her own! She loves to sing and dance and ride her bike! With the support of Children’s Miracle Network, miracles can and do happen!”
Sarah also traveled the state, promoting her platform - Health & Fitness. Sarah kicked off a statewide student-fitness program and joined other state and local leaders to launch the Shape Up Our Students program, part of the Shape Up Missouri effort. Shape Up Our Students, a partnership between the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health and the Show-Me State Games, is a nine-week initiative for K-12 students, that focuses on fitness and nutrition.
At the 2006 Show-Me State Games Opening Ceremonies, Sarah led the crowd in the Oath of Athletes. The Show-Me State Games began in 1985, which was a great year for sports in Missouri! The St. Louis Cardinals faced the Kansas City Royals in the I-70 World Series and the first Show-Me State Games were held in Columbia, Mo. As a non-profit program of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health, the SMSG came to life in the form of an Olympic style sports festival to inspire Missourians of all ages and skill levels to develop their physical abilities. The Games have continued to grow steadily and have gained a reputation as one of the best state games in the nation, attracting former President George H.W. Bush, George Foreman, Bruce Jenner, Mia Hamm and Dick Enberg to speak at the opening ceremonies.
Sarah also acted as the Missouri State Representative for Right Decisions, Right Now – a nonprofit program that works on educating children on the critical issues and decisions they will face during adolescents.
The Susan G. Komen Foundation is yet another organization close to Sarah’s heart. She met with Governor Matt Blunt, as he signed the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation. The Susan G. Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer, through its support of innovative research and community-based outreach programs. Working through a network of U.S. and International Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure, the Komen Foundation is fighting to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by funding research grants and supporting education, screening and treatment projects in communities around the world.
“I became very passionate about Breast Cancer Awareness when one of my high school teachers, Kerry Owen, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Mrs. Owen is one of the most amazing individuals you will ever meet. She was my oral communications teacher in high school, which sparked my interest in Broadcast Journalism. She was also the schools Key Club sponsor, which was nationally recognized by President Bush. Mrs. Owen encouraged each of her students to volunteer and reach for their dreams. She even encouraged me to enter my very first pageant. Mrs. Owen is not only a teacher, but a role model and a friend. Thank you Mrs. Owen for all that you have done for so many people!”
As a proud member of Cherokee Nation, Sarah spoke at the National Trail of Tears Conference in Springfield, Mo. Sarah’s family donated the land to preserve the home of Sequoyah – who developed the Cherokee Alphabet.
Visit Sarah’s Miss Missouri Blog
