[jmd3]

I am so excited for my daughter, Jenna, who was chosen to compete for this event, as her title of "Miss Indiana" (town) for Miss Pennsylvania International 2010 ....

.... BUT - more so excited about the platform she chose to run with, yes, Celiac Disease! When she spoke with the pageant representatives about her special cause they hadn't even heard of this, so what a great chance to bring more awareness to our group! There are only UP to twelve women selected to be in the running of Miss Pennsylvania International, and she is ONE of those chosen 12 to participate in the final.

Jenna selected celiac disease because of the terrible plight I had/have been having....

While in college, last year she intern shipped with Lisa Lundy on the release and promotion of her Celiac Cookbook, and helped promote Lisa for a radio spot to focus on celiac disease.

Now after learning she will be running for Miss Pennsylvania International 2010 with her platform about Celiac Disease, she found out less than 2 weeks ago she has celiac too.

I am so proud of my daughter, and hoping that she will have support from fellow celiacs and help promote awareness about just what gluten IS and put celiac disease into a spotlight for good.

Any help with ideas would be of value. Please forgive me if I have posted in the wrong board forum, and be directed to the right board for this topic.

[mommida]

I am so excited for your daughter! Tell her congratulations!

As a parent of a 6 year old girl with Celiac and EE, it is so important to show an example of why you don't let Celiac stop you from going after what you want in life. The diet restrictions are a tough part, but it won't hold you back if you don't let it.

[Ahorsesoul]

Keep me informed on how she does. Tell her I'm proud of her for talking about Celiac Disease.

[hannahp57]

Congratulations to both of you!!!
What a good role model for young celiacs to have.
Do they have talent competitions and things like that? it would be really neat to see her bake gluten free goodies on there if that's her thing!
keep us informed. especially if its televised on a news station.. i can always search youtube for it

[jmd3]

Thank-you for the positive replies, it is so appreciated.

I know Jenna is working very hard to be a positive role model, in all that she is doing, and has accomplished already, she is a very determined women. Jenna never ceases to amaze me, she did start a blog about her life enroute to a state title.

There isn't any talent that is judged with this and 50% is based on your interview to speak about your platform in front of a live audience. I "think" they only get about 3 min to speak on their chosen platform - hers of course is celiac disease. There is also a gown, and sports wear judging too... must have some girly things in there too for fun, hehe. )

One very exciting prospect is that if she would happen to make Miss Pennsylvania 2010, and go on to be Miss International 2010, she would get to work full time for a year raising awareness for celiac disease, and it is GLOBAL! I think this could be extremely important to out celiac disease, and what gluten is even more - and to include how many people she may touch and be able to help! !

I am so excited to share this info with our community here, thanks for your support. I will post additional updates.

[jmd3]

A bit of an update to all. Although Jenna (@GFJenna) did not win the title of Miss Pa International 2010, she would have made EVERYONE in the gluten free world proud!

I have received several letters and even emails from teachers, and people in our area that because of her they were able to help their students and/or their relatives because of her speaking out.

She has been doing amazing work all over Pa for awareness with celiac disease. In fact the March issue of the NFCA newsletter called her a *rock star* in their monthly newletter. She also has been working on other aspects to help gluten free bloggers and also coordinating the 2nd annual "celiac awareness day" with the Pittsburgh Pirates. (she did the 1st as well) Proceeds will go to the NFCA, and GIG.

Thank-you to all that wished her well!!

P.S. - she is in the running for Miss Pa USA 2011