MAY 13, 2007 RACE FOR THE CURE (BLOOMINGTON, MN - MALL OF AMERICA)

The Mrs. Minnesota America pageant has participated in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for as many years as I can remember. This year it was again held at the Mall of America, and it was completely humbling to see roughly 50,000 people in attendance. It just shows how prevalent breast cancer really is, and how important it is to find a cure. The Mrs. America pageant partners with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization (what an obvious and natural partnership!), and when I was competing at Mrs. America we attended an informational meeting that left all of us completely inspired to combat this disease. It was fun to see a number of the contestants and their family members in support of this worthy cause. The weather was a bit chilly in the morning but it turned into a beautiful day...a great way to start my 3rd Mother's Day! I also ran into an old friend Paige Swenson (who was Miss MN USA 2000 and recently lost her mother to a long and courageous battle with cancer), so it was great to catch up with her if only for a few moments. There are so many personal stories like hers and it was a great way to reflect on how truly devastating this disease is. A big thank you to those who came to show their support, and see you next year!

PHOTOS:
1) "Team Mrs. Minnesota America" L to R: Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Rogers), Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), me, Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury), and Penny Godbout (Mrs. Hudson-WISCONSIN)
2) My husband Matt and I during the walk
3) Our team and some of their family members in front of the Mall of America sign
4) With pageant friend and Vikings Cheerleader Kristina Ferdig during the walk
5) "We made it!" At the finish line L to R: Carl Schway (State Co-director), Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury), Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), me, Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Hennepin County), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), and Penny Godbout (Mrs. Hudson-WISCONSIN)