Serving is about more than the act or behavior; it is about utilizing the opportunity to create a lasting impact on those around us causing a butterfly effect of change around the globe. When I suit up and put on my crown, the issue that is closest to my heart is the childhood obesity epidemic. As I have matured, I have come to a staggering realization, not every child is given proper health tools to reach their full potential to achieve their best in life. Damaging almost one-third of Minnesota’s kids, the stakes are high and the cost is life altering. Crave A Difference is a program that I developed three years ago, donating hours of time and energy to combat childhood obesity while building confidence in our youth.
Through Crave A Difference I have created an ABC’s of health curriculum that I have used with kindergarten, first and second graders across the state, serving nearly 1,000 students. Along with that, I started The Golden Spatula Challenge, which sparks nutrition conversations at home. Last year and today it is being used in 3 school districts and 6 classrooms throughout Central Minnesota with plans to expand next year. Nothing in the world is more rewarding than hearing from a parent that their child now wants to eat whole grains because of “Princess Healthy.” My message has always been and continues to be focused on the impact small changes can have over time. Truly, giving shares that message. Giving a little bit of yourself each and every day to serving others, can add up to positive changes both for the individual helped and for your internal spirit.
This year also marks the third year for my annual Superhero Strength Challenge, where Minnesota and South Dakota students are invited to take part in a push-up competition. The winning school is then presented with a plaque and a Crave A Difference health party. The lesson has games and activities focused on fueling your body right with proper nutrition and exercise. Throughout the last two years 2,927 students have taken part in the challenge and over 87,000 push-ups have been completed.
Beyond my platform, my service through the Children’s Miracle Network has honestly changed me forever. Ady, Olivia, Nykki and Charlie are just a few of the remarkable kids that have inspired me to live everyday to the fullest and to be thankful for the little things we sometimes take for granted. It was this inspiration that lead me to creating my Miracle Mugs fundraiser. Miracle Mugs are coffee mugs engraved with handwritten notes from the patients at the CMN hospitals across Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota. Over the last two years Miracle Mugs has raised over $11,000. My favorite message this year is from a “Shaken Baby Syndrome” survivor named Nykki, who was adopted by the most loving family I have ever met. Their sacrifice to living a life of service by fostering children has taught me what true selflessness looks like. Nykki’s mug says, “Thank you for sharing my story,” in hopes that we can prevent another baby from ever being shaken.
In 2014, I completed a year of thankfulness, where I wrote a thank-you note each and everyday for 365 days. That year, I witnessed a growth in me unlike ever before. Being thankful for others and giving back is what life is about. We were each put on this planet for a purpose. Right there in my gut I believe my purpose is to serve others, specifically children. Giving back is something that no one can ever take from you, it is something that you can bottle up in your heart and keep forever. I am so thankful that this organization has helped me come to the realization that at the core of your soul, or crown, should reside a giving spirit that refuses to rest until all the work is done right.
