Mrs. Kansas United States 2013: September to Remember

I can't believe how fast this year is flying by ... it's already October?! September, which also happened to be Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Leukemia Awareness Month and the first official month of fall, was quite busy for me, so read on for all the details!

On September 14, I stopped by Heroes & Halos in Eudora with Miss Kansas Teen USA Aly Klinzing. It was such a wonderful event where children and families affected by childhood cancer could have a carefree day of fun away from the hospital. The two of us were stationed at the ring toss booth playing with kids and their siblings all morning, and it was adorable! The kids were such good sports, and it was heartwarming to see them forget about their worries (as much as they could) for just a few hours. So much fun!

Then, on September 19, I drove out to Loch Lloyd to attend the A Chance for Children Patron's Party. Mrs. Kansas United States 2010, and Mrs. Kansas Mommy, Emily Kuhlman, invited me and it was one of my favorite events! The proceeds from the sale of tickets, the silent auction and raffle, which totaled over $3,000, benefitted KU Kids Healing Place at the University of Kansas Medical Center, which cares for children with chronic and life-limiting diagnoses. I had the chance to chat with quite a few inspiring and accomplished ladies, many of whom were fellow University of Kansas alumnae! A truly lovely evening.

Finally, on September 22 I joined Miss Kansas Teen USA Aly Klinzing again, along with Violet from Great Wolf Lodge, to visit children at the University of Kansas Hospital's Pediatric Critical Care Unit. We brought projects to work on and things to color, and spent a few hours with children stricken by cancer and other devastating illnesses and their families. I was honored and humbled to spend time with these strong children and their supportive and determined families. It was truly moving! The staff at the University of Kansas Hospital are special and skilled people; thank you, Aly, for asking me to join you! After leaving I was inspired, and also deeply grateful that I have never had to fight to get healthy, or fight for my life, like these children. Never again will I take my health, or the health of my loved ones, for granted.

I was able to wear my beautiful blue and orange Warriors for Ross sash to all of the September events I attended, to continue to raise awareness of children's cancer so we can help find a cure! Thank you, Vanbros, for my special sash! Check out all the pictures below to see how each appearance went.

Want me to stop by your event, fundraiser or school, or judge your pageant? Just email me at mrsksus2013 @gmail.com; I'd love to! Want to check out additional pictures and follow even more of my journey as Mrs. Kansas United States 2013? Make sure to like my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter @RealMrsKSUS!

Three appearances, two trips, two weddings and three events at work later, October has arrived. I love the fall because of football, cool weather, and the start of state preliminary pageants for Miss USA! Looking forward to a fabulous fall, and I hope you enjoy every minute of your fabulous fall, too!

All the best,

RYK