Queen For A Day at the Cancer Support Community of North Texas | July 21, 2011
I volunteered with Queen For A Day the first time in 2008 and I loved every minute of it. I knew I had to come back, but things kept getting in the way. Therefore, when I heard about the next QFAD Party on July 21, 2011 at the Cancer Support Community in Dallas, I knew I had to be there! There couldn’t have been a better place to make my first appearance as the new Miss Texas Collegiate America.
Queen for a Day exists to raise the self-esteem and self-confidence of girls with cancer by hosting parties at cancer facilities and giving girls manicures and makeovers by reigning titleholders. Each and every girl will receive her own tiara, which are donated by titleholders throughout the nation. While most people quickly assume that putting makeup on these girls encourages self-evaluation through outer beauty, QFAD believes that this direct approach can help them overcome physical insecurities rather than distracting them from their situation. Not only do the girls benefit from this experience, but so do their families, who can now see their daughters and sisters as little girls, not children who are battling against cancer. QFAD also provides makeovers to siblings, who can become overlooked while the family tends to the needs of the child who has cancer. Of course, boys are not left out! They have their own unique program where they can be a Hero For A Day while making crafts and engaging with each other in fun and instructive activities.
I had the honor of giving girls their own makeover this morning which consisted of eye shadow, blush, and lipstick in addition to painting their nails and doing their hair. I met two wonderful girls who are on the same swim team. They brought matching green nail polish with a black crackle top coat to represent their swim team colors. We all had a great time watching the black nail polish crackle and seeing the bright green color peek through!
Once the makeovers were complete, the girls participated in crafts by making masks and beaded jewelry. All while the boys who participated in the program had “Hero Training” and got their own superman cape! Us girls could hear all of the boys being rowdy and having a blast all the way across the building!
Towards the end of the event, each girl was crowned properly with her own sash and crown from a real titleholder! It was an incredible feeling to see each girl’s face light up as a crown was placed on her head. The sparkle in their eyes could never come close to the sparkle of a crown. The girls proudly wore their new crowns and sashes for the remainder of the party. I could visibly see the difference in their self-confidence immediately. The girls sat straighter, stood taller, and has great posture. It’s amazing what a makeover can do!
After a quick snack of cookies, fruit juice, and granola bars, the girls and boys were treated to a surprise by a team of firefighters! They gave their presentation on their gear and how taught everyone tricks on how to test if the door was warm by using the back of your hand, not your palm. I was glad to learn this because like any other person, I would use my palm. However, the firefighters couldn’t stay long because they received a dispatch call and had to leave. As each man left, we all bid them to be safe.
I had a fantastic time at Queen For A Day and I cannot wait for the next party! I’d like to thank Amanda Kreshak, the Director of QFAD Dallas for helping change the lives of so many young children and giving me a chance to be a part of that change.
