Help Haley get to Nationals #autism
Haley is a 13 year old young lady who has classical autism and ADHD. She is a vibrant girl with big ideas. She has put a lot of effort into trying to 'fit in' within a middle school culture. She is serving her second year on student council, plays school volleyball, and competes in both Missouri Special Olympics Track and Swim team.
In her free time, Haley loves to bake and decorate cupcakes. Cupcake Wars is one of her favorite shows and it has inspired her after graduation to attend culinary school to become a pastry chef. Her long-term dream is to own her very own cupcakery.
She embraces her disability and has made it her mission to spread autism awareness and acceptance within the community. With the release of the "Just Like You - Autism" film release, Haley independently acquired a copy of the dvd and took it to her school administration and counseling team. Her ultimate goal was to have the film shown to the school so that her peers would have a better understanding of individuals with autism and realize that they all want to be "just like you".
This month, Haley had the opportunity to be part of the "Miss Amazing" pageant in the state of Missouri. Miss Amazing is an organization that holds pageants for girls and ladies with physical and mental disabilities. These pageants are designed to help the participants overcome social anxieties that so many individuals with disabilities have. Additionally, it is designed to build up confidence and self esteem for this group; something that Haley has struggled with for years. The pageant itself is truly amazing as I have never seen so many smiles and so much true beauty in one room.
Haley was crowned Missouri's Miss Amazing Junior Teen Queen! She was so overcome with emotion she cried tears of joy and is so incredibly proud of her new title. Along with a pretty sparkly crown, Haley now gets to move forward to represent Missouri at the National Miss Amazing Pageant that will be held in Los Angeles in July.
I have set up this account as a way to help fund this rather expensive trip. However, this is a once in a lifetime experience for a little girl who just wants to 'fit in' and find her place in the world. We are hoping that her story will touch the hearts of others who want to make this happen for her as much as we do!
If you would like to follow Haley's journey to the National Miss Amazing Pageant, feel free to join our facebook group. Even if you would like to leave a message of encouragement, it would mean the world to her. Thanks in advance for all of your support!
-- Amy (the mom)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/haleysmissamazing2015/
