Stephanie's Blog

December 2007

December is my favorite time of year – miraculous and joy filled.

December 1st I headed off to Princeton, New Jersey for the Mrs. New Jersey Cabaret to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Talk about the Royal treatment! I was whisked away from the airport in a white stretch Limo and driven right into the quaint town of Princeton where I stayed at the world famous Nassau Inn. Heather, Mrs. New Jersey United States, and I had a great time catching up – we were very happy to see each other again. What a fabulous evening they had planned; there were entertainers from Disney World, Opryland, Atlantic City Casinos, and the Apollo Theater. The talent on stage was phenomenal and I was blown away by the collective energy as we truly celebrated  “A Night for Children.”

Heather, Michelle & Christopher – Thank you for an unforgettable event.

                                                                                                      Congressman John Conyers invited my husband Donald and I to join him at his annual Christmas party – what a great time we had. We were truly full with holiday cheer and my diet went out the window that day as well with all the wonderful food! It was such an Honor to be a guest of the Congressman at this event.

Congressman Conyers has tabled Bill HR 676, which addresses single payer universal health care. He continues to garner support from government officials, and health care professionals and I cannot help but be excited about what this could mean for those Americans with special needs. Our long fight for care, treatments and medication may finally be within reach.  He has my full support and I look forward to working with him in the future and doing everything I can to best help his efforts.

I made a surprise visit to Kith Haven Convalescent home to see my Uncle Perkin (Perkin D. Hodge), who is one of the few remaining veterans of the Korean War (Prisoner of War Hospital Medic, 64th Field Division). He has long been one of my strongest supporters. I remember when I won my first Teen Title. He made certain that I didn’t want for anything. My Uncle was the man of the hour when I arrived. One of his friends, Mr. Hunt (no relation) had tears in his eyes; he said he never thought he’d live to see a real Queen. I was touched by his words.
 

What an amazing Christmas gift to see the article telling the story of my weight loss journey and how I changed my life along the way, in the December/January issue of Heart & Soul Magazine!  It was a long hard road from 246lbs and I thank God that I am happy, healthy (!), and that I can inspire and help other women do the same thing.

 

This was really one of the best holiday seasons ever as I was able to spend some much-needed time with my family and just enjoy the spirit of Christmas. My husband commented that he’d never seen so many Santa Clause figurines in one spot before. Jordan, my 13 year old is always excited at this time of year. My little Donnie was caught up in the excitement in the air. He was just amazed at the 12 foot tree that appeared in his foyer. He might not have understood all that was going on but like every child at Christmas time, he was wide-eyed with wonder and happy
innocence....and what more could anyone ask for?

Stephanie
 

November 2007

November....truly one of my favorite months. I'm still like a child, because as the November winds cool down and the scarves, mitts, and warm coats come out what it means to me is that the Holidays are just around the corner!


I began my month by judging the Miss Washtenaw County Pageant which was held on November 3rd. This is a preliminary to the Miss Michigan America Pageant and what beautiful, bright, and talented young women graced the stage that night. I remember the many times I competed in MAO programs just hoping to capture any part of the Miss America Crown.
           

November 6th was a BIG day! WDIV Channel 4 came to my home to film an interview for the America's Thanksgiving Parade pre-show.

It was a challenge trying to project my voice. Two days prior I was stricken with laryngitis...I couldn't talk! But there was no way that I would cancel. What an opportunity to talk about my son Donnie, Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, and the over 25 million Americans who suffer with a rare disease. This pre-show was broadcast to millions of homes across the country both the week before and the morning of the actual parade. I guess that it was my determination to speak about these very important things that helped me make it through that day!


On behalf of Northwest Airlines I made a November 12th appearance as a guest speaker at the 3rd Annual Signature Chef Auction to benefit the

March of Dimes. It was a real treat! A wonderful evening filled with exceptional cuisine prepared by the finest chefs in the Greater Washtenaw Area. Sampling all of their signature dishes was a DELICIOUS experience. A live auction to raise funds for improving the health of premature babies, preventing birth defects, and lowering the incidence of infant mortality rounded out a wonderful night.

Next stop...Niagara Falls, New York -- 

for the Mrs. New York United States Pageant!

This is the first crowning for 2008. What fun! My family and friends had a chance to accompany me, which made it even more special as I miss them so much when I'm away.

The following day we visited the magnificent falls as neither my children nor brother had ever seen them. I had forgotten myself how beautiful and majestic they are.
 

Mrs. New York 2007, Lori Donaudy;Mrs. United States 2007, Stephanie Hunt;
Mrs. New York 2008, Melissa Ognibene; Mrs. Illinois 2007, Amy Gregorio.



 

On the 21st I was co-host on Pageant Talk International , a live podcast, with Jennifer Woods.

I not only had a chance to discuss my platform and answer great questions from listeners but I it also afforded me the opportunity to reminisce on my crowning moment, and what a moment it was. I you haven't seen the video clip, it's a classic. I almost fainted...literally.

Finally, November 22nd, the day we had been looking forward to with so much anticipation had arrived. THANKSGIVING! What a blessed day!






I remember as a child awakening bright and early to see the Parade...wishing that I would one day be riding high atop one of the pretty floats. Well my wish came true. Never stop dreaming! It was an amazing feeling to be there, riding on the "Queen's Float" and watching the faces of all the parade enthusiasts lining the route – especially the children – as they waved and blew delightful kisses as I passed by.

Even though my feet were so cold that I could hardly feel them the experience warmed my heart and provided me with a memory that I will carry forever in my heart. It made me feel so grateful to be able to live my dream and I thank God for all that I am and ever will be.

A special little boy was also honored that day. My Donnie turned 5 years old. So after the parade we came home to gather with friends and family for a big birthday celebration!


I was also asked to be a judge at the inaugural Miss Teen Detroit Pageant held on November 25th and hosted by Radio Personality and Host of "Talk of the Town", Frankie Darcell...my Sorority sister...skeeweet! What a fabulous event. Frankie had been working with and mentoring these young ladies since early this year. What a great group of Teens! I most enjoyed their costumes in the opening production. Each outfit reflected their career hopes and they recited on each ambition...Doctor, Judge, Veterinarian to name a few. I have no doubt they will be successful in their many and varied goals. It brought back memories of my own first Teen Pageant which was truly a stepping stone for me and I wish them all the success possible in their future endeavors.


December has already started off Phenomenal...I can't wait to share it with you!



Stephanie

Mrs. United States 2007


 

October 2007 Blog

Upon my arrival in Los Angeles on October 12th, I was whisked off to visit Ambler Avenue Elementary School and the 186th Street School. The children at both schools were very welcoming and it was wonderful to see their little faces beaming as they greeted me with flowers and their own artwork depicting their version of Mrs. United States – to them a real live "princess." What a rewarding day! I must have signed a million autographs and I was as delighted with them as they were with me.

This is one of my favorite pictures – look closely and you'll see some tiny hands reaching up to touch my crown!





The next day I attended the Association of Black Women Physicians 26th Annual Charity and Scholarship Dinner Dance. These women are amazing! They award scholarships to some of the most promising young women in the country for their studies in the field of medicine. I was very proud to be there and honored to be seated with Dr. Alexa Canady, the first Black Female Neurosurgeon in the United States and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. She's a fellow Michiganite...from Lansing!! Small world!


The icing on the cake had to be meeting Niecy Nash, the hostess, who was just as funny in person as she is on TV as the Host of The Style Network's home makeover show, Clean House, which has become a 1 rated program.

On Sunday I attended the House of Blues and was honored on Stage at the Gospel Brunch which featured my cousin's band, Ray Sidney & Firm Soundation. They were awesome!

It was back in the air on Monday to meet with Fitness Director Camille Finley and the members of the Women's Athletic Club of Chicago. The open house and luncheon were built around the theme "Rejuvenation 2008" and it was all about reinventing and rebuilding from the inside out – and enjoying yourself along the way. What a great group of women. They were very interested in my weight loss success story, how I achieved my title, and my work with NORD and RTS. I also got the chance to participate in a belly dance class -- a lot of fun – and a great work out.
 

Myself, Connie Frydenlund, and Camille S. Finley, Fitness Director at The Women's Athletic Club of Chicago

I was very busy on the 27th meeting Lauren Nelson, Miss America 2007 and attending my own Coronation Party. I thank each and every one of you that came out to help me celebrate; getting together with friends and family and all the people that help me make this gig as Queen for a Year successful means the world to me.


Mrs. United States 2007 and Miss America 2007