Page 66 - Iris Tennessee Teen Judges Book 2022

What can you do during your Tenure of Service as a Titleholder to impact your community?
I want to show that I care for everyone in the community & their needs. Since becoming Miss Teen Tipton County, I’ve had different opportunities to serve the county where I was raised. I’ve participated in chamber events, community celebrations, fundraisers, and parades. Recently, I served breakfast with the Lions Club to raise money to provide glasses. During events, I also share with the residents of Tipton County information about the American Cancer Society and resources available to cancer patients.
What has been your involvement with your platform?
My platform is HOPE: Helping Others Providing Encouragement. My mother is a breast cancer survivor. During her treatment, we realized how much support is needed for the patients and caregivers. I am able to care for cancer patients while they are receiving treatment. Many patients come to treatments alone. During the Fall, we collected personal hygiene products, candy, notebooks and puzzles. We made donations to West Cancer Clinic Brighton, LeBonheur, and Harrah’s Hope Lodge.
What inspired you to first become involved in your platform?
In December 2013, my mother was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, and I was in the third grade. As she received her chemotherapy treatments, we noticed a need for caregivers at the treatment centers. Many patients were alone while receiving treatment, which is something I did not want for my mom. Through her cancer journey, we had the opportunity to discover many resources available with the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society offers a 24/7 cancer helpline, provides information about cancer prevention and detection, signs and symptoms of cancer, treatments and side effects, health insurance options, and hair loss and mastectomy products.
If you are selected as the winner, how would you mobilize and market your platform nationally?
I would mobilize and market my platform nationally by connecting with other American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges in the country. Hope Lodges provide free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers. Patients can also receive transportation to their medical treatments and appointments. Currently, there are 31 Hope Lodge Facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico. Tennessee is blessed to have two lodges – one in Memphis and one in Nashville.
How would you utilize social media in order to positively further your position as a titleholder if you are selected as the winner?
I would use social media to show I am the same as any other seventeen-year-old teenager. I have struggles, worries, and imperfections; I am not afraid to share this information on social media. I would also use social media to further share information about resources available to cancer patients and caregivers.