Danielle Enberg – Celebrating 20 years of Being Cancer FREE!

 

Last Sunday I shared a beautiful day with a beautiful young woman, Danielle Enberg. I first met Danielle when I was Miss Saint Cloud, competing for Miss Minnesota International in March of 2012. Her story stopped me in my tracks. This brave girl has battled and advocated for childhood cancer and childhood cancer research almost her whole life.

 

She was diagnosed with Wilms Tumor 12 days before her first birthday. When most signs of this type of tumor are obvious like abdominal pain and blood in urine, Danielle had none of these symptoms. What she did have was simple common ear infection. After a few weeks, doctors noticed her enlarged liver and she was immediately rushed to Mercy hospital. Wilms Tumor is a very rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer most often found in children under the age of five.

After many medical interventions, extensive surgeries, and treatments Danielle, myself and one of our Minnesota pageant sisters, Abigale Bodine, celebrated this very special day with her, being cancer FREE for the past 20 years. How fabulous is that? Danielle is one of the strongest and most inspirational young women I have ever met. I am so proud of her. She is truly a blessed soul. God has certainly turned her pain into purpose and now she can help encourage other young children battling cancer like she once did. She works vigorously to inform and educate as well as raise funds for childhood cancer research.

I was so honored when she asked me to present her with her 2013 crown and banner. After spending the afternoon with Danielle’s friends and family and watching adorable videos of all her dance recitals through the years, I left knowing that she is truly what this pageant system is all about, giving women a place to showcase their incredible accomplishments and spotlight their personal passion and mission. She will compete at Miss Minnesota International 2013. Follow along to watch her journey and keep up with her latest accomplishments at http://misswrightcounty2011.weebly.com/index.html

 

 

Thank you for letting me a part of your special day Danielle.

 

XOXO and all my love,

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012

In Memory of Hannah Grace Harrison

As many of you know, September was Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As the month has come to an end, I cannot help but remember my special friend and the inspiration for one of my favorite charities, Hannah Grace Harrison. Hannah Grace was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly before her third birthday. She underwent four surgeries and five rounds of chemo therapy, along with a stem cell therapy transplant. In April 2009, Hannah Grace was declared to be in remission.

However, in October 2009, shortly after beginning preschool, a routine MRI showed that the cancer had returned in different spots throughout her brain. Hannah Grace and her family relocated to Texas where she began radiation treatments. Although she responded well at first, she began having additional trouble. In July 2010, an MRI showed that the cancer had spread throughout her brain and spine. On August 1, 2010, Hannah Grace went home to be with our Lord.

Hannah Grace’s family began Hannah’s Gifts of Hope to support other families battling childhood cancer financially, emotionally, and spiritually. To learn more about Hannah’s Gifts of Hope, visit their website at www.hannahsgiftsofhope.org.

Caroline Crowley