The Road to United America

It's hard to believe that exactly two weeks from now, I will be preparing to board a plane to Texas for the Mrs. United America and Mrs. Petite United America pageants. Looking back over the past several months, I am overcome with emotion and a feeling of gratefulness unlike any other I have experienced. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities that I have been blessed with, and all of the wonderful friendships I have made. I am grateful for the ability to use my title to raise breast cancer awareness as well as raising awareness for other worthy causes. There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am to my amazing family who have made it possible for me to pursue my dream. Without them, this experience would not be possible. I am grateful to my friends for their unwavering support and words of encouragement. I am so lucky to have all of you by my side to share in this experience. Most of all, I thank God for blessing me with this opportunity. Through him, I have learned that all things are possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone for your support!

The Philadelphia Race for the Cure

The Philadelphia Race for the Cure took place on Sunday, May 13th, in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. There was a tremendous turnout, although official numbers have yet to be released, it is estimated that there were approximatelt 50,000 participants. This was the first race in several years that I attended soley as a participant and not in an official capacity as a volunteer or committee member. I was joined by Kim Wright, my Komen Maryland Survivor Chair, and together we watched the set-up and workings of this event. We searched for ideas to add and improve our own race being held in Hunt Valley, MD. Some may say I am partial since I have served on a committee for the Maryland Affiliate for several years. Putting that fact aside, I did walk away from this race with a new found appreciation for the support my committee provides for survivors and their families on Race Day. Makeovers, face painting, portraits, breakfast, live music, and give aways are only a small part of what makes the Maryland Survivor Tent the best I have seen so far! It was my honor and privelage to support this race as a representative of the Maryland Affiliate and as Mrs. Maryland United America. I anxiously await the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure in October.

Northrop Grumman Health Waves

It was my honor and privealage to speak to the wonderful staff of Northrop Grumman at their Health Waves Live Well Expo. I spoke to the staff about breast health and the many programs made possible by Komen Maryland. I answered questions, heard stories from survivors and their families, and even answered a few questions about my role as Mrs. Maryland United America. The best part of the day was seeing the male attendees sneak over for pamphlets about breast screenings for their wives. It's refreshing to see men take a proactive approach in the health care of their significant others. There were many people who were interested in registering for the 2012 Maryland Race for the Cure. I look forward to returning to Northrop Grumman to assist with their team building.

Upcoming events for Pattie Altobelli Barbato, Mrs. Maryland United America

Upcoming events for Pattie Altobelli Barbato, Mrs. Maryland United America.

March 31st- Photo shoot for the official Mrs. United America/Mrs. Petite United America program.

April 4th- Meeting of the Survivor Committee at Susan G. Komen.

April 18th- Guest speaker at Northrop Grumman's Health Waves.

April 27th and 28th- Special Guest for the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) event, Second Chances.

Please contact me at MDQN1@verizon.net for information on any of the events listed above.

Survivor Committee Meeting- March 7, 2012

On Wednesday, March 7th, the Survivor Committee held it's first planning meeting for the 2012 Maryland Race for the Cure. Ideas were flowing like water! About thirty minutes into our meeting, we decided on our theme for this years tent. Although it will remain a secret until RACE DAY, I can assure everyone that 2012 will be our best year yet! Save the date and join us on Sunday, October 21st, for the Maryland Race for the Cure in Hunt Valley.

Ambassador, Susan G. Komen

On February 25, 2012, it became my honor and privelege to begin working officially as an Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. After many years of advocating breast cancer awareness, it became my goal to work in a more official capacity, and reach out to larger groups. As an Ambassador for Komen, my duties will include representing them at various community events, and verbally presenting facts about the foundation, it's mission, and it's history. I will also be educating the community on breast health, programs available to assist those in need, and the various programs that are supported by the Maryland Affiliatte of Susan G. Komen.

I will continue to serve as a member of the Survivor committee in addition to my new role, as I have found my service to this committee to be extremely fulfilling. The Survivor Committee will begin it's work again on March 7th, planning and preparing activities for the October 2012 Race for the Cure.

I will continue showcasing survivor stories on A Crown for the Cure, naming a new survivor on the 3rd of March. I will also be coordinating a local program to benefit the Maryland Race for the Cure. Details coming soon!

Philanthropic Education Organization

It was truly an honor to speak with the wonderful ladies of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO) this morning. The PEO is an organization where women celebrate the advancement of other women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans. The weather served as no detterent for this group of amazing ladies, and the sense of sisterhood was evident from the very beginning of the morning. My thirty minute presentation was followed by a question/answer session from the group, with questions ranging from personal ones to questions regarding pageantry and make up. As I looked around the room, I had to take a moment to appreciate all the warm smiles that surrounded me. This was a phenomenal group!