PRESS RELEASE
June 26, 2008 |
| For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jenna Edwards
Queen for a Day |
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| Queen for a Day Celebrates 8 Years
The Story of Queen for a Day |
MIAMI, FL - June 26, 2008 - Queen for a Day was founded in 2000 by Jenna Edwards, a then 19-year-old beauty queen on a mission to make the world a better place, with the crowning of seven-year-old cancer patient Rhanda at the Children's Miracle Network Telethon in Jackson, Mississippi. Furthermore, in collaboration with the local children's hospital, a tea party was simultaneously held for other patients of that hospital, at which they were also crowned with tiaras Jenna won from competing in pageants as a child. Complete with cake, candy, tea sandwiches, make-overs, and manicures, Queen for a Day was born.
The back story: As Jenna progressed through high school and early college, she battled with self-esteem and self-image issues. Self-conscious and extremely hard on herself, Jenna always asked God "why me?" Finally, God answered. He told her that her struggle was not in vain;, she would use her experience to help others. Standing on the steps of her college dorm, Jenna had an epiphany-she would one day lead a non-profit organization helping young women dealing with similar issues. Without a clue as to how to start, she laughed off the idea. That was in January of her freshman year. It was in June when she met Rhanda and hosted her first tea party and a year and a half later before she realized she was living the epiphany-she was leading a non-profit organization helping young girls with cancer feel better about themselves despite the less-than-desirable physical conditions. As a result, her own battle with her self-image became non-existent. This experience taught her that by improving someone else's situation, her situation fixed itself. Jenna is now a strong believer in the power of kindness, the impact of simple details, and the connection we all share as humans.
As word spread after the original QFAD tea party, women around the country expressed interest in hosting QFAD tea parties in their own area. Jenna and her mother organized themselves and incorporated QFAD. Within 4 months of incorporation, QFAD held 3 other local chapters in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Buffalo. After being featured in a 2 page article by People Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Show invited Jenna to appear on an episode where Oprah's Angel Network donated $10,000 to QFAD. With that exposure, QFAD grew from 7 to 35 local chapters and developed a partnership with Reach for a Dream, a wish-granting foundation in South Africa.
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Starting as an epiphany on her college campus, QFAD now sponsors 25 local chapters and maintains a relationship with Reach for a Dream in South Africa. Over the years, over 2200 children have been touched through the programs.
In addition to the original QFAD tea party, the organization also hosts Heroes, a program based on bravery and courage for the boys. Local firefighters and police officers are invited to attend, providing real life heroes and role models. Patients receive firefighter hats, badges, tattoos, face paint, and toy figurines. Not only are the patients impacted by the visit, but our service men and women are honored through the program.
Queen for a Day provides emotional and psychosocial support to girls fighting cancer. Local chapters work directly with facilities that treat pediatric cancer, including hospitals, clinics, Ronald McDonald House, Gilda's Club, and Target House. The direct impact of the program influences the psychological well-being of the child. Despite the IVs, wires, x-rays, spinal taps, and medication, children deserve to feel the weightlessness of their youth. QFAD's goal is to remind them of the laughter, smiles, and energy they once had. As a complement to medical treatment, QFAD fills a gap for the medical community. As doctors treat the illness, QFAD treats the child.
Thank you volunteers -- thank you donors -- thank you local directors -- we would not be where we are today without you and your support. Here's to another 8 years and beyond!
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| Queen for a Day is a registered trademark of Queen for a Day.
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