What do you get when you combine 330 "You're the Cure advocates meeting with lawmakers on Captiol Hill and thousands more at home sending emails and making phone calls to their Senators and Representatives? A successful lobby day that was tough for Congress to ignore!
On April 12th, survivors, caregivers, youth, medical professionals, and researchers, took on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to support funding for research and pass legislation that will help fight childhood obesity. The stories they shared about their experience with cardiovascular disease stressed the need for our nation's lawmakers to prioritize the prevention of our nation's leading cause of death.
Now, it's up to all of us to keep the momentum going:
1. Within the last month, 50 Members of Congress have co-sponsored the FIT Kids Act!
2. 12 Senators have co-sponsored the Safe Routes to School bill which was re-introduced in the Senate on April 12th! ASK YOUR SENATORS TO STEP UP FOR WALK-ABLE AND BIKE-ABLE COMMUNITITES THAT PROMOTE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES.
3. Congress continues to debate funding priorities including National Institutes of Health Research.
School nutrition advocates across the country sent a powerful message to the United States Department of Agriculture in April. The American Heart Association joined other groups, including PreventObesity.net, the Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project,Jamie Oliver Foundation, Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Urban League, MomsRising and The National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity.
ACT NOW- Write your Senate or Congressman and express how you feel!
About Me
- Miss Texas International 2011
- I am Miss Texas International 2011. I was recently crowned in San Antonio, Texas on March 13th, 2011. I also won the Fitness & Interview award. This experience is one of the most exhilirating and amazing accomplishments I have ever achieved. I was born and raised in the great city of Dallas,Texas. My platform is "Preventing Child Obesity" and I have dedicated my reign to educate parents and children about the importance of healthy food choices. Educating children at a young age about the importance of eating right is a significant part of my life; which is why I continue to reach out to new organizations providing new ideas to help prevent child obesity. I am available for appearances,attend special presentations and assist with civic and non-profit oriented projects. To schedule an appearance, contact the State Office, at 210.403.0589 and ask for Kristin Koether, Executive State Director. Inner beauty if a very important part of my beliefs; my favorite quote that reminds me of that everyday is "Beauty cannot be seen or even touched, it must be felt with the heart" Thanks for visiting my page!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
BE A PART OF A MIRACLE
The Miracle League of Frisco, Texas and the Frisco Roughriders joined together in efforts to provide every child a chance to play baseball. The Miracle League of Frisco offers baseball, soccer, bowling, and other sports opportunities for special needs children ages 5 to 18 with all levels of disabilities from throughout the North Texas area.
I had the most exciting day yet as Miss Texas International paired up with a few of the generous Roughriders players who came out to pitch and practice with the Miracle League Kids. The fields in Frisco are specially designed to allow the opportunity for any of the kids to play. They are divided into to fields where anyone can play regardless of your disability and the other where the more advanced kids can play and the umpire can call strikes and outs. The specially designed field includes turf for those in wheelchairs or amputee kids so they too can enjoy the full experience of the game. Each child has the opportunity to bat and play the field; if needed the kids have a buddy (volunteer) that assists them with batting and running the bases. Each team consists of about 12 to 15 players and each player gets a chance to participate; some are even coaches!
I had so much fun helping four of the boys warm up for their game; we tossed the ball back and forth between the four and the kids loved that the Roughriders pitcher was throwing and catching with all of them. I met so many wonderful volunteers who were dedicated to ensuring these kids continued to live a healthy and active life regardless of the circumstances. The kids/players were very welcoming and I was so pleased to have been able to spend some time with everyone that day. I look forward to more games with the Miracle League.
If you too are interested in becoming active in the Miracle League with baseball or another sport you may sign up or find more information at http://www.friscomiracleleague.org/
Til next time...
I had the most exciting day yet as Miss Texas International paired up with a few of the generous Roughriders players who came out to pitch and practice with the Miracle League Kids. The fields in Frisco are specially designed to allow the opportunity for any of the kids to play. They are divided into to fields where anyone can play regardless of your disability and the other where the more advanced kids can play and the umpire can call strikes and outs. The specially designed field includes turf for those in wheelchairs or amputee kids so they too can enjoy the full experience of the game. Each child has the opportunity to bat and play the field; if needed the kids have a buddy (volunteer) that assists them with batting and running the bases. Each team consists of about 12 to 15 players and each player gets a chance to participate; some are even coaches!
I had so much fun helping four of the boys warm up for their game; we tossed the ball back and forth between the four and the kids loved that the Roughriders pitcher was throwing and catching with all of them. I met so many wonderful volunteers who were dedicated to ensuring these kids continued to live a healthy and active life regardless of the circumstances. The kids/players were very welcoming and I was so pleased to have been able to spend some time with everyone that day. I look forward to more games with the Miracle League.
If you too are interested in becoming active in the Miracle League with baseball or another sport you may sign up or find more information at http://www.friscomiracleleague.org/
Til next time...
Friday, April 29, 2011
Miss Texas Makes The Grade
On April 15th, I had the pleasure of visiting Austin Elementary School. My wonderful Aunt, who is the school counselor invited me to come speak to a group of kids about overcoming their challenges. I spoke to about 50 kids who are part of the pep-squad at their school. I was a surprise guest so it was very exciting to see the kids faces when I walked in to their gym. They were so excited and eager to hear about my story.
I had the chance to share with them my struggle as a kid with Attention Deficit Disorder and how I learned how to overcome the difficulties of having this disorder in school and life. Many of the kids could relate because they too had ADD or another learning disorder. I had the chance to hear one student's story about how his home life kept him from being successful. It was touching to hear their stories and was a perfect opportunity to show them how they can succeed at any of their dreams regardless of their challenges.
After I visited with the pep-squad that morning I went around to several classrooms from kindergarden to fifth grade. It was so nice to see all the kids of different ages working on something different and continuing their education and reaching for their goals. I also had the unique privilege of visiting their autistic classroom and their special needs classroom. I met a little boy, named Caleb who was so sweet and took me around the classroom and introduced me to each student. He was so thrilled to show me the character of himself he was drawing. I had such a great time with these kids and hope they each remember they too can accomplish their dreams no matter what challenges they may come across.
Thank you Austin Elementary!
Kelli Ansley
Miss Texas International 2011
I had the chance to share with them my struggle as a kid with Attention Deficit Disorder and how I learned how to overcome the difficulties of having this disorder in school and life. Many of the kids could relate because they too had ADD or another learning disorder. I had the chance to hear one student's story about how his home life kept him from being successful. It was touching to hear their stories and was a perfect opportunity to show them how they can succeed at any of their dreams regardless of their challenges.
After I visited with the pep-squad that morning I went around to several classrooms from kindergarden to fifth grade. It was so nice to see all the kids of different ages working on something different and continuing their education and reaching for their goals. I also had the unique privilege of visiting their autistic classroom and their special needs classroom. I met a little boy, named Caleb who was so sweet and took me around the classroom and introduced me to each student. He was so thrilled to show me the character of himself he was drawing. I had such a great time with these kids and hope they each remember they too can accomplish their dreams no matter what challenges they may come across.
Thank you Austin Elementary!
Kelli Ansley
Miss Texas International 2011
Miss Texas' Latest Appearance Was A Home Run!
HOMERUN!!! Go Roughriders!!!- The yells and chants I heard in the stands on Sunday at the Frisco Roughriders baseball game. I had the pleasure of being a special guest at the Frisco Roughriders baseball game on Sunday, April 11th. They played the Arkansas Travellers and came away with a successful win! Way to go guys! The unique opportunity kids have with the Roughriders team on Sunday's is not only to come out and enjoy a family-friendly environment and a good baseball game but kids get to RUN THE BASES before the game. The players and staff are encouraging kids to run for exercise and enjoy outside activities to keep you active.
I had the pleasure of meeting several sweet little girls who were thoroughly excited about the game and how cool to have Miss Texas in the crowd with them! I had tons of fun and can't wait for another game! Thanks to Kurtis Little for your hospitality and Big Welcome to the game.
Tomorrow I have a unique opportunity at Austin Elementary School in Mesquite, Texas where I will be speaking to the kids about how to overcome their challenges in school. Few people know while my platform is Preventing Childhood Obesity that my struggle as a child was ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). At a young age it is challenging and difficult for kids to stay motivated, confident and feel successful when they struggle in school. Well, I am here to tell you kids- YOU CAN DO IT! Never give up. I was only diagnosed with ADD at the age of 17; far into my studies in school but that wasn't going to stop me from accomplishing my dreams as a student, a career woman and even as Miss Texas International. I look forward to meeting each and everyone one of these kids and sharing my story. "In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can". I know each and every one of these kids can so now lets just encourage them to BELIEVE! I will update you all on my after story from this visit.
Thanks for visiting..we will chat very soon!
I had the pleasure of meeting several sweet little girls who were thoroughly excited about the game and how cool to have Miss Texas in the crowd with them! I had tons of fun and can't wait for another game! Thanks to Kurtis Little for your hospitality and Big Welcome to the game.
Tomorrow I have a unique opportunity at Austin Elementary School in Mesquite, Texas where I will be speaking to the kids about how to overcome their challenges in school. Few people know while my platform is Preventing Childhood Obesity that my struggle as a child was ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). At a young age it is challenging and difficult for kids to stay motivated, confident and feel successful when they struggle in school. Well, I am here to tell you kids- YOU CAN DO IT! Never give up. I was only diagnosed with ADD at the age of 17; far into my studies in school but that wasn't going to stop me from accomplishing my dreams as a student, a career woman and even as Miss Texas International. I look forward to meeting each and everyone one of these kids and sharing my story. "In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can". I know each and every one of these kids can so now lets just encourage them to BELIEVE! I will update you all on my after story from this visit.
Thanks for visiting..we will chat very soon!
Saturday, April 9, 2011Latest Update from Miss Texas International 2011, Kelli Ansley
I am happy to report my first event as Miss Texas International was more than I could have imagined. The Kids in The Kitchen Event at Children's Medical Center Plano had a great turn out of parents, kids and families truly staying active and looking for ways to become more active. It was refreshing to see so many organizations come out to support and promote healthy living among kids. I had an opportunity to meet so many awesome kids and parents and share with them my story about staying healthy and active, even on a budget!
The American Heart Association provided wonderful activities for the kids to participate in for a chance to win many great prizes. The kids had an opportunity to perform an activity with their parents to win a heart healthy cook-book-so many moms jumped right in! It is great to see how these kids influenced their parents to be more active and encourage them to cook together, eat together and be physically active as a family. I saw these families come together in more ways than one just by teaching them to do a healthy activity together! This is the goal I want to reach with every family so it was a great start and truly inspiring. If you are interested in how to stay healthy log on to www.americanheart.org to find healthy recipes, fun and easy exercises and local parks that are safety approved.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization was present at this event and I had the opportunity to talk with a few of their representatives about their organization. I am pleased to say I will soon be a Big Sister! I could not be more excited about having my very own little sister to mentor. Stay tuned for updates about the process and my new little sis!
Keeping up with my appearances? Follow me.... I will be at the Frisco Roughriders baseball game Sunday, April 10th for an on-field appearance and to enjoy a great game! The Roughriders care about healthy living too so they provide kids the coolest opportunity to run the bases before and after the game. Bring your kids to the game and see what it's all about! They also have a heart for special needs children who love baseball and have designated days in August to play a game with these kids. I will be participating in this event to help the kids run the bases; I am so excited! Don't forget April 15th I will be stopping in to Austin Elementary School to chate with these kids about how to overcome challenges in their life. I am looking forward to sharing my story and encouraging them to continue to reach for their goals and accomplish their dreams!
Stay tuned...
Kelli Ansley
Miss Texas International 2011
The American Heart Association provided wonderful activities for the kids to participate in for a chance to win many great prizes. The kids had an opportunity to perform an activity with their parents to win a heart healthy cook-book-so many moms jumped right in! It is great to see how these kids influenced their parents to be more active and encourage them to cook together, eat together and be physically active as a family. I saw these families come together in more ways than one just by teaching them to do a healthy activity together! This is the goal I want to reach with every family so it was a great start and truly inspiring. If you are interested in how to stay healthy log on to www.americanheart.org to find healthy recipes, fun and easy exercises and local parks that are safety approved.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization was present at this event and I had the opportunity to talk with a few of their representatives about their organization. I am pleased to say I will soon be a Big Sister! I could not be more excited about having my very own little sister to mentor. Stay tuned for updates about the process and my new little sis!
Keeping up with my appearances? Follow me.... I will be at the Frisco Roughriders baseball game Sunday, April 10th for an on-field appearance and to enjoy a great game! The Roughriders care about healthy living too so they provide kids the coolest opportunity to run the bases before and after the game. Bring your kids to the game and see what it's all about! They also have a heart for special needs children who love baseball and have designated days in August to play a game with these kids. I will be participating in this event to help the kids run the bases; I am so excited! Don't forget April 15th I will be stopping in to Austin Elementary School to chate with these kids about how to overcome challenges in their life. I am looking forward to sharing my story and encouraging them to continue to reach for their goals and accomplish their dreams!
Stay tuned...
Kelli Ansley
Miss Texas International 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Meet Miss Texas at her first event!!
Kids in The Kitchen
April 2, 2011 at Children's Medical Center Legacy in Plano, Texas
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME....
Kids in The Kitchen is a national initiative of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Developed in 2006 to address the growing issue of childhood obesity and poor nutrition, Kids in The Kitchen is designed to educate and connect youth and their families with tools to improve fitness, nutrition and family lifestyle. More than nine million children between the ages of six and nine are overweight, a number which has tripled over the last 20 years. The statistics are alarming, but true.
By providing fun, family oriented solutions to healthy living, kids and youth are encouraged to be active participants in their own health and well-being.
Each year, the Junior League of Plano's Kids in The Kitchen hosts a spring community event with their co-sponsor, Children's Medical Center Legacy. This FREE EVENT includes a fun walk, cooking demonstrations, performances and physical activity breaks, as well as booths filled with resources and information about healthy eating and getting active (provided by health and wellness experts). They also partner with other community organizations and projects, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and CITY House, to offer education cooking demonstrations.
Hope to see you all there, you can find me at the event all around. I will be signing autographs at the American Heart Association Booth.
Kelli!
April 2, 2011 at Children's Medical Center Legacy in Plano, Texas
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
ALL ARE WELCOME....
Kids in The Kitchen is a national initiative of the Association of Junior Leagues International. Developed in 2006 to address the growing issue of childhood obesity and poor nutrition, Kids in The Kitchen is designed to educate and connect youth and their families with tools to improve fitness, nutrition and family lifestyle. More than nine million children between the ages of six and nine are overweight, a number which has tripled over the last 20 years. The statistics are alarming, but true.
By providing fun, family oriented solutions to healthy living, kids and youth are encouraged to be active participants in their own health and well-being.
Each year, the Junior League of Plano's Kids in The Kitchen hosts a spring community event with their co-sponsor, Children's Medical Center Legacy. This FREE EVENT includes a fun walk, cooking demonstrations, performances and physical activity breaks, as well as booths filled with resources and information about healthy eating and getting active (provided by health and wellness experts). They also partner with other community organizations and projects, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and CITY House, to offer education cooking demonstrations.
Hope to see you all there, you can find me at the event all around. I will be signing autographs at the American Heart Association Booth.
Kelli!
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