Cancer Isn't Kuhl

You may remember Amanda (Debus) Kuhl from her interview with us here at Section 36. Or maybe you know the former Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen and Miss Delaware from her constant presence in that organization. Or maybe you know her through her husband, current Nationals pitcher Chad Kuhl. But none of that is the reason for this post.

Earlier this year, during a routine doctor's visit, Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer, at the age of 30. Soon afterwards she underwent a double mastectomy. Amanda has made the decision to share her journey in an attempt to increase awareness. 

With that is mind, as she started chemotherapy this week she joined with Washington Nationals Philanthropies to "strike out cancer" by raising funds and awareness for breast cancer treatment and research.

I hope you'll consider donating to the cause, by following the fundraiser link. Your donation will assist two very important breast cancer nonprofits in the DC area, Breast Care for Washington DC and The Previvor. 

Whether you are able to donate or share the link to fundraiser, any help would be appreciated.

Mikaela Mohr Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Mikaela Mohr is passionate about breast cancer care, a top saleswoman, and the current Miss Winona. I was flattered she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Mikaela Mohr visits Section 36!

How did you react to being crowned Miss Winona? 

With Winona being my hometown - being Miss Winona was a dream of mine given I had looked up to her since I was a little girl. I remember feeling quite literally shocked that the crown was actually being placed on my head...not to mention I was crowned by Miss Minnesota, Rachel Evangelisto (the former Miss Winona), and MISS AMERICA (at the time), Emma Broyles. There was honestly this feeling of meant-to-be, like "I did it. I finally did it." Then after the competition, there was a reception in which it hit me...I get to continue my journey within the Miss America Organization and represent my hometown while I compete for the role of Miss Minnesota 2023. 

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Winona? 

The abundance of support. I have so many people in my corner cheering for me, coaching me, and simply joining me on this next step of my journey: Miss Minnesota.

Is there a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Winona? 

To wear this crown for the right reason. I get asked often, "Why did you start competing?" and the answer is simple; for others who may not recognize that their story matters too. I grew up as the daughter (and caregiver) of a two-time Breast Cancer Survivor; my mom. She was first diagnosed when I was in 5^th grade so the majority of my developmental years were centric on caring for others, which I'm grateful for as it shaped me into who I am today. Now, was there some part of me that was saddened, angry, and even resentful at times? Absolutely! However, I NEVER felt this way towards my mother...more so at the fact that there was nobody to really "blame." This was just the way life was meant to be - and it was difficult to accept, yet as I grew through the experience I can now look back and realize what life skills, experiences, and even lessons I had learned and chose to see the positive. This is my goal during my time as Miss Winona - to bring visibility to the loved ones of someone diagnosed with cancer, and to support the supporters. The Miss America Organization provides the opportunity to share passions through a "Community Service Initiative" to dedicate your year to a specific cause. I chose to use this avenue to share my experiences and I call this,

More Than a Diagnosis. 

How did you select your community service initiative? 

It started before even being given the crown. I partnered with a local hospital and we started a now-annual Color Fun Run to benefit Breast Cancer patients/survivors called, ThinkPINK Winona. We started with no template or quite frankly much of a budget. In only a few months we pulled together a community event with several sponsors and over 150 people in attendance. I remember as everyone gathered at the starting line and the pink powder started flying my mother and I counted down from 3..2...1 and just seeing this moment come to fruition; all of the smiles, laughter, color, and even tears....my mother looked over at me and said, "I never realized how much my diagnosis effected you too." This hit me HARD. We were both so focused on her surviving such a difficult pathway that even I never looked at my experience and all that had come from it. 8 Months later I competed for Miss Winona, was given this amazing year, and realized that I'm not the only one. Over 1.9 Million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, meaning there are going to be children, spouses, siblings, grandparents, neighbors, and friends who are going to step into the supportive role and help their loved one survive. It takes a lot to care for someone and it's pivotal that we rely on one another as it truly takes a village.

You currently work in sales. What is that experience like for you? 

Oh, absolutely amazing! I work for a Fortune 500 global company based in Minnesota. I started my career after graduating from the AACSB-Accredited Winona State College of Business in December 2022. Now, taking on this role in an already male-dominated vertical is one thing...but I'm in SUPPLY CHAIN Sales, which only took that to a whole new level. In the past few months I have been honored to be recognized as a top performer, but I truly believe it's all centric on the mindset. I love my job and have felt nothing but support (especially towards my journey in the Miss America Organization), but the most experiential piece of it all is being able to work in a place that values my strong work ethic and encourages me to improve continuously. One thing I love is the atmosphere of being "remote first", even though I go into the headquarters by choice several times a week. I've chosen to use this step in my career to network with others within my industry and influential C-suite leaders to build my professional and personal network.

How would you complete the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”? 

…passion drives positive change. One thing I made clear from the start of this crazy journey within the MAO was that I don't want to just show up to an event, take photos, and leave...I'm here to make a difference. I choose to get involved with an appearance from the beginning; sitting on committee boards, helping plan or outsource fundraising, connecting with sponsors, or simply helping elevate the marketing efforts of an organization; I'm all about using my talents and profession to make a difference not only on stage but behind the scenes.

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why? 

Dory from Finding Nemo. Even though she has short-term memory loss, she continually chooses to live life to the fullest and with a positive outlook. Also, just imagine how exciting and adventurous your every day would be to re-experience as if it had never happened before. And yes, there are definitely negative aspects of having memory loss of any kind, which many people face in their everyday lives, but I also believe that being able to actually live in their shoes for a week would be truly eye-opening - to actually physically and emotionally understand what someone is going through so you can best support them.

If you had an extra ticket to see the Red Sox play the Twins, who would you take with you? Why? 

I'm actually going to a Twins game at the end of April (for an American Cancer Society MN event), and I'm bringing my mom! We never got to experience things like that given we were focused on "other" things during my childhood [aka her surviving cancer of course] so it'll be fun to make those memories now that she's healthy and we still have the opportunity to do so.

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

Singing the national anthem. (Which might just be something in the works if I'm blessed with the title of Miss Minnesota 2023 )

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I definitely hope she gets to do that!

As always, I want to thank Mikaela for visiting with us, and for sending along the picture to go with the interview.

I also want to wish her luck when she competes for Miss Minnesota! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

I'm sure you'd like to follow along with Mikaela during her journey. You should be sure to check out her Instagram account. It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on. In fact, check out her whole linktree! That way you'll be sure not to miss anything.

Thanks again Mikaela, and good luck!   

Marissa Johnson Visits Section 36!

Section 36 had another visitor! Marissa Johnson is passionate about the Pink Ribbon Initiative, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Northeast. I was so excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more.

So, let's see what happens when Marissa Johnson visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Northeast crown?

With a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I didn't have time to eat much during the day and with a long ride home, my celebratory dinner was a sandwich my mom had packed me. And in that moment, it was the best pb and j I had ever had. When we got home, I took a traditional "sleeping with the crown" picture, thanked both of my parents one last time and went to bed.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your short time as Miss Northeast?

The true love and support from every one of the other local titleholders. It may sound cheesy, but people call it a sisterhood for a reason. I have never been surrounded by so many intelligent, strong and ambitious young women. But what's more than that is the unconditional love and support they showed me even before I was officially named Miss Northeast. It's easy for women to feel threatened or intimidated by each other, but these sisters of mine surprised me with their genuine and immediate affection toward me, and I hope they realize how appreciative I am and how loved they are too.

What is something Callie Cox has done as Miss Missouri that you would want to emulate?

Where to begin with Miss Callie? She truly is a light. We met once briefly at another local a month before Miss Northeast, and when she saw me again, she remembered my name, my university and asked me how my family and classes were. That's the kind of person you want to root for. I think it is so important for any titleholder, especially on a state level, to be as personable and down to earth as she is. She has such character and integrity, and I want to represent my community in that way. Not everyone may agree with you, but it is titleholder's job to treat everyone with dignity, love and respect.

How did you select your social impact initiative, “The Pink Ribbon Initiative”?

I have a strong connection to breast cancer; my grandmother passed away when I was 11 to the disease and my mom is a survivor. To me, breast cancer is so much more than just wearing pink in October. It's not just about awareness anymore. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and although it's rare, men can get it too. I want The Pink Ribbon Initiative to be a resource for education, encouragement, and opportunity for people affected by breast cancer and empower people to take control of their health, regardless of background, age, gender or class. 

As a talented dancer, what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?

I have been dancing since age two, so it may be hard for some to believe that after twenty years the ethereal feeling of being on stage has not gone away, but I would not do it if I did not love it. But the best part of dancing, I think with any art, is that I am entertaining people. Dance makes people feel things and gives them a temporary escape. To know that my performance made an audience just as happy it made me is so fulfilling. 

You’re a dance major at Oklahoma City University. Where do you see that field taking you?

I like to call my dreams for post-grad "the Big Three"; move to New York and work toward Broadway, work for the Disney Company in Orlando, and/or perform on cruise lines. One, three or none of these goals may come to fruition, but with excellent training and big passion, I cannot help feeling like a job in entertainment is waiting for me. My ultimate goal, however, is to one day open my own dance studio. I have always adored children and teaching, and sharing my love of dance with people of all ages and abilities would be full-circle for me. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

I would definitely choose Cinderella. Not only is she my mom's favorite princess, she is the epitome of grace and kindness. Cinderella was loving to everyone no matter how she was treated; she worked hard and with a little faith and magic, made all of her dreams come true. Besides, I would love to dance at a ball in a beautiful blue gown and glass slippers, and I think being friends with talking mice would be fun! Luckily, my job with Enchanted Events allows me to tap into dozens of Disney and Marvel characters, all while bringing smiles to children’s faces.

If you had an extra ticket to a Royals-Cardinals game, who would you take with you? Why?

I would take my big brother Alexander to a Royals-Cardinals game because he is the one who really taught me a love and appreciation for baseball. Plus, he's my best friend! I always love spending time with him, especially now that we're grown up and don't get to see each other as often. I know it would be a great day at Busch Stadium!  

Is there a feature or activity at a Cardinals game that you’d especially like to experience?

Honestly, I think it would be really fun to be really cool to be a member of Team Fredbird, the entertainment and promotional team for the Cardinals. I have lots of experience in cheer and dance for sports, so I think I would do a great job pumping up the crowd on the field as well as connecting with fans in the community. 

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That would be so much fun!

As usual, I want to thank Marissa for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to go with the interview.

As Marissa continues her time as Miss Northeast, I encourage you to check out her title's Instagram account! It's a great way to keep track of everything she has going on! 

I also want to wish Marissa luck when she competes for Miss Missouri! It would be fantastic to have another Section 36 Forever wear that crown.

Thanks again Marissa, and good luck!

Savanna James Visits Section 36!

Photo by
Deanna Webber Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Savanna James is a breast cancer survivor, a talented dancer, and the current Miss Summerville. I was thrilled that she wanted to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I am also excited that she is our first visitor from the state of South Carolina!

So, let's see what happens when Savanna James visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Summerville crown?

I cried, as cliche as that sounds. As someone who competed almost 6 years ago, I knew this was my last chance to make an impact before I “aged out.” I had a story to tell and I knew that Miss America would give me the platform necessary to reach people effectively. I didn't care if I won, as long as one person heard my story and it led them to be proactive in their breast health. To give you a more relatable answer, after the pageant, I went home and watched “Top Chef.” Don’t ask why... I just know in my heart that I have the potential to be a great chef someday haha. (Side note: I’m far from it.)

What has been the most pleasant surprise about your time as Miss Summerville? 

The impact that can be made by being a titleholder, whether it

be local, state or national. When you wear the crown, or even the sash, and talk, people listen. People are drawn to you. It’s in your hands whether you take the chance to make a difference and impact those that come into contact with you. We have one shot at this life, and to not utilize and take advantage of the opportunities presented to us, is a travesty. 

What part of the upcoming Miss South Carolina competition are you most nervous about?

I wouldn't say nervous, but I’m anticipating the week of competition itself! I think we are in Columbia, SC for a total of ten days. Being an old-timer (25 years old), that week is absolutely non-stop and being on top of my game all week will be something I have to prepare for! I better put down the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes now… 

You’ve been open about your decision to have a double mastectomy as a way to reduce your breast cancer risk. What’s the biggest thing you hope people will take away from your journey?

Oh man. This is hard to sum up, but I'll try! 

At the start of all of this in 2019, I went into my yearly breast appointment thinking I was being preventative and staying on top of my health. It turned out that instead of being preventative, the procedure was life saving. I had a spot in my right breast.

What is harder to discuss for myself, and what is rarely talked about, is the fact that when treatments end, your journey is just beginning. There is so much left in this life that goes beyond a diagnosis, but, yet, is still so greatly affected by it. I’m going to be vulnerable here, but knowing that my story can help at least once person is what has saved my life. I had to learn to take a situation that is so undesirable and turn it into a platform for change and awareness. I saw an opportunity, not a closed door. This is what kept me fighting each and every day to do a little bit better, to be a little bit better and to share my story to at least one more person.

Knowing you are not alone, that there are others who are experiencing and going through a similar situation, is so powerful and can make all the difference during treatment. Cancer is an ugly word that strikes fear into hearts, creating an overwhelming feeling of powerlessness, but you do NOT have to feel powerless. You aren’t any less of a human for what you’re going through and feeling. Cancer doesn't define you.

I’ve partnered with two organizations that are near and dear to my heart: The Boon Project and Komen SC. My hope is that fellow survivors, and those going through treatments or a recent diagnosis, use my story to help look at their situations in a different light, and that others can see my story and understand the need for support and comfort, not only during treatment but through the years after. I just completed my third surgery this year in relation to breast cancer and I have been so blown away by the outreach and support of other survivors, their families and organizations. 

As a talented tap dancer, what do you enjoy the most about performing on stage?

Being able to tell a story! Dance is really a form of universal

communication and I think a lot of people miss that. It breaks through language, cultural and educational barriers. In that 90 second performance, I can tell my breast cancer story to whoever was watching without uttering a single word. There’s SO much beauty in that. 

How would you finish the sentence, “I get great satisfaction when ___”?

I know I am working to reach my potential. You never know who you can influence and impact! That's the beauty of public speaking and being able to have a position like this. We have a limited time on this earth, and in my mind, I want to go out knowing I did everything I could to make someone else’s life a little bit better. 

If you could be a Disney Character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

A man after my own heart with this question... definitely Pocahontas! My dad's side of the family is Cherokee, so growing up, my family called me Pocahontas. (Fun Fact: Some still do.) Now, I know the story was mistold and romanticized, but I am very thankful that Disney provided inclusivity with a Native American character, especially one that was so strong willed, yet caring. My youngest dog is named Meeko, after the raccoon in the film, because he is my trouble-making sidekick. He also steals cookies like the character. 

If you had an extra ticket to see the Yankees play the Braves, who would you take with you? Why?

This is a tough one for sure. Granny Merle, my grandma, is a die hard fan! Sometimes she gets too into the games, definitely mirroring that Bobby Cox era! It can get intense. Haha. Tyler, my boyfriend, would be my other choice. He was a college baseball player, and from what I heard, he was beyond good. They both love the Braves. I'm the only Yankees fan in my family, so neither one of them are too happy with me during baseball season! That's fine though.... I'll cheer for Aaron Judge any day. I mean winning the Homerun Derby as a rookie? Come on. Pure talent. 

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

One hundred percent I would love to try the "go-to" meal at every baseball park across America. There is nothing like sitting in the stands, eating a good meal and watching the game. In addition to the basics, this meal would HAVE to include boiled peanuts. I can’t resist. My dad was the state director of Dixie Majors Baseball so I was at every tournament and game across South Carolina. I think I basically survived off of boiled peanuts for the first twelve years of my life, so boiled peanuts are a nostalgia thing for me. On the other hand, if we are making wishes here, I would love to meet Aaron Judge. Fingers crossed...Sorry, T! 

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Those are fun goals! (She should probably check out The Sports Passport for help with her first one.)

As always, I want to thank Savanna for visiting with us, and for sending along the wonderful pictures to go with the interview.

As Savanna continues her time as Miss Summerville, I encourage you to check out her Instagram account. It’s a great way to keep track of everything she has going on!

I also definitely want to wish her the best of luck when she competes for the Miss South Carolina title. It would be wonderful to have the first Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

 

Thanks again Savanna, and good luck!