The Passion Behind the Crown
Last year as I finished my pageant in West Virginia as Mrs. Southern States International, I said to my husband this poster-size picture that was given to me will be a gift for my dad because he always called me his little princess. I felt like Cinderella in this gown and I knew that he would be proud of the accomplishments that I had made.
We came home that week from the pageant in West Virginia ( Mrs. International) and visited with my dad. I said to him when I get back from our family beach vacation, I have a special gift for you. Marcus, my son and I went to the beach for a much-needed vacation and time off to rest after a busy 2 weeks of traveling for the pageant and work. We came back from the beach on 8/3/19. I had plans to go and see my dad that day, but our little one had a stomach bug and was not feeling well so I called my mom and said I will be by tomorrow. On 8/4/19, my mom called me frantically that 911 was at the house because Dad had stopped breathing. My heart sank. My mom said that all week long my dad kept asking when I was coming home. On 8/3/19 he was excited because he knew that I was coming home. My poor dad held out I guess as long as he could. He must have known that he was not feeling well and did not share it with anyone. He passed away on 8/4/19. After that, I lost my interest in pageantry and many other things. I still had to fulfill my title for Mrs. Southern States International but in my heart, I was hurting because my biggest cheerleader was gone.
As the weeks went by I started looking at pictures of my Dad from when he was growing up and from the army where he served. It occurred to me that I was going to honor my dad and represent his birthplace of Puerto Rico. I lived there for about two years as a baby. I wanted to connect with a large system that would allow me the ability to represent Puerto Rico and that was the Ms. World Pageant System. But I had to interview first in order to be accepted as a contestant due to the number of women that want to be a part of a large system. When I interviewed with the director Nancy, I was not sure what would happen, but I gave it my best shot. Yes! I was accepted to represent Puerto Rico!! I was so happy.
In doing my research, according to the March of Dimes, in Puerto Rico, the preterm birth rate is 11.9% a report card grade of F which is higher than the national average of 10% grade letter C. In one city called Caguas which is about 20 miles from San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, the premature birth rate is 15.8%. “Dr. Antonio Ortiz University Pediatric Hospital in San Juan is the only one in the country that offers level-four services to local patients and across the rest of the Caribbean islands. In addition, the hospital provides surgery and neurosurgery services, as well as intensive care for premature patients with a delicate clinical panel. “
As Ms. Puerto Rico World, my goal is to reach the Hispanic Community and provide support to parents of premature babies not only in Puerto Rico but right here in central Florida and any other location in need. In Florida, the premature birth rate amongst the Hispanic community is 9.1%. The overall premature birth rate in Florida is 10.3%. So when you ask me why I am passionate about supporting parents of premature babies and teaching preventative healthcare to avoid premature birth it is no surprise that the response is, look at the statistics and that will tell you the story.
If you are a business, parent of a premature baby, pregnant with a baby, thinking of getting pregnant, or a healthcare professional, take a moment to read about me Rosie Moore Ms. Puerto Rico World and let’s unite to educate and support families to avoid premature birth. If premature birth is unavoidable, let’s support these families through The Gift of Life Charity www.thegiftoflife27.org.
Here is to you Daddy!
Keep in touch with me at rosiemoore27.com
