Have you ever heard of the Inspiration Awards for women? I hadn’t either. Until a friend suggested that I attend at the last minute. Turns out this was the first year that the Inspiration Awards for women was held in the United States. It is an annual event that takes place in London each year that celebrates inspirational women from diverse backgrounds who have inspired a nation. Along with projecting positive images of women and acknowledging those who are good role models, the event was also a fundraiser and profile for the Susan G. Komen A Race for the Cure.
The event was spectacular. Like most events in Los Angeles, the red carpet and the paparazzi were in full effect. However, the women who graced the red carpet at the event were every day women like you and I who in some small or big way inspired others. The very first award went to a woman who I met personally back in 2008 at the Miss USA pageant. Miss Abbey Curran proudly represented the state of Iowa.
Now if you are thinking, big deal! You’re right because Abbey Curran is a big deal, she was the first ever beauty contestant to compete in the Miss USA pageant with cerebral palsy. It didn’t surprise me one bit that she won not one but two awards, Most Inspirational and Next Generation, because this woman is a walking, talking billboard of courage, strength and determination.
INTERVIEW WITH ABBEY CURRAN
After the show I couldn’t help but interview her to find out her secret to being a fearless beauty. She replied, “People will always have something to say, I don’t let others opinions or criticism get me down or get in my way. The only thing that matters is the way I feel about myself.” I also asked her, how does it feel to be considered an inspiration to women? And she said, “It surprises me, but I’m honored that I can inspire others.” Shocked at her answer I then asked, “You know that you are the first women to compete in the Miss USA pageant with cerebral palsy, right?” And her reply, “Yeah, but I’ve never seen myself as being challenged in any way, so it doesn’t seem all that amazing to me. I just had a burning desire to compete and I did.”
Enough said!!! Thank you Abbey Curran for showing others that they too don’t have to see themselves as having limits. It’s all in your mind and you get to choose the way you think about you!