We danced FTK!

Before entering 5th grade, my mother noticed a deformation of my ribcage and sternum, in which the lower portion of my ribcage protruded beyond my chest and my sternum seemed to collapse into my chest. We immediately met with Dr. West at Riley Hospital for Children, where she diagnosed me with pectus excavatum. This is essentially a condition where the breast bone sinks into the chest.

My case wasn't severe, but it did require me to spend a few years worth of appointments and tests at Riley. Surgery was an option: inserting a metal bar between my rips to keep my sternum from collapsing. Body braces were an option: wearing a shell brace over my clothes for a few years, guiding the growth of my ribcage. Despite the scary news, the doctors at Riley made me feel like a champion each and every day. They welcomed me with open arms. Looking back on the experience, I am thankful for their positive attitudes and outlooks regarding my case.

Now, I am a perfectly healthy young woman, thanks to the doctors at Riley. Although I still have a deformation of my ribcage, I live an active life. My love for physical fitness stems from the future the Riley doctors gave me, as I now carry out women's health and fitness as my Miss Ball State platform. Today, I spend my time giving back to the hospital that cared for me and for all the kids to come.

This is once reason why I dance. For three consecutive years, I have participated in Ball State University Dance Marathon, one of the best days of the year! Yesterday, we spent 13.1 hours on our feet, all FOR THE KIDS. Countless Riley stories, many inspiring instances of hope, and lots of dancing later, we raised over $600,000 for Riley Hospital for Children.

We stood all night for those who could not: for hope, for miracles, and FOR THE KIDS.