The Beginning Of A Life-Changing Disease!

National Mentoring Month

1/20/2016

It goes without saying that when we support the growth and empowerment of our youth, we raise the quality of life for our next generation. As role-models, I feel when we lead. We lead in businesses, we lead in our community, we fight for our children, and we give a voice to issues that are important to our collective future.
"How do we do it", you ask? You can start small or big, but just start. I simply adore the teenage population and feel I can connect with them to really touch their lives and impact their future. I am the choreographer and cheerleading coach at Miramar High in Miramar Florida and those girls mean the world to me. I am their role model, I am their mentor, and I am their inspiration to never settle for mediocrity, but to always PUSH for excellence.
Mentoring is an international power that we each hold. Some people always have and always will turn for support, encouragement, or to those they perceive as having desirable attributes. It makes little or no difference whether they consider this as a formal mentoring relationship or just a good working relationship, it is ‘mentoring’ in its broadest sense.
We have the power to rise above circumstances, the power to break down barriers and crush all statistics that rise against our adolescent. By reaching out to mentor a youth or young adult, you can change a life and put everyone's future in good hands, I've started, why not join me in PUSHing toward a better tomorrow.

National Mentoring Day will be celebrated this year on January 21, 2016

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Pushing Into a New Year

12/31/2015

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As I sit back and ponder on the many blessings God has bestowed upon me in 2015, I can truly say that 2016 has some very high heels to fill. This year has taught me so much about myself, others, and life in general. It has supplied me lessons that have transformed me into a better mother, wife, and woman of God in which I will be forever grateful.
Many will be baffled by the fact that this year I had the opportunity to actually hold, load, and shoot a firearm for the very first time ever, I still have to pinch myself on that one 😂, I also had all of my brother and sisters in ONE CITY at ONE TIME while celebrating my son's 3rd birthday, lets not forget the privilege of representing the city of Fort Lauderdale in one of the most prestigious Mrs pageant systems to date (Mrs Florida International), all while being able to travel over 6,000 miles spreading awareness toward Mesothelioma and catapulting my P.U.S.H. Campaign.
2015 has afforded me so much to be grateful for and I would probably be here until 2017 trying to name them all, but what I am most gracious toward is the opportunities God has given me to touch the lives of others. Each day whether it be in my career as a mental health therapist, as a titleholder, mentor/high school cheerleading coach, national advocate, mother, wife, and the list goes on, I have emptied my storage and made myself available for God to use in a positive way and this, my friends is what I will forever hold on to for the years to come.
The word of God states and I quote "In his heart a man plans his coarse but, the Lord determines his steps" Proverbs 16:9.

What will you be PUSHing for in 2016?

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An International Campaign

8/27/2015

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After interviewing with awarding winning writer Tim Povtak, I felt it necessary to share some of the key components that were stressed during the unveiling of the P.U.S.H. Campaign:
"I'm not afraid to speak up — and speak out," Hargrett said from her home in South Florida. "And this is a cause worth fighting for. I'll take this battle around the world if I can." Hargrett is the daughter-in-law of peritoneal mesothelioma survivor Patricia Hargrett, who has battled the asbestos-related cancer since October 2012. Her diagnosis stunned the family, but it also energized Vida's conviction to bring awareness to the disease. "When she was first diagnosed, I knew nothing about mesothelioma. I couldn't even pronounce the word," she said. "But it lit a fire under me. And I realized this is a chance to really make a difference in the world. It was an emotion I had never felt before. She has been traveling the state, meeting with anyone who will listen to her speak about mesothelioma. Her enthusiasm is contagious. "It's all about raising awareness and educating people about mesothelioma," she said. "You just don't hear enough about it. I guess not enough lives have been taken for this disease to get the attention it should." Hargrett said. "So many people out there still are oblivious to what this is. I want to help change that." Working with Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Her mesothelioma platform appears on her website as the Persist Until Something Happens (PUSH) campaign. It's a mission that complements her energetic, optimistic nature — she rarely stops. Initially stunned by the diagnosis of her mother-in-law, an elementary school teacher for 25 years, she turned the cancer diagnosis into a rallying point for the family. "She has been amazing through it all," Vida said. "She was always so strong before, and that attitude didn't change. She is an inspiration." The original goal was just raising awareness to mesothelioma. Today, it is about supporting research for new therapies, earlier detection, finding a cure, and protecting civil rights of asbestos victims. Her plate is full. A major goal is helping ADAO convince Congress to pass a law that would ban all asbestos products, allowing the United States to join more than 50 other countries that already have taken that step. "That would be the home run to hit, getting asbestos banned in this country," she said. "Then we could take that goal around the world, and really make a difference. We have to get busy."

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A Never-Ending War

5/26/2015

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I was once asked what my thoughts were on Memorial Day, and I said, truthfully, that it's the same thing I think about daily: my father, the men who fought next to him, my brothers, my sister, my father in law, and the people who placed their lives on the line for our nation and unfortunately the fact that they have to continue fighting a war that should have ended many years ago. This is Memorial Day weekend, and thousands of veterans will gather at homes, at parades, at cemeteries and at monuments to honor friends and family members who died on the battlefield. I'd like to point out that many other veterans are STILL fighting for their lives because they were exposed to ASBESTOS.
More than 30 percent of the people in the United States who are diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while serving in the military. Between the 1930s and 1970s, the military used over 300 asbestos-containing products on shipyards or any manner of Navy ships. Veterans who served during this time, particularly those who served in the Navy, are at high risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
So on this Memorial Day, join me in taking time to honor those who died in battle and remembering veterans who were exposed to asbestos during their service. Let's honor those who have fallen and those who continue to fight. Proverbs 18:15 explains, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.
Now that you know, what do you plan to do"?

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The HEART Of Pageantry..

5/3/2015

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Day after day I'm approached with the obvious question that I'm certain many in the pageant arena has heard before, "Why do you compete in pageants?" And then it is followed up with, "Especially as a MRS, how do you find the time?"Well it's quite simple, being a Mrs can be the hardest job in the world. You may wear several hats throughout the day and tackle many responsibilities as a professional, mother, and wife. But let's be honest, you FIND time to do exactly what you want to do. I'm sure there were many other things one could've done last night but I'm certain that a large percent of you were tuned in to the Mayweather vs Pacquiao boxing match, as a busy mother, career woman, and wife I still FIND time to catch up on my Thursday night showings of Scandal. So we have proven that time can be spent doing the things we cherish most, only if we make time for them.
When I approached a few of my pageant peers with the same inquiry, the responses I received were: I compete in pageants because I like challenging myself to eat healthy meals and remain physically fit. I enjoy speaking at local schools and making other public appearances. I have fun meeting different women across the country who enjoy the same types of things I do. I like being put in a position where I can mentor young girls and talk about the importance of education. There is no right or wrong answer to this open-ended question. Personally as a woman of God, I love the fact that I am able to utilize my life to impact the lives of others. Mrs pageants recognize women that are committed to service projects and philanthropic endeavors. Being a titleholder is a great vehicle for increasing exposure within the community and an opportunity to promote social causes that are important to you. I have held various titles in many systems but my reason for competing has never changed.
Many have the misconception that giving only comes in the form of cash donations. This is not true; you can give by helping others. Everyone can give something whether it is time, money or some other way of assisting others. Helping others includes the times when you visit the sick, run errands for someone who is unable or even when you just offer your umbrella to someone on a rainy day.
The word says in Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I challenge you today to pay it forward!

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Turning Up The HEAT Against Asbestos

4/15/2015

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     The American Airlines Arena was packed with thousands of rabid fans, ready to see their beloved Heat tower over the Orlando Magic, but little did they know the Miami Heat was also making a slam-dunk against asbestos usage! As a representative for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) on April 13th I was granted the privilege of partnering with the 3x NBA Champions and hosted the first ever Asbestos Awareness Night.
     From fancy cars and expensive clothes to fine dining and exotic vacations, there are many ways you can spend your hard earned dollars. And there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for a job well done, but have you ever stopped to think what would happen if you rewarded someone else instead? Well many was granted this opportunity by participating in the P.U.S.H. Campaign and purchasing a ticket to the Miami Heat -vs- Orlando Magic game on Monday night. Over 30% of the raised proceeds would benefit the ADAO in further research and education associated with asbestos-related diseases. While the concept that giving to others can make you feel good about yourself is not revolutionary, there are several more subtle ways that giving your money or time for a cause can benefit your psychological, spiritual and emotional well-being.
     When considering donating to a charity, many people tend to research the issues connected to that organization. As a result, you become more educated about social injustices around the world. You may discover new points of view and opinions on topics about which you were previously uninformed. Selfless giving is a key component to many spiritual and religious belief systems. Recognizing that you have taken action in line with your spiritual beliefs by offering your resources to others in need can bring a sense of inner peace and contentment.
      2 Corinthians 9:7 informs us that each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. I alongside the ADAO family would like to send a special thank you to each individual that purchased a ticket or made a charitable donation. Because of you we are encouraged to continue Persisting Until Something Happens!

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The Beginning Of A Life-Changing Disease!

4/8/2015

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I will never forget October 2012 it was a month of horror for sure. The neighborhood was full of Halloween decor', there were ghost and goblins on display at my local supermarket, and it is the month our family received the horrifying news that my Mother In Law was diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This was the first serious medical concern anyone in our family had to face. And we made every decision following that diagnosis as a family.
As you can imagine, there were so many questions that immediately came to mind: • Can it be cured? • What are the best treatment options? • Will treatment hurt or make you feel bad? • How long will treatment take? • Will you have to stay in a hospital? • But the ultimate question was, "Mom, what is Mesothelioma and how do you get it"? Unfortunately many doctors have never encountered mesothelioma due to its rarity. This results in a high percentage of misdiagnoses when compared to other cancers. It is commonly misdiagnosed because the symptoms are typical to illnesses such as the common cold, flu and pneumonia. In understanding this, we began researching every aspect of this disease.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is the only proven cause of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Patients are most often exposed to asbestos in occupational settings. For decades, the most likely way for a woman to develop mesothelioma cancer was through exposure from a husband, father, son, or other household relative who worked directly with hazardous asbestos. Military personnel are also at higher risk today than the general population for developing an asbestos-related illness like mesothelioma cancer. This is a result of the military's past reliance on asbestos, the primary cause of the disease, and the civilian jobs these veterans performed when they left the service. My father in law served in the Air Force and brought mom with him when he was stationed in Germany. The two of them enjoyed the time they spent in the country, totally unaware that asbestos products were commonly used on Air Force bases and in military housing.
Mom was blessed. They caught her cancer early, while the tumor was just beginning to form. Because of this, she advocate the importance of annual checkups as a form of preventative medicine, especially for anyone who may have worked around asbestos. Mom spent about two weeks recovering at MD Anderson, and then returned home. Always thinking of ways that she can serve, she started a nonprofit project while recovering from cancer treatment. Dubbed Warm Necks, she knitted 45 scarves for the Coalition of the Homeless while recovering and hopes to donate more scarves again this winter.
The word of God remind us that, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This doesn't mean we have to die to show our love for our friends. We lay down our lives every time we put someone else's needs before our own. (And the "friends" mentioned in the scripture above can be understood to be everyone we meet, since Jesus also commanded us to "love one another.")We lay down our lives through service. We can do small acts of kindness for our neighbors, take part in community service, fulfill responsibilities within our local congregations or contribute towards humanitarian efforts. These actions, whether great or small, let us feel the happiness of connecting with our brothers and sisters and remind us that God often allows us to be the answer to someone else’s prayers. I like to think God placed Mesothelioma in my family's life so that we can touch the lives of others with encouragement and education about asbestos-related diseases.

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National Mentoring Month

Pushing Into a New Year

An International Campaign

A Never-Ending War

The HEART Of Pageantry..

Turning Up The HEAT Against Asbestos

The Beginning Of A Life-Changing Disease!

Mrs. Ft. Lauderdale International Vida Hargrett

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