Visiting the Tournoi Pageant

My first official appearance as Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life IV took place in Ville Platte on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at the Louisiana Tournoi Queen Pageant. The trip down south was rather eventful, complete with a shredded tire, a flat spare tire, a ride on the floor of a wrecker truck, another car having electrical issues, and finally arriving in Opelousas just before midnight. I was lucky enough to have the company of Amanda Laborde, Miss Louisiana Plus America for the trip, and we very much enjoyed the hospitality of the Cosgrove-Richard household throughout the weekend.

The Tournoi Pageant is a unique experience. Each visiting queen processed through a presentation of knights with lances on the way to the microphone for introductions, and I enjoyed the company of Jacquelilne Shilo-Gradnigo, Ms. Washington Catfish, during the pageant. Congratulations to Winter Duhon, the new Louisiana Tournoi Queen, and one of Alpha Delta Pi sisters. My dear friend Amanda did a wonderful job in the competition. They both looked absolutely beautiful and performed with grace and confidence. Love to both of you!

Why Do I Relay? For the Lady Behind the Counter.

On Friday afternoon, I stopped by the Hallmark Store in Monroe for two birthday cards and a fleur de lis to finish decorating my Relay for Life shield for the Tournoi pageant. The lady behind the counter asked who made the shield and what it was for. When I told her that I was proud to represent the American Cancer Society's signature fundraiser for this year as Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life, she began crying. Her 26 year old daughter had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer the day before. We spent the next 20 minutes talking about our families, hospitals, treatments, and how much we both hated cancer. Before I walked away from the counter, she asked if she could please pray. She thanked God for placing people in the world who cared about others and for sending someone to listen when she needed it. As I left, she wished blessings on our fundraising efforts this year, and thanked me for being her ray of hope.

This crown is so much more than an honor. It's one of the greatest responsibilities I've ever been challenged with.

So why do I Relay? To give hope to lady behind the counter when she needed it.

Why Do I Relay? For Me.

During my interview at the Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life pageant, a judge asked me, "What is your Relay story?" Well, here goes...

In March of 1999, I found a small lump in my left breast. It was Good Friday and my family was in Pennsylvania for the Easter holiday. After ten days of worrying on vacation, I arrived back in Monroe, and had an appointment with the doctor a week later. During those two and a half weeks, the lump grew to baseball sized. Freaked out doesn't begin to cover it. My physician immediately referred me to a surgeon, and a week later, I was hospitalized for the first time in my life, and the lump was removed. I waited on pins and needles for another week waiting on the biopsy results, and finally got the phone call. I was 22 years old.

While I was in Pennsylvania, unbeknownst to me, one of my coworkers had set up a meeting with me and three representatives of the American Cancer Society regarding their upcoming Relay for Life. Somehow this meeting did not get put on my calendar, and I had no idea of it until they walked through the door of my office. They walked in FIFTEEN MINUTES after I heard the words, "YOU DON'T HAVE CANCER." I was so grateful, so joyful, I truly believe the American Cancer Society could have asked me for the moon, and I would have gotten NASA on the phone for negotiations. Instead, they asked me to be the Chairperson of Ouachita Parish's Relay for Life. I said, "YES!" Of course, I had never been to a Relay and had no idea what a Relay was, but that didn't stop me from taking on the project for the next two years.

So why do I Relay? I Relay so everyone can be given the chance to reach for the stars and live their dreams. I Relay so everyone can hear those precious words, "YOU DON'T HAVE CANCER."





Here's to Less Cancer and More Birthdays!

"Happy birthday is truly a victory song, because every birthday is a gift. Proudly supporting the American Cancer Society's strive for a world with less cancer and more birthdays, I'm your Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life IV, Tonya Lied Kidd."

 Being crowned Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life IV was such an incredible birthday gift. There are some amazing people that made this weekend possible that I would be remiss not to thank:

• To Star White, Ms. Louisiana Relay for Life III, for being such an amazing Queen and friend. You sparkle as bright as your name implies. I hope to make you proud this year.
• To  Amanda LaBorde for your incredible support during our weekend adventure. You know I never would have made it without you. And ChaCha is grateful for your veterinary skills.
• To Caroline Cosgrove-Richard for teaching me festival pageant modeling and interview skills, and for always having a smile on your face.
• To John Richard for being my "pageant mom" for the weekend.
• To Kathryn Cosgrove for the wonderful hospitality and amazing gumbo.
• To Bobbie Watts for being the big sister that I always wanted. Thank you for always taking care of me.
• To Jennifer Haynes for our friendship and making the long trip from Monroe.
• To Christiana Hayward and Patti Brister for being there in spirit.
• To Amanda Thille for her vision in creating this pageant. I look forward to representing you and ACS this year. Even if you think a surprise onstage question is "fun" :).
• To Cemone Mire Credeur for her encouragement and sense of humor throughout the pageant.
• To my new sister queens Ralynn O'Brien and Ashley Woolledge, you are both fabulous. I look forward to a wonderful year.
• To Lisa Guidry for your friendship, encouragement, and the beautiful roses.
• To Heather Fox for your friendship and assistance.
• To the Hickman Relay for Life Team for their amazing dedication to fighting cancer. I'm so proud to be on your team.
• And to my parents, Jim and Kathy Lied, thank you for always being my greatest supporters. I love you.

The American Cancer Society - The Official Sponsor of Birthdays!