16 YEARS AND COUNTING...

Make sure to check out how you can win a FREE ticket to the 2013 Purses with Power event on June 20^th at the end of this blog!

I consider myself a very ambitious and driven woman.  When others look at me, I wish for them to see a vision of strength and positivity. Amina as a Queen, Amina in the community,  Amina working hard, Amina smiling...

It was not until recently that I felt empowered to share my story of living with and surviving arthritis. Unfortunately, since I was diagnosed at such a young age, most of my battle with arthritis has been centered on "fitting in" and "being like the other kids." I assume that like many others, my plight to a diagnosis was long, drawn out and taxing but more than that it was life altering. Sometime in 1997 just months after running in the Junior Olympics semi-finals I began having immense pain in my knees along with unusual fatigue. I had always been athletic and running was my life. I had been training since I was 8 years old and was improving in leaps and bounds. However, there was nothing I could do about how I felt. My body started rejecting daily track practices and meets every weekend. I just couldn’t do it anymore.

Physicians were at a loss and had a difficult time discovering the real issue. One physician attributed my symptoms to “growing pains” and decided that my knee caps must be taped into place. Having to sit out of recess in beautiful summer weather with ugly brown tape and gauze on my knees did me no favors as a 6^th grader. Another physician just knew that if I received enough electric shock treatments on my knees that I would be cured. Luckily it did not hurt…but those treatments sure gave my knees an odd tingle! Finally, we went to a specialist who ran the appropriate blood tests and diagnosed me with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). My parents and I were ecstatic to finally know the root of my pain and fatigue, but our relief was short lived. The diagnosing physician boldly stated that if I kept running track then by the time I was 30 years old I would no longer be able to walk. And just like that my track career was over...indefinitely.

The next 16 years of my story is full of ups and downs, changes in diagnosis, changes in medication and PLENTY of changes in doctors. And the promises of an inability to walk constantly ringing in my head. Finally, at the age of 24 (3 years ago), I settled with a wonderful Rheumatologist that takes a very holistic approach to treatment and encourages me to exercise regularly...and sometimes to even run. Now, my official diagnosis is polyarthritis, which is any type of arthritis which involves 5 or more joints simultaneously and is usually associated with autoimmune conditions. I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia (long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons), bursitis of the hip (inflammation), and costochondritis (inflammation of certain cartilage in the chest cavity). I take multiple medications daily to ease pain and systemic issues associated with my arthritis and other conditions.

Though it is a struggle at times, I remain optimistic because I have a milder case of arthritis and know my condition could be a lot worse. I am also fortunate to have family and friends that understand my needs. They understand I may be fine in the morning and plan to meet them for dinner after work, then start running a fever around 3:00pm and need to go home and rest. They understand if there are multiple events happening in one weekend that I will have to choose wisely. They just understand. I am also grateful for the Arthritis Foundation, Mid-Atlantic chapter and the wonderful work they do. It is so important to provide information and resources to individuals with arthritis and to also raise funds so we can eventually cure arthritis! In addition, their outreach has empowered me to share my own story with the hopes of being an inspiration and support to others.

Oh yeah! And I recently ran my first 5k in several years. It wasn’t easy and I paid for it some, but I refuse to let arthritis keep me down. Running is what I love so run is what I will do as long as I listen to my body, my Rheumatologist, and take the necessary precautions. One race at a time!

<3 Amina Lillie

WIN A FREE TICKET TO PURSES WITH POWER: The 1st person who leaves a comment on this blog post that correctly states 3 facts about arthritis WINS! (please leave your email address along with your comment!)

IT'S ALMOST TIME...Nu Xi Zeta 6th Annual Spring Luncheon!

Before I tell you all you need to know about Nu Xi Zeta chapter's luncheon happening this Saturday, April 27th, I must provide a disclaimer. I am totally stoked, very biased and finding it difficult to hide my excitement. So please excuse the many caps, exclamation points and smiley faces :)). I joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 2005 while in college and am thrilled to have finally found a new Zeta home with the Nu Xi Zeta Chapter of Alexandria, VA. These finer women are movers, shakers and world takers! And the luncheon is the first major chapter event since I joined this Spring :).



Nu Xi Zeta Chapter 2012

 You ever know someone that has accomplished so much and you think 'WOW,' then they go on to tell you about 20 more things and you just can't believe one person could do so much? That is how I feel about Nu Xi Zeta as a whole. As if hosting a luncheon at the Army Navy Country Club for distinguished guests such as Congressman Jim Moran, Mayor William D. Euille, Ms. Corporate America and Miss Black Virginia USA isn't enough, Nu Xi Zeta will also honor a Woman and Man of the Year!!! 

The Woman and Man of the Year honors are bestowed upon two individuals who have made significant contributions to our local community and the nation. The 2013 Woman of the Year Honoree is Ms. Karen Arrington, Founder of Miss Black USA. She has rendered more than 100,000 hours of community service through coaching, mentoring, and philanthropic work across the globe. The 2013 Man of the Year Honoree is Mr. Earl Stafford. He created and funded The People’s Inaugural Project which brought together over 400 of the nations underserved and marginalized to witness and participate in the historic inauguration of President Obama.


Woman of the Year, Ms. Karen Arrington and Man of the Year, Mr. Earl Stafford

BUT WAIT I'm not done yet! Nu Xi Zeta has gone above and beyond by also providing a Direct Community Support Award to The Virginia Leadership Institute, which has trained over 200 black leaders who seek political advancement through the electoral process at all levels of government. IN ADDITION the Nu Xi Zeta HAVE Foundation, the chapter’s 501c (3) arm, has awarded scholarships to high school seniors who will be recognized at the luncheon.

I'm still not done :) :). I saved the BEST for last. This year's event will be emceed by meteorologist and activist, Ms. Rhonda Lee!!! If you don't know who she is, you SHOULD! Rhonda has been featured in Essence magazine and has appeared on The Steve Harvey show since she was fired from a Shrevport, LA tv station after responding to a negative comment on Facebook about her short, natural hair. Since (and I'm sure before) her unwarranted dismissal she has been a crusader for social change. I cannot wait to meet this dynamic woman!


Meteorologist and Activist, Ms. Rhonda Lee

To learn more about Nu Xi Zeta chapter, please visit http://www.nuxizeta.org/. Also, STAY TUNED for my post event wrap up ;).

<3 Amina Lillie

Building Hope Inc. Tea and Coronation

As a Queen I have experienced many types of events and service projects, but none of them have made me go "Awwwwwwww” more than the Tea and Coronation hosted by Building Hope Inc. Let me start from the beginning...Building Hope Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by Coressa Williams with a mission to make a difference in the lives of others by offering a positive environment and lifestyle. The organization assists those in need with housing, employment, furniture vouchers, and other supportive services (http://www.buildinghopeinc.org/). 

 

As if that isn’t enough, Building Hope Inc. invited me to participate in the launch of a brand new component of their program, Princess for A Day! The concept behind Princess for a Day was to make little girls from the communities served by Building Hope Inc. feel that they are special and beautiful in her own unique way. The girls were not called by their regular names that day…every name had a Princess in front of it. Of course I waltz in, introduced myself as Queen Amina and got lots of ohhhsss and ahhhhs.

Seeing a room full of little girls, from 2 to 12 years, was just the cutest thing I have seen in a while. Especially considering they all wore mini sashes similar to mine and fluffy dresses I only wish I could still fit into! The program rolled out smoothly as I spoke to the girls and their family members for a few minutes about the importance of loving yourself and appreciating being different, instead of trying to fit in. After my spiel which separated them and the major spread of lunch and sweets…I crowned each little girl individually and sent them on their way to a mini photoshoot.

 

Upon my departure, it hit me how truly moved and appreciative I was of Mrs. Coressa Williams and Building Hope Inc. As a child, I had opportunities and priviledges that these little girls do not have. Yet I still got choked up at the thought of how much even my self-esteem could have been lifted by such a program. I can only imagine what it meant to the 44 precious princesses in attendance that day. I definitely look forward to working with Building Hope Inc. in the future and attending the Tea & Coronation next year!

<3 Amina Lillie

~Omega Psi Phi, Gamma Pi Chapter Mardi Gras Ball~

I had the pleasure of attending a delightful event hosted by the Gamma Pi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., located in Prince George's County, MD.  With more than 150 dues-paying members, Gamma Pi has earned a reputation for true friendship and consistent and engaging Social Action programs that fully align with the Cardinal Principles of the Omega Psi Phi Founders: Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. Gamma Pi is a three-time Graduate Chapter of the Year award winner in the Second District as well as a recent Social Action Chapter of the Year.

This was not my first time attending one of their shindigs and I must say these fellas know how to treat a Queen! The atmosphere was extremely festive...complete with a live band, New Orleans inspired cuisine and a costume contest.

Besides being chivalrous, the brothers of Gamma Pi took a few moments to put a Queen to work! Not only did I have the honor of being announced as a VIP guest but I also selected the raffle winners. At a time when community service, full-time career and a budding entrepreneurial spirit rule my world,  it is refreshing to to just have "traditional Beauty Queen" duties.

As always, I enjoyed interacting with the guests and catching up with my Sister Queen, former Miss Black Maryland USA-Ebony Andrews as well as my friend and Afro-American Newspaper editor Mr. Edgar Brookins. Can't wait to attend yet another well-organized, classy event by the Gamma Pi Chapter!

<3 Amina Lillie

DC Pink Divas Kick-Off Brunch!

I LOVE supporting causes that are near to my heart, which is why I agreed to become an Honorary Pink DIVA over a year ago. Hearing the word 'love' before the words 'pink' and 'Diva' probably won't ever shock you coming from a Beauty Queen BUT what is awe inspiring is the story behind the Divas. DC Pink Divas focuses on educating, empowering, and impacting the lives or women in DC wards 7 & 8 and PG County, MD. For those unfamiliar with DC, Ward 8 alone has a breast cancer death rate that is 10% higher than the national average. Lowering this statistic is a huge task indeed, but with an extremely dedicated and knowledgeable lead team it's go hard or go home!



Slide Show: My Diva duties from almost a year ago!



Posing with DC Pink Divas Lead Team!

 The kick-off was the first of a series of educational seminars to equip area women with accurate and timely information about breast cancer so they, in turn, can go spread the word to women in their communities. I commend the women in attendance for showing up early on a Saturday morning fired up and ready to take charge in their communities. What a breath of fresh air!




Women Empowering Women!


I was very impressed with the variety of women in attendance and know they will serve as great lay health educators in their communities. There was so much strength, power and inspiration in the room that I was moved to share what intially inspired me to accept the position as Honorary DC Pink Diva. When I was 15 years of age my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, it was caught in an early stage and after undergoing radiation treatment she was given a clean bill of health. Even before then, when I was in my tweens, my paternal grandmother had breast cancer, underwent treatment, had a recurrence and ultimately underwent a double mastectomy. Yup, you did the math right. Brest cancer has occurred in BOTH sides of my family when the affected women were relatively young. This frightening family history always lingers in the back of my mind. However, about ten years ago that tiny family fact became all too real. At the age of just 17 I had to have a lump removed from my breast for diagnostic purposes. I was blessed to learn that it was just a benign cyst, but since then have been extremely sensitive to the need for myself and other women to take care of their breast health. Hopefully, sharing my story and the resources below will help save the life of someone reading this blog or someone they know. Spread the info and save the tatas!! 
American Cancer Society- http://tinyurl.com/4yh7owd
CDC- http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
Susan G. Komen for the Cure: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/GeneralRecommendations.html

Read this article in the Afro American Newspaper to learn more about DC Pink Divas:
http://www.afro.com/sections/news/washington/story.htm?storyid=74884

Who knew vital health info. could be so pretty?!?!


<3 Amina Lillie

Sip with Socialites fundraiser for the GI Film Festival

As a Queen I like to experience variety in my volunteer endeavors, which is why I gracefully jumped at the opportunity to volunteer at an Officer and an Auction, coordinated by the ladies of Sip with Socialites to raise money for a very noteworthy cause- The GI Film Festival.

Pictured with GI Film Festival Director, Laura Law-Millett 

The event was upscale, chic but not over the top which settled well with the more laid back Queen in me. The atmosphere was fun and somewhat hot as the eligible bachelors took the stage. The last bachelor to be auctioned off & the star of the show-"Argo" actor Scott Elrod- went for a hefty $1,700 price tag. This was no surprise to me nor the sea of women involved in the bidding war; given his charming personality, stage presence and devilish good looks! And what better motivation to donate to a great cause then to get a hottie in return??

It was a great evening of fundraising , socializing and of course working! Besides assigning bid paddles and mingling with DC's up & comers (and very fine military men)...I chatted it up with media reps and Beauty Queens alike. It was only natural, then, to take a break from volunteering to hit red carpet for a quick photo op!

I absolutely enjoyed helping at the event to benefit the GI Film Festival. However, observing the guests have such an awesome time clinging cocktails has me looking forward to just being a guest next time around :).

<3 Amina Lillie 

Holiday Happenings

The 2012 Holiday season brought very special opportunities for me! I participated in an amazingly inspirational event. Wreaths Across America is an organization that strives to remember and honor deceased Veterans by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on a specified Saturday in December at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as Veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. I was fortunate to share this very special appearance with other Queens and our own personal Marine escort!

A few days later, I returned to one of my favorite places...the Petworth area Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington! When I'm there no one gives me the side eye when I act like a big kid, argue with the little ones about who is "pretending" to be Santa Claus or profess that I am the original Santa's Helper. The children had a blast eating dinner, playing at the game stations and opening their gifts. I was just grateful to escape to the land of the carefree for a few hours. I will gladly return anytime!

<3 Amina Lillie