It all started when my mimi (Shirley Ragsdale) was diagnosed in February in 2022. As the year went on the terrible disease got progressively worse. December 5th, 2022 will be a day I take with me for the rest of my life. The day my sweet Mimi met face to face with Jesus. My Mimi was a warrior, after losing her 16 year old son from a heart issue, to her husband from a brain cancer, she was resilient. She showed up in our community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was the face of Odenville, AL. I pray I can have half the influence she did within my community. The following year I would start college to get a degree in nursing. Little did I know I would then also begin competing in the Miss America Organization. When starting this, I needed a reason, a cause behind why I wanted to serve. It didn't take me long to realize Colon Cancer Awareness was exactly what I needed to do. I then decided to also implement the Early Detection part into it. Over the past 2 years through my platform Early Detection Matters, I have raised over $1,200 for colon cancer awareness and research. This is just the beginning. I have big plans for so much more this year, but I need YOUR help! I can only do so much myself, but there is STRENGTH in NUMBERS!! I pray after reading my story and seeing the impact my Mimi not only had on me, but her entire community, you feel led to give to a cause that is so important and urgent that we find a cure! ??