Black Press Media is a proud partner of the Miss BC pageants, with this year鈥檚 event taking place June 29 - July 1inFort Langley. As part of the People鈥檚 Choice Award, we are posting contestants鈥� biographies online forreaderstolearn more about the women and girls from their communities and to put in their vote.

Submitted by Christina W. of Port Alberni:

Being of service has always felt like my purpose but when a chronic disease derailed my life, I felt like everything was taken from me. As a young adult trying to navigate a society that places no value on those who are perpetually ill, I felt worthless.

What I gained, however, was an acute awareness of the plight of so many who are suffering invisibly with chronic diseases. By joining Mrs. BC, I hope to give a voice to the voiceless and to help foster awareness so that the conversation can move towards making the world more accessible and people more conscious and compassionate.

I鈥檓 not your typical competitor. I no longer have a career, I can鈥檛 plan my future, and though I look healthy, I鈥檓 far from it. Pain, fatigue, and a constant onslaught of symptoms from Central Sensitivity Syndrome have consumed my life but now feels like the time to redefine and pursue my purpose.

Chronic illness creates so much turmoil so I wrote this reminder in my pursuit of healing and peace: 鈥淟et your voice be a lullaby for your soul. Let it sing you into wellbeing. Let it soothe you into a state of peaceful existence.鈥�

Check out the blog for my Miss BC journey here: