Mrs. South Brunswicks new adventure
By: Madeleine Johnson
Annie Konopka, of Kendall Park, was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease more than three years ago. While the progressive nervous system disorder might have been a debilitating blow to some, Mrs. Konopka has seen the disease as a personal challenge, not an excuse.
She has held several fundraisers, participated in walks to raise money for Parkinsons research and started USA PD Pals, an online support group for others who have the disease. Now, Mrs. Konopka has found a new avenue to promote her battle for Parkinsons awareness: Having been named Mrs. South Brunswick, shell compete in the Mrs. New Jersey pageant on May 5 at The Richard Stockton State College of New Jersey.
Mrs. Konopka was named Mrs. South Brunswick based on her application and platform or the topic she would like to discuss, which is Parkinsons.
I got an e-mail about it, and I said I dont know if I have the time for this. But I decided that I was going to do it, so I sent them my info, she said. The director called me that evening and told me that I have a really good platform. The Mrs. New Jersey pageant, the final round before the Mrs. America pageant, calls for its contestants to participate in three events: an evening gown competition, a swim suit competition and an interview. For the interview, women must expound upon their platforms.
Mrs. Konopkas platform is Young Onset Parkinsons: Living with a Chronic Illness, she said.
You need to discuss some kind of way to make a difference, Mrs. Konopka said. Some will be discussing Alzheimers disease, physical fitness, whatevers close to your heart.
According to Mrs. Konopka, the Mrs. New Jersey contest isnt a typical pageant.
I was in the Miss New Jersey pageant in 1988 and 1989. I was just a graduate from high school and didnt need a platform. It was more about beauty, poise and charm, she said. This is a Mrs. pageant, so its much more relaxed and they dont expect you to be 100 pounds. Youre really like a spokesperson for some kind of organization.
Mrs. Konopka feels as though the differences between the Mrs. New Jersey pageant both in the pageant and how she has changed since she last competed make it a more positive experience.
I feel its so much better for me. Its an opportunity to celebrate your intelligence, Mrs. Konopka said. Ive accomplished a lot more. Ive got 16 years of marriage and two kids now.
And her family will be there to cheer her on next month, and all through her preparation for the competition.
Theyre very supportive and theyre very excited, she said.
If Mrs. Konopka is crowned Mrs. New Jersey, shell move on to the next round.
You go on to Mrs. United States, she said. Youre competing against different representatives from each state.
But thats not why shes participating in the pageant.
I want to get the word out there to create (Parkinsons) awareness, even if I just help one person out there whos suffering from any chronic disease, Mrs. Konopka said.
Madeleine Johnson is the social editor for the South Brunswick Post. Her e-mail address is [email protected].