Bradens Miracle Mile

Sunday April 18th, a day of celebration. Celebration of Life, Hope and Love. A day to rejoice that we have this day and this moment. Lauren Sage along with several friends and her family volunteered to paint faces at a walk for Braden Hofen. Braden and his family are dear family friends. Braden has been battling neuroblastoma cancer. He relapsed in the fall of 2009. Bradens Mom Deliece is also beginning her battle against breast cancer. There are really no words to describe the Hofen family. There are no words to describe how horrible and frightening cancer can be. But todays words were about what cancer can not take from us, what we refuse to allow cancer to get. Today we have hope, we have love and we have TODAY! This amazing walk/run was put together to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The walk also served as a fundraiser for Bradens Medical Fund. over 1600 walkers, runners and volunteers came out for the event. So many amazing moments! Deliece and Brian Hofen greeted the crowd with inspirational words of love and appreciation. Lauren Sage sang the National Anthem while Callie Hobkirk in her Jr. ROTC uniform held the flag. The participants released yellow balloons into the sky in honor and memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. The race began and thus and annual event was created. After the race there was a silent auction and raffle along with tons of activities for the kids. A band kept everyone entertained! Lauren Sage, Callie Hobkirk, Kendra Leet, Melanie Shaner and her friend Lucy painted faces for a few hours. A great big thanks to our new friend of the day, Amber, who kindly volunteered to take photographs of todays event so that we would have more hands for painting. Thank you also to LaDawna Hobkirk for changing water and keeping brushes clean! American Idol David Cook donated an autographed guitar for the event, a raffle was held for the guitar as well as a wonderful work of art by Braden! LaDawna bought 20 tickets and put ten in the guitar raffle and ten in Bradens art raffle! Low and behold she won the guitar! She was thrilled! We were all shocked! Go LaDawna! It couldn't have gone to a nicer person. There is so much that can be said about today but rather than trying to fit it in this blog we hope that you will take a moment to check out Bradens Caring Bridge site, read his story and say a prayer for him. As Deliece always says, today was a detour from all the unpleasant things or real world responsibilities. A moment to stop and be greatful for what we have. www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenh

Happy Birthday!

Saturday April 10th! What a day of Celebration! Lauren Sage was thrilled to spend the day celebrating two birthdays. Zach Hofen, a very dear family friend celebrated his seventh birthday! Zachs little brother Braden has been battling neuroblastoma cancer and his mother Deliece was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery just two weeks ago. This family is so precious and through all of the terrible things that have happen over the past couple of years they have been such an inspiration to so many people. On Sunday April 18th there is a miracle mile walk for Braden. We hope many of you will be able to join us and walk to honor him. Braden continues his battle daily, but Saturday was a day to stop and celebrate! What a day it was. Zachs Army Birthday was made complete by the United States Marines! They came out to the party with two vehicles and even gave the kiddos a ride! Lauren Sage helped by taking care of Braden during the party and helping with set up and clean up. Right after Zachs party it was off to Missouri, Hailey Johnson, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Girl of the year was also turning 7 on Saturday! Hailey will be the ambassador at this years Kansas pageant! Hailey has Leukemia. She too is an amazing kiddo. Lauren Sage and Hailey have made a special friendship this year. Lauren Sage attended the party and gave Hailey her own crown box for her LLS crown. Hand decorated by Lauren Sage. In the midst of all the challenges these two families face it was so nice to take a moment and smile, laugh and celebrate the life of these precious children.

Beautification Project in Houston Texas

Lauren Sage joined Cassie Sumimoto Miss Teen United States-World and Nikki Golyer, representing the Bay Area for Miss Texas USA for a beautification project in Houston Texas on Saturday March 27th. The girls went to a local elementary in Houston to help collect trash from the playground and surrounding sports fields. A local brownine troop teamed up with all three girls to get the work done.

Miss Texas Teen World and Jr. Miss Texas World Pageants

Lauren Sage headed to Texas to be a part of the Miss Teen Texas World and Jr. Miss Texas World pageants March 27th - March 29th. The weekend was a blast. The girls in Texas were so nice and the pageant was wonderful. Thank you to Angie Neal, the Director of the Texas programs for such an amazing weekend! Congrats to the new Texas Queens! Enjoy your year, can't wait to see you all again at Nationals!

The Solana at Cinco Ranch, Houston Texas

During the Jr. Miss Texas World pageant and Miss Teen Texas World pageant in Houston Texas - Lauren Sage, the contestants and the reigning Miss Teen Texas Jenna Wade along with the Miss Teen United States World visited a retirement village. The girls visited with the residents, played cards, bingo and took photographs. Lauren Sage learned two new card games. These lovely residents had so much to share and were such a delight to be around. Thank you to the Directors of the Texas pageant for providing such a wonderful afternoon and to all the residents and staff for allowing us to the opportunity to get to know you.

Pageant Workshop

Sunday March 7th was the Pageant Workshop in Wichita Kansas. Lots of ladies gathered to learn about the 2010 pageant. Lauren Sage and sister Queens Katie and Sloan were excited to meet some of the contestants for this years program. Kim McDowell and LaDawna Hobkirk ran the workshop. The girls had a Question Answer session with the attendees in addition to runway practice, mock interviews, a fitness expert oration and a photo shoot. Lauren Sage spoke on behalf of the LLS society about the Pennies for Patients program that the pageant will be participating in this year.

Help the Homeless

Friday March 5, Lauren Sage worked with Divine Truth, a Christian youth performing group in a community outreach program. Making sack lunches, collecting clothing and toiletries. 800 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches latter... Yes, thats right they made 800 sandwiches and packed 800 lunches to be delivered tomorrow morning! After the work was done the kids celebrated their work with pizza and fellowship.