Miss Teen North Carolina International

Megan Willey

Megan was crowned  Miss Teen North Carolina International on Februrary 27th 2010 at SouthWest Guliford HighSchool Highpoint

When I was seven years old my mom was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, a short year later my sister and I were also diagnosed. Up until then I had lived your normal active childhood.  The symptoms were gradual. I was weak and fatiuged and mimicked the symptoms of MD; both dibilitating diseases. My mom was so weak, she was in a wheel chair. Time after time, doctor after doctor all diagnosed us as crazy, It was just a "mind game." Some friends at church advised us to go see The Clinic of Angels who specialzed in infectious diseases. One big problem was they didn't accept pediatric patients; however, they allowed both my sister and I to be tested and treated. As the disease progressed, my sister got better. I, however took a turn for the worse. I was paralyzed in a wheel chair several times, experienced seziures, dystonia, often times difficulty breathing, and a few other symptoms. All three of  us had experienced pic-lines, mid-lines, and normal IV's for treatment. My mom and I were eventually given a mediport, an IV that is surgically placed inside the chest wall going directly to your heart. My mom's worked great! Mine, not so great. It produced blood clots in my heart and lungs and landed me a nice two week vacation in the PICU. I remember at that very point in my life I was ready to give up. I was so young and experienced so much that I finally had a decision to make; I could take the cards I was given and use them or sit around and feel sorry for myself. I eventually got better, moved to North Carolina and now a WALKING success story. The Clinic of Angels saved my life. They provide finicial aid to patients with highly complex, multi-system, and often misunderstood diseases. Although they hadn't established this resource until a year after I was treated, they were still angels to me. I believe it is now my turn to you use the testimony God has given me to inspire patients with any disease that no matter how hard the climb may seem, with the help of clinics such as this who provide more than treatment but hope, love, happiness, and inspriation; you too can make it to the top! Remember that God will never give you more than you can handle and He has a reason for everything!

I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!

                                                               -Philippians 4:13

Follow Megan and her year of service as Miss Teen North Carolina International 2010 State Blog.

Photo by Star Path Images