Feryl York, Mrs. IA International 2010

When One Chapter Closes, Open Another ...

2011-02-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

And so my year as Mrs. Iowa International 2010 comes to an end. I feel so blessed to have all the precious memories and opportunities that have come our way this year.

A HUGE Thanks to ~

My Lord and Savior

Ryan ... aka Mr. IA International 2010

Zipp ... aka Little Mr. IA International 2010

Mom and Dad

My amazingly supportive Family and Friends

My Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Family

May we all embody Live ... Learn ... Survive!

Feryl York, Mrs. IA International 2010

Celiac's Disease Conference

2011-02-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

I had the honor of speaking at The Iowa Celiac's Disease Conference in Cedar Rapids. What an honor to educate several hundred people on proper exercise and embracing their own Live ... Learn ... Survive Journey!

MOPS Presentation

2011-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time speaking to our local MOPS group about Live ... Learn ... Survive in November 2010.

Wine Tasting for LLS

2011-02-19T07:22:00.000-08:00

Pictured below with participants of our Wine Tasting.

Joyce ... you are an AMAZING women! I feel so blessed our paths crossed ... together WE are a dynamite fund-raising team! :)

A HUGE thanks to Chris, Anne, Les, Diane, and Ryan for supporting LLS!

Mr. and Mrs. IA International 2010. Ry, you have no idea how much I appreciate all your support in all our endeavors! Love ya!

Thanks so much to Dogs on Skis and Collectively Wines for making our Wine Tasting a success!

Light the Night

2011-02-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

October 9th, 2010: I had the extreme honor to serve LLS as Eastern IA's Walk Chair for Light the Night. This honor has left me speechless. Together at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, we raised over $300,000 for blood cancer research ... GOOOOOO TEAM!!!

Thanks Team Live ... Learn ... Survive!

Mom and Dad came all the way from Illinois to make Team Live ... Learn ... Survive complete!

Mom, you are my inspiration! Your positive spirit and energy are contagious!

What an amazing honor to have my Mother and inspiration for Live ... Learn ... Survive by my side for this special event!

I had the opportunity to personally thank our participants. "With your efforts, my mother has a chance to FIGHT CML. LLS is the reason she had the opportunity to use Gleevec for nearly two years and now Sprycel is literally saving her life. Thank-you for your efforts just doesn't seem to say enough for my appreciation. Tonight, WE walk for a CURE!"

Terry Loebsack visits Live ... Learn ... Survive.

I had the honor of "crowning" Terry!

Thanks so much for your support Congressman Dave and Terry Loebsack ... it means the world!

It's time to Light the Night Eastern IA!

Anne and Mom helping out at The Live ... Learn ... Survive Tent.

Anne~I can't thank you enough for all your love and support ... I am truly blessed to call you my sister in-law!

"The Gang" getting geared up for Light the Night!

Cedar Rapids Roller Girls

2011-02-19T07:01:00.000-08:00

Guest Appearance at Cedar Rapids Roller Girls! This was my first experience with the sport of roller derby! WOW ... these gals are tough!

I had the opportunity to sign autographs and meet some loyal CR Roller Girl Fans.

Thanks to CR Roller Girls for giving me the opportunity to advocate and educate for Blood Cancer Awareness!

Rest assured ... I didn't sit here! It is ring side seating on the floor. You are certainly up and close to the action!

Thanks for a GREAT and ENTERTAINING evening CR Roller Girls!

Team in Training

2011-02-19T06:57:00.001-08:00

Team in Training is an AMAZING fund-raising opportunity provided by LLS. Individuals train for endurance events while they raise funds for blood cancer research.

This group is preparing for Fall Endurance events like The Des Moines Marathon 2010. We got together to discuss injury prevention tactics to allow their bodies to complete their events injury free!

THANKS sooo much Team in Training!! It's the efforts of people like you that have given my mother a chance to FIGHT CML!! Together we will find a CURE!!!

National Youth Leadership Council Interviews

2011-02-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

In August, I had the honor of interviewing candidates for The National Youth Leadership Council. What an inspiration to talk with our future leaders! They were very inspiring and it was a difficult task to narrow the candidates!

Pictured below with two GREAT young women from the Cedar Rapids area as they prepare for their interview.

Mrs. International 2010

2010-07-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

I had the experience of a lifetime!!! Mrs. International 2010 was soul-shaping and life-changing! I want to express my deepest gratitude to my dear husband Ryan; my amazing parents, Don and Rhonda Redeker; and our amazing friends Greg and Susen McCallum for being my on-site support crew all week!!! I couldn't have been the Mrs. Iowa I wanted to be without you!!

Huge gratitude to Mary Richardson and the entire International Pageant Family for making this more than I ever imagined! You truly know how to treat us like queens!! I feel blessed to be a part of your pageant family!

Congratulations to our new Mrs. International 2010, Shannon Devine! May you be blessed throughout your reign and forever more! YOU are a wonderful woman and I can't wait to witness all the amazing things you do for Go Red, The International Pageant Family and Adoption!

Much love to you all and I will post pictures very soon!

Light the Night Kick-Off Party

2010-07-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

Light the Night in Eastern Iowa had it's Official Kick-Off Party on July 8th at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. What a great way to start our 2010 Light the Night in Eastern Iowa! We had several teams represented while enjoying pizza and other refreshments.

I had the opportunity to introduce Team Live ... Learn ... Survive and am honored to serve Eastern Iowa as Honorary Chair for the walk this year.

WE walk for a cure for blood cancers, for advocacy, and to improve the lives of those who have been touched by blood cancer ... let's show cancer just how serious WE are!

Pictured above with MiKayla VanWay. MiKayla is our honor patient this year. She is a leukemia survivor ... what a brave and adorable little lady.

Pictured above: I was able to share my family's story. This one was for you Grandma O, Uncle Red, Uncle Wilmer and Mom! Live ... Learn ... Survive!

Brent (MiKayla's Dad) shared their story when their lives changed forever after MiKayla's leukemia diagnosis.

Pictured above: MiKayla helps Jessica (Light the Night Eastern Iowa Campaign Coordinator) and Dillan (Jessica's Assistant) draw names for door prizes. "And the winner is ..... Ryan York!" Way to go Mr. Iowa ... you deserve a prize for all your hard work for LLS and Live ... Learn ... Survive!

Pictured above with Larry. Larry is a team captain for Light the Night and is a two time cancer survivor. You ROCK Larry!!! It was a pleasure to meet you and your lovely wife ... you are more inspiring than you will ever know.

What an honor to celebrate our kick-off at Kinnick Stadium ... GO HAWKS!!!

Live ... Learn ... Survive and Paws and a Cause reach Utah!

2010-07-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

I'm so EXCITED to announce Live ... Learn ... Survive and Paws and a Cause have reached Utah! We have now had the opportunity to touch lives directly in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Utah and Colorado! Finding a cure for blood cancers is a nationwide calling ... together WE can make a difference!

These "pawsitively" perfect pooches in Utah (thanks Vonya!) are showing their support for blood cancer by donning their Paws and a Cause bandannas!

MCCA Dinner

2010-07-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Montgomery County Cancer Association (MCCA) held their largest fundraising dinner to date this year! On June 26th, 2010, over 400 people came together to celebrate survivor-ship, remember our loved ones with memorials, and raise funds for cancer research.

I was honored to share Live ... Learn ... Survive to MCCA! I had the opportunity to share our mission with many individuals and we were excited to be part of the silent auction too!

Spending this evening with my family, especially my mom, was beyond words. It was an evening that will be in a special place in my heart and mind forever! Celebrating the strength of those individuals whose lives have been forever changed by cancer was a soul-shaping experience.

The evening was marked by the Survivor Ceremony. Each cancer survivor present received a special shirt and rose during the evening. There are very few times in my life that I have been left speechless, but this was truly one of those rare moments. Watching my mom and Aunt Sandy receive their roses brought me to tears of sadness for their diagnosis, joy for their will to fight, and hope for cures for these horrible diseases.

Pictured above: My mother receives her survivor rose.

Mom and Aunt Sandy (aka Aunt Turkey) find strength in each other. Aunt Turkey is a survivor of breast cancer and mom continues her fight with leukemia.

A HUGE thanks to Aunt Shelley for her work with MCCA! She is pictured hear with Aunt Turkey and mom.

Live every day to it's fullest ... Learn to make a difference with passion ... Survive with grace and diligence!

2010 Montgomery County Fair

2010-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

On June 23rd, 2010, I had the amazing opportunity to take a walk down memory lane. The Montgomery County Fair celebrated 25 years this year. I spent a large amount of my growing years at our county fair. I showed my first sheep, worked at the concession stand, and won my first pageant ever ... all at our fabulous fair! It's more than safe to say the fair has been a staple in my life and inspired me to many life adventures!

Congratulations to Bridget Stieren! She won the title Miss Montgomery County 2010! I'm so excited for her ... we had the same final question aaaannnndd we gave almost the same answer! Also our mothers were childhood friends ... how FUN!!

What better way to fight breast cancer than with this tough, pink camouflage truck!? The Montgomery County Breast Cancer Group is out to fight for a cure! The provide advocacy, education, and patient care assistance throughout Montgomery County. You GO FIGHT LIKE GIRLS!!!!

No fair is complete without a corn dog!

Once a queen .... always a queen! Several of our "retired royalty" returned to the fair on opening night. It's always so great to catch up with these wonderful ladies ... such inspirational women!

Queens reception prior to the 2010 Montgomery County Fair Queen Pageant. A HUGE thanks to Missy and Toby Dean for directing such a wonderful pageant and reception. You two have made more of an impact on so many of our lives ... we LOVE you forever!

We may be retired queens, BUT we still LOVE to pose for pictures!

Light the Night Corporate Luncheon

2010-06-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Light the Night hosted a Corporate Luncheon on June 8th at The Brown Deere Clubhouse. We came together to raise awareness for blood cancers and ask for support for our up-coming walk in October.

I met an amazing little lady at the luncheon. She is a one year survivor and her family is serving as our Honorary Patient Family for 2010. Thanks to The VanWay's for sharing your story!

Pictured below: Jessica Reiter-Flax (Light the Night Coordinator for Eastern Iowa), Feryl York (Honorary Chair for 2010 Light the Night) and Dylan Mooney (Light the Night Campaign Assistant)

Brent VanWay shares their family story as their brave daughter fights leukemia.

Pictured below: Jessica shares her family story and her passion for blood cancer research in honor of her mother Carol. Carol, like my mother, was diagnosed with CML. Carol courageously fought CML by participating in the clinical trial for Gleevec that is now keeping over 90 % of CML patients alive. What an amazing inspiration!

Are you ready to be a part of this AMAZING evening? Click the title above to learn how you can walk to save and improve the lives of those with blood cancers!

Mrs. IA/MN/WI America 2010

2010-06-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Mrs. IA/MN/WI 2010 was held in St. Paul, MN on June 5th, 2010. Ryan and I had an amazing evening cheering on all of the lovely contestants, but two special ladies had our hearts. Valarie Whitehead (Mrs. IA International 2009) was competing for the title of Mrs. IA America and stole the crown! What an honor to watch the wonderful woman who has been an inspiration to me as Mrs. IA International 2010 grace the stage with grace and elegance! Breanna Luderman was competing for the title of Mrs. MN America and won the judeges hearts just as she won mine one year ago! Breanna, I am so proud of you and feel blessed to call you my friend!

Pictured below: Ryan graciously posed for a picture with me at the "After-Party" ... Love ya Ry!!

Pictured below: Ron and Ryan celebrate their "titles" as Mr. Iowa America 2010 and Mr. Iowa International 2010. Val and I have great support don't we?!

Congratulations Valarie Whitehead, Mrs. Iowa America 2010! You look stunning!!

Congratulations to Breanna Luderman, Mrs. Minnesota America 2010! You couldn't be more beautiful inside and out!

Pictured below: My fellow pageant sister, Susie Overvold Mrs. MN International 2010. We are looking forward to Chicago ... it's right around the corner!

Pictured below: Ryan and Leslie Scheu are always there to "hold our goodies" ... thanks you two! What would Jessica and I do without you two?!

Pictured below: Ryan poses with Miss Teen MN International 2009, Jessica Scheu. We have really enjoyed getting to know you Jessica and wish you all the best!

Light the Night Meeting

2010-06-12T06:52:00.001-07:00

On June 1st, Jessica (Light the Night Program Coordinator) and I met with Janice Baldes. Janice is the creator of Bagolitas ... so very cute handbags with lots of attitude!! Janice has graciously agreed to donate 15%-35% of the procedes for our Light the Night fundraising campaign! What an amazing woman! We are so proud to have her support for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Pictured below: Janice presented me with a new Bagolita ... I LOVE sporting this fun bag around town! Thanks so much Janice!

To learn more about Bagolitas, click on today's blog title to link with their blog.

Miss Linn County Mock Interviews

2010-06-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

On May 23rd, I had a GREAT time meeting Miss Linn County and Miss Teen Linn County. Gretchen Bruesehoff and Anna Massengarb are preparing for Miss Iowa and Miss Iowa Teen America. Today a panel of "judges" provided mock interview sessions for these fabulous ladies. Then, they dazzled us with their amazing talents ... what beautiful voices these young ladies have!!

Best of luck as they compete for Miss Iowa and Miss Iowa Teen America June 11th and 12th!

Pictured above: Gretchen singing her beautiful talent number for Miss Iowa.

Pictured above: Anna provides us with a taste of her talent number as well! Such talent at such a young age!

Feel free to click on the title above to learn more about Miss Linn County!

LLS Gala

2010-05-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

We ended The Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year Campaign with The Iowa LLS Gala. This phenomenal event was held at The Meadows in Altoona, IA on May 15th.

I'm honored and excited to announce I was awarded 1st Runner - up this year! Our winner for the celebrity category was Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson! We are so honored to have Shawn advocate for LLS!

I am so honored to have my family with me during the amazing event! Pictured above are the inspirations behind my advocacy and philanthropy work for LLS. L to R: Dad (Don Redeker), Mom (Rhonda Redeker) and Mr. Iowa (Ryan).

We await the announcement of winners on stage ... drum roll please!

The Meadows was FABULOUS! We had an evening of fun with our honorary families and honorary chair (ISU Head Football Coach Paul Rhodes). I do think I even gained some points with Ryan by getting him an autograph from Coach Rhodes!

We also had a wonderful dinner and silent / live auction with all the proceeds going to LLS!

Thanks to all of our friends and family for supporting LLS!

Pictured Above: Theresa and Matt Fettkether.

Pictured Below: The BEST Mom and Dad a girl could ever dream of!

A mother holds her hand for a little while, BUT holds her heart FOREVER!

Mom ... you are my inspiration and I love you more than words can ever express!

Pictured below with two sweet little ladies! Jason Wulff is also a 2010 Candidate for Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year ... these are his wonderful girls!

Ryan, I love you with all my being! I love that you willingly wear your cancer ribbon tie! You have inspired me to be the woman I have always wanted to be. You stand beside me and support me more than I could ever have imagined you would ... you constantly make me so proud to be Mrs. York!

LLS at Iowa Cubs

2010-05-25T12:58:00.001-07:00

It was LLS Day at The Iowa Cubs Game on May 8th, 2010! About 10 weeks ago, I accepted a nomination by LLS to participate in a philanthropic campaign. The Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year Campaign has been such a blessing!! I have met GREAT people who share the same passion for blood cancer awareness as Ryan and I do. What an honor to be a part of throwing out the game pitch!

Pictured below with several of the candidates for Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year from L to R: Jason Wulf, Rhonda Vrendenburg, Edye Beckerman, Shawn Johnson, Chasity Young, Corey Jansen, Ryan Kolder and Sharon Keeling our campaign manager.

What an opportunity to campaign for LLS with Olympic Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson!! Thanks for your support for LLS Shawn!

LLS hits the Iowa Cubs!

Ryan's "crowning" moment! Ryan was honored as 2009's Celebrity of the Year winner. We are so excited to have his support again this year as he campaigns for Man of the Year.

Pictured below with Rhonda (Woman of the Year candidate). It was such an honor to meet her! We instantly connected as her son (Steve) was diagnosed with CML. Like my mother, Steve is on the medication Gleevec to help control their leukemia.

Getting ready to throw out the first pitch!

Shawn takes her position ... what better person to throw out our first pitch than an Olympic Gold Gymnast?!

Pictured below: The Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year candidates cheer on the Iowa Cubs onto the field!

THANKS Iowa Cubs ... for supporting LLS!!!

2010 Arthritis Walk

2010-05-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

I had such a great time at The 2010 Arthritis Walk in Cedar Rapids, IA. I was honored to lead the group's warm-up before their walk. I LOVED being on the Kernels Field at Perfect Game Ball Park on May 8th!

Pictured below with Cathy and Alycia at The Physiotherapy Associates booth for pre-event and post-event stretching.

After a much needed warm-up (it was a very chilly and rainy Saturday morning), the walkers began their walk around the Kernels Field.

Pictured below with Gabe ... he braved the cold to walk to support a cure for arthritis.

I had the honor of meeting today's honorary walk chair (pictured below) ... she is such an inspiration! She suffers with osteoarthritis, but still finds a way to exercise regularly ... GREAT example for all of us!

Celebrity Bartending at Daniel Arthurs

2010-05-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

On May 6th, I continued my philanthropy and advocacy efforts for LLS and Live ... Learn ... Survive. I tried my hand making martini's ... WOW ... working as a bartender is hard work! A huge thanks to Daniel Arthurs in Cedar Rapids for supporting my philanthropy efforts!

I also want to thank the staff for helping me out all night long!

We enjoyed live music during the evening as well.

Thanks to all our friends and the Daniel Arthurs patrons who graciously support our efforts ... what would Ryan and I do without each and every one of you?!

Paws and a Cause

2010-05-25T11:51:00.001-07:00

Happy May Day and Happy 1st Annual Paws and a Cause!!! A dream came true for me at Gutheridge Park in Hiawatha, Iowa. I have personally witnessed what happens when people and animals come together for a common cause. Live ... Learn ... Survive created this dog walk to encourage individuals to exercise for better physical and emotional health all while supporting those whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

I had the opportunity to partner with Iowa Human Alliance (IHA) for Paws and a Cause. Collectively, we were able to raise over $600 for Iowa Humane Alliance and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)!

Two things inspired me to create Paws and a Cause: My Mother and Zipp ... pictured above with Zipp a.k.a. "Little Mr. Iowa."

One of my goals for Paws and a Cause included pet blessings. A huge thanks to Karen Johns (chaplain at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA) for coming out to bless our four-legged furry kids that really illustrate the meaning of un-conditional love!

Pictured above: Zipp received his blessing.

Pictured below: A sweet pooch loving his/her pet blessing!

Thanks to Tamia and Jean for coming out to volunteer for Paws and a Cause. Jean is sporting her Live ... Learn ... Survive shirt too!

Pictured below: Mr. and Little Mr. Iowa

Paws and a Cause was a family event. Thanks to Claire, Aaron, Xavier High School Key Club Members for assisting our face painter!

Prizes for everyone!! Special thanks to Sue and Xavier High School Key Club Members made sure everyone signed up for door prizes.

Pictured below: one of our first participants donned his new Paws and a Cause bandanna ... how CUTE!!!

Huge thanks to Susan and Sandy with IHA for all the help!!! Just think, without Deb, we wouldn't have met! Paws and a Cause wouldn't have been as much fun ore as successful without each and every one of us!

Thanks Anne for coming to volunteer at the Live ... Learn ... Survive booth! I am truly blessed to have you in my life!!!

I can't wait to make Paws and a Cause a yearly event! Even better ... Paws and a Cause at a variety of cities accross the nation!

Fight Like A Girl

2010-05-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

On May 1st, we celebrated the fight against breast cancer at a wonderful boutique "It's All About Me" in Ames, IA. Many have heard of the slogan, "Fight Like a Girl" ... it found it's origin in Ames. Several of "Iowa's Royalty" gathered to "Signify Pink" by participating in a fundraiser organized by Fight Like A Girl and Michelle Berndt (Mrs. Iowa US Beauties).

This cause is near and dear to my heart! My aunt and grandmother have both fought breast cancer. Aunt Sandy is such a trooper and has been cancer free for nearly 20 years. My grandmother had radiation treatment for her breast cancer. We now are aware that it may have been the start behind her diagnosis of myelosplastic anemia or pre-leukemia. Grandma "O" fought this anemia for nearly 10 years. She has left an impression on more lives than she ever knew ... Love you Grandma "O"!!

Pictured below: I "Fight Like A Girl!"

Karaoke For A Cause

2010-04-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Karaoke For A Cause was held at The Nickelodeon on April 22nd, 2010 in Coralville, Ia. What a great event! This event was held to raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Joyce Barker (LLS Board Member), Ryan and I created this event as a FUN way to raise money for such a worthy cause. A HUGE thanks to The Nickelodeon and Good Time Karaoke for donating their time, tips and 10 % of their profits for the day to LLS! How generous!

Pictured above with Ryan ... couldn't quite get him up on to sing ... maybe next time!

Pictured above with Joyce and "Drum" from Good Time Karaoke. Joyce has a direct relationship with leukemia as well. Her husband Mike is a survivor!

Thanks for all your support Joyce!

Pictured above with Mike Kair. "Love Shack, Baby Love Shack!"

Pictured above and below with great friends! Thanks to all for coming to make Karaoke For A Cause such a GREAT success!

KGAN Interview

2010-04-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 I rose bright and early to meet with Kristine Ward for the morning show on KGAN in Cedar Rapids. We had the opportunity to discuss Live ... Learn ... Survive's upcoming philanthropy efforts. It's amazing how everything happens for a reason. The very next day, I got an e-mail from, Kristine stating her boyfriend's sister was diagnosed with leukemia. If I was able to make a difference in just one person's life ... I feel I am truly using my "Crown for a Cause." There are no co-incidences in life .... only God-incidents!

Jefferson High School National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

2010-04-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

On April 19th, 2010 I had the wonderful honor to give the key note address at Jefferson High School's National Honor Society's Induction Ceremony. It was such an honor to express my gratitude to my community by giving back to our youth ~ our world's future!

Special thanks to Michael Jacobsen (Pictured below) for inviting me to speak.

I was recognized for my outstanding commitment to community service. I encouraged the students to Live every day to it's fullest ... Learn to make a difference with passion ... Survive with grace and diligence! What an honor to motivate our community's future!!

Live ... Learn ... Survive

2010-04-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

On March 20th, my parents assisted Ryan and I with our first appearance in Nokomis, IL ... what an honor to be back in my hometown! We unveiled Live ... Learn ... Survive in Illinois at The Nokomis Craft Show. It was a GREAT turn-out and we were able to raise both awareness and research dollars for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Picture below with Rhonda, my mom and the inspiration behind Live ... Learn ... Survive. Ryan and I LOVE you with all our hearts!

Pictured below with Mr. Iowa ... the BEST husband and supporter a girl could ever dream of!

Pictured below: advocating for LLS.

Mom and Ryan worked so hard with me on this project! Thanks for the GREAT sign mom ... who knew a cricket was so useful for making signs!

I love seeing Mom sporting the Live ... Learn ... Survive t-shirt!! You can show your support too ... e-mail me at mrsiowainternational2010@yahoo.com to order yours today!

Reading at Kindercare

2010-03-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

Who knew reading to several classrooms of children could be so rewarding?! On March 16th, I had the opportunity to read two books to Kindercare in Cedar Rapids, IA. I'm not sure who enjoyed this afternoon more ... me or the children!

Thanks to everyone at Kindercare and Sara Schwerin for giving me this GREAT afternoon!

Interview with Tommy Lang at KCJJ

2010-03-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

It was GREAT to talk with Tommy Lang at KCJJ, AM 1630 on March 16th! Tommy and I had a chance to discuss Live ... Learn ... Survive, Man, Woman and Celebrity of the Year and Light the Night. Thanks for the opportunity and assisting me with my passion for advocacy for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

Tommy and I also had time during the interview to discuss my most recent exciting news ... I have been selected to serve as Eastern Iowa's Spokeswoman for The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign! Thanks so much for the honor and it was great to continue to educate the community to enhance our fight against heart disease.

Feel free to click on the post of this title to check out KCJJ's web page.

Minnesota International 2010 Pageants

2010-03-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

On March 7th, Susie Overvold was crowned Mrs. Minnesota International 2010. Congratulations to her along with Jenna O'Rourke, Miss Teen MN International 2010 and Carolina Reyes, Miss MN International 2010. What a fabulous pageant! A huge thanks to Allison Stavrakis (MN International Pageant Director) for inviting me to the event!

I had the honor of getting to know Tami Krause, Mrs. MN International 2009; Jessica Scheu, Miss Teen MN 2009 and Maddy Thoele, Miss MN International 2009 during the last year. What an honor to have the opportunity to add these wonderful and inspirational ladies to my life. Congratulations on a wonderful year and best wishes on all your future endeavors!

Pictured above with Ryan and Zipp. Thanks to "my boys" for attending the pageant with me! Zipp was so excited to attend the coronation party after the pageant ... he even donned his crown shirt for the occasion!

It was great meeting Shelly Gompf, Mrs. North Dakota International ... looking forward to seeing you in July!

Pictured above with Susie Overvold, Mrs. Minnesota International 2010 and Holly Ernst Mrs. Minnesota International 2003.

Pictured above with one of my favorite "Teens" ... Jessica Scheu, Miss Teen MN International 2009.

Governor Culver Signs The Bill

2010-02-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

On February 23rd, 2010, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed the bill mandating insurance providers to cover routine medical care for those individuals taking part in clinical trials. What a monumental day and what an AMAZING experience to be a part of it all!

Pictured below is Governor Culver "in action".

Pictured below: Governor Culver with a variety of instrumental individuals in the passing of this bill. Did you know Governor Culver signed each letter of his name with a different pen to ensure we were able to receive an official bill signing pen? What a FABULOUS memento!

Mission Day Iowa

2010-02-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Mission Day Iowa 2010 was such an honor to be a part of. On February 17th, Ryan and I traveled to our state capitol in Des Moines to urge our state legislatures and representatives to vote "yes" to a bill that mandates private insurances to cover routine health care costs even while on clinical trials for cancer. The day was a HUGE success! After 3 years of hard work and collaboration with a variety of additional groups including The America Cancer Society, the bill passed unanimously!

As you can imagine this bill means more to me than words can express. As many of you know, my family history is decorated with multiple forms of cancer and my mom's constant strong fight against CML has illustrated the importance of clinical trials.

A HUGE thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this dream a reality!

Pictured above and below with Iowa State Senator Beall. Senator Beall gave me an Iowa pin and named me "Honorary Senator For The Day" ... thanks so much for the warm welcome!

Pictured below with Iowa Representative Tyler Olson on the Iowa House of Representatives Floor. Tyler and Ryan grew up in Cedar Rapids together and both shared a love of swimming. A special thanks to Tyler for believing in this bill from it's origin!

Pictured below with volunteers from LLS and Iowa State Senator
Larry Noble on the Senate Floor.

Pictutred below with Iowa State Senator
Randy Feenstra on the Senate Floor.

Pictured below at The State Historical Museum. I love the quote on this mural ... "More than just pigs and corn!"

Interview with The Gazette

2010-02-27T14:08:00.000-08:00

A HUGE thanks to Angie with The Gazette for writing such an amazing article about my reign as Mrs. Iowa International 2010 and to Julie for the great photojournalism! I am very grateful for her time and am so excited to have an opportunity to raise awareness for blood cancers and my personal platform: Live ... Learn ... Survive

Please click on today's title above to see the article.

Go Red For Women Casting Call

2010-02-14T05:24:00.001-08:00

February 13th was a very inspirational day at The Go Red For Women Casting Call. The event was held at The Iowa's Children Museum in Coralville, Iowa. This search was on for not only a local spokesperson for Go Red, but also a national spokesperson for the movement. Nine women across the country will be chosen and given the opportunity to "Speak UP for Heart Disease."

Pictured above: Anne (my fabulous sister-in-law) volunteered with me ... thanks Anne!!

CBS provided media coverage for the day. I'm giving a brief interview for them regarding the days events. They also interviewed several heart survivors at the event so they could share their personal passions for Go Red.

Anne and I spent time in the "holding pen" while women waited to recored their stories. Each woman recorded an interview with Kathryn Foxx from Mix 96.5 to share why they "Go Red."

Those of you that know me well are aware of the fact that I am rarely at a loss for words, but today was completely different. The experiences that these women shared with me were nothing short of miraculous. Pictured above and below with two amazing women who are recipiants of heart transplants.

I also had the opportunity to record my interview today ... thanks so much for the opportunity!

Heart Disease is the #1 killer in women.

90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease.

I am Feryl York Mrs. Iowa International 2010 and I GO RED to give EVERY woman a voice!

The University of Iowa's Dance Marathon 2010

2010-02-09T16:51:00.000-08:00

On February 5th at 7:00 pm, students from the University of Iowa gathered together for 24 hours without any caffeine to literally dance the night away. A huge thanks to Mix 96.5 Andy Petersen, Carla Davis and Kathryn Foxx for allowing me to come and be a part of their radio coverage. With Live ... Learn ... Survive and my efforts with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society being my personal platform, you can imagine how special it was to me to be a part of this great event.

University of Iowa Dance Marathon creates and sustains special projects to provide emotional and financial support for pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant patients and their families treated at University of Iowa Children's Hospital.
FTK: For the Kids!

And the final numbers are in ... drum roll please!!

$1,058,568.16 For The Kids!

My Go Red For Women Tour

2010-02-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

And so began my week of raising awareness for Go Red For Women and The American Heart Association ... what an exciting and memorable week! It all began with all of my colleagues supporting Go Red by wearing red on National Wear Red Day ... THANKS to everyone at Physiotherapy Associates for supporting such an important cause. Heart disease is the number one killer in women ... it's certainly great to observe others as we use our voice to make a difference.

Pictured below with Kristine Ward and Tim Seymour, morning news anchors for KGAN. A special thanks to Kristine for our live interview urging all of their viewers to Go Red on Friday February 5th.

An unexpected surprise with Justin Roberts, weather at KGAN...he invited me to assist him with the morning weather forecast! What an AWESOME TV experience!!! Unfortunately, I did have to predict snow in the forecast ... BUT ... I still fit in a Go Red plug ... Red snow boots of course! :)

Look at the lovely "map" for me to point to in the background ... who knew it was just a green screen?!

Thanks Kristine for capturing what the forecast looked like on screen!

I think I need to come up with my official "sign-off" phrase ... maybe something like "Now let's find out what's happening in your backyard." Hmmm ... I better not quit my day job!

Thanks to Andy Petersen (pictured below) from WMT for interviewing me for Go Red and for encouraging all the AM 600 listeners to wear red on National Wear Red Day!

Pictured below with the ladies at KCRG before my interview to encourage listeners to participate in a variety of events this month to celebrate heart month.

February is Heart Month ... Let's Go Red For Women

2010-02-02T18:19:00.001-08:00

Kathryn Fox from Mix 96.5 was kind enough to invite me onto her radio show today to raise awareness for Heart Month. We had the opportunity to discuss National Wear Red Day on February 5th and our local casting call for the next spokesperson for Go Red For Women that is taking place February 13th at Coralridgle Mall. We also gave away heart healthy cookbooks and red dress pins (graciously provided by The American Heart Association) to the first four callers ... radio is always such a great way to touch so many people. Please click onto the title of today's blog to link to Mix 96.5 to see what Kathryn and I were up to this afternoon and remember to "Go RED!!"

Butterfly Kisses

2010-02-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

Ryan (aka ... Mr. Iowa) escorted me to Cedar Rapids Country Club for the 8th Annual Butterfly Kisses Event that is provided by Junior League. On January 31st, nearly 300 little ladies had the opportunity to "spend the day with "Dad!" Pictured below are several of the gals I had the opportunity to meet!

Activities of the day included dancing to some great music provided by a local DJ, silent auction tables, face painting and even a glamour station for nails, hair and all a girls necessities! :)

Pictured below with two sisters from Cedar Rapids that come to celebrate that father-daughter bond ... I have to admit ... I'm still a Daddy's girl too!

The girls kept me busy signing autographs and posing for pictures ... they were all sooooo CUTE!!

This little angel pictured below was showcasing some FABULOUS shoes! I was so excited when she agreed to let me hold her to get the shoes in the picture too! :)

A HUGE thanks to the Junior League of Cedar Rapids for such a fun afternoon!

Junior League of Cedar Rapids is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Feel free to click on the title of this blog to direct you to the Junior League of Cedar Rapids website.

Queen For A Day

2010-01-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

The ladies in sewing guild at Prariewoods are "Queens for a Day". That is the theme for their weekend retreat held January 29th - January 31st! I was on hand to give them tips on "Finding their inner queens" ... they were GREAT students!

Pictured above with Bernice ~ thanks so much for the opportunity to visit with the sewing guild!

Pictured with Bernice and Martha (two members of the planning committee for the retreat). Thanks for allowing me to share my passion for Live ... Learn ... Survive! What a GREAT combination for the evening ~ raising awareness for blood cancers and working on beautiful projects.

All of the ladies really did such a wonderful job at showcasing their "inner queens"!

On Friday January 29th I had the honored opportunity to speak with The Sewing Guild at Prariewoods in Hiawatha, IA. These extremely talented women come together for a weekend retreat that is full of projects that are beyond words! In April, these projects will then be showcased at Prariewoods ... I can't wait to see the finished projects!

American Heart Month Interview with KZIA

2010-01-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

THANKS to Scott Schulte at KZIA 102.9 for promoting Go Red For Women on Saturday January 30th's Community Spotlight!

It's time to Go RED For Women! Heart Disease is the number one killer in both women and men. In fact 90% of women have one or more risk factors for heart disease and don't even know it!! After learning about how heart disease runs in my own family, I know how important it is to speak up about this silent killer. Too many women remain unaware. I personally believe knowledge is power. I feel passionate to educate individuals and inspire them to spread the word to friends, family and the community about how to make the right choices every day. Together, WE can truly save lives with the power of our very own voices.

Roughriders Hocky

2010-01-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

I geared up for Roughrider Hockey on January 16th! It was Cedar Rapids Roughriders hosting Chicago. The Roughriders brought it home! I had the opportunity to advocate for LLS and I'm excited to say gave out LOTS of information to a nearly sold out crowd!

Pictured above and below with the LLS information booth Ryan set up with met for the game. Thank goodness Ry is always so supportive and feels just as passionate about raising awareness for LLS as I do.

I had the opportunity to cheer on our Roughriders with The Rider Girls ... they brought soooo much energy!

I had the opportunity to present a birthday cake for one special birthday guest in the stands with the Rider Girls and Jared Aarons (KGAN Sports Director).

Who knew the Chick-Fil-A Cow was such a hockey fan?!

Saturday night was also Star Trek night at "The Stable" ... The city of Riverside, IA was present in all of their favorite Star Trek attire to promote their Trek Fest taking place in June. I learned Riverside, IA is the future birthplace of Captain Kirk! Check out their website for more information:

http://www.trekfest.com/

Bridal Show 2010

2010-01-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

On January 10th, I had the AWESOME experience of modeling for VIP Hair Extensions by Deanna! Deanna is the hair extension specialist at Salon Neil Boudreaux in Cedar Rapids. Deanna, two additional stylists, an additional model and I were featured on the main stage at a 2010 Bridal Expo in Cedar Rapids.

Pictured above with Ashley from Salon Neil Boudreaux

We had such a GREAT time and Deanna gave us all full, long locks!

Feel free to click on the title above to see more information for VIP Hair Extensions.

2010 Honorary Walk Chair

2010-01-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

What an exciting and memorable day! On January 5th, 2010 I was chosen by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Iowa Chapter to serve as Honorary Walk Chair for this year's Light the Night Walk in Iowa City. What an honor! I am very excited to volunteer with the world's largest voluntary health organization whose mission and dedication is to empowering and assiting all individuals whose lives have been touched by blood cancer. Please feel free to click on the link above to learn all the details for 2010's Light the Night Campaign! This is the quote in The Light the Night 2010 Partnership Opportunities Information Packet:
Feryl York
Mrs. Iowa International
2010 Honorary Walk Chair
Feryl’s family is one of the
thousands of families affected by
blood cancer every year

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T14:34:00.001-08:00

Welcome 2010! May all your dreams and aspirations come true this year! Live every day to it's absolute fullest!

Best wishes for a blessed year ~ The York's.

Happy Holidays from The York Family

2009-12-28T19:07:00.001-08:00

We were just planning to have Zipp's picture taken with Santa, but he really wanted mom and dad in the photo too!

We hope you had a Very Merry Christmas and wish you a Blessed 2010!

Families Helping Families 2009

2009-12-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

Families Helping Families ... what a rewarding opportunity! Pictured above are a few volunteers from The MAC (where we work as group exercise instructors) for this active start to the holiday season.

Families Helping Families is a non-profit organization that feels strongly that family is an essential factor in the development of children. Their primary focus is meeting the needs of foster families. This year's Christmas Event was held at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. A variety of events for the children included pictures with Santa, live reindeer sightings, group exercise (provided by The MAC), face painting, and the list goes on!

Pictured above and below with Cedar Rapids Roller Girls. We had so much fun posing nice for the camera and then they decided to get "roller tough" with me in the photo below. I can't wait to check out their first home bout in April!

One of the children and I catch a photo opportunity with Ricochet ... the mascot for our local hockey team. Join me on January 16th for my appearance to advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and to cheer on the Roughriders as the face off against Chicago!

Pictured below with The Grinch ... he promised to not steal Christmas this year!

One of our local CR Spirits Cheerleaders stopped to say "Hi" after their GREAT performance during the evening.

Pictured below are a group of very talented young ladies at our booth. Look at them go with the hula hoops!!

A crowning moment for this lovely lady after she practiced balancing on our balance discs at our booth. All of the kids did such a GREAT job and we had such an enjoyable evening!

A HUGE THANKS TO FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES!!

Miss Iowa USA 2010

2009-12-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

What a FUN day in Ames, IA! On December 13, Ryan and I attended Miss IA and Miss Teen IA USA Finals. Thanks for always standing by my side Ry ... what a FABULOUS Mr. Iowa!
Pictured above with a few members of my "pageant family." From L-R: Valarie Whitehead ~ Mrs. Iowa International 2009, Loni McNertny ~ Mrs. Iowa America 2009, Michelle Berndt ~ Mrs. Iowa United States 2009, Feryl York ~ Mrs. Iowa International 2010 and Laura Diers ~ Mrs. Iowa America 2008.

Pictured above with Loni, Michelle and Chelsea Gauger ~ Miss IA USA 2009. Chelsea did a wonderful job representing IA at Miss USA in Las Vegas and their wasn't a dry eye in the house during her final words as Miss IA USA.

Michelle, Laura and I stopped in at a great store in downtown Ames. "It's All About Me" is a wonderful shop owned by a very friendly and vivacious woman named Kathy. She carries the "Fight Like A Girl" merchandise that was initiated in Ames. The three of us have loved ones in our family that have been touched by Breast Cancer. We are excited to say we will be partnering with Fight Like a Girl this year for a fund raising even to be held at "It's All About Me" ... what a GREAT opportunity!!

Yet another photo opportunity at "It's All About Me."

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

2009-12-09T08:39:00.001-08:00

WOW ... blizzard like conditions here in Iowa! With nearly eleven inches of snow and sustained winds of 25 - 35 miles per hour, Cedar Rapids looks like a winter wonderland!
Pictured above and below: Ryan and I snow blowing on early Wednesday morning to "dig out" for the day. Thankfully, Ryan had used the snow blower and shovel several times from Tuesday evening on so we could actually get throughout the super wet and deep snow this morning ... what a GREAT husband!!

Look at my pink Uggs ... they really got a workout today!!

Pictured below: The final project ... for now that is! The news is predicting an additional couple of inches of snow today along with wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour. True blizzard conditions!

Pictured Below: Even Zipp had to bundle up for these conditions!! Poor Little Mr. Iowa International!!

Fire and Ice Parade 2009

2009-12-06T16:06:00.001-08:00

"Dashing through Downtown ..." Downtown Cedar Rapids that is! The 2009 Fire and Ice Festival and Parade was held December 5th in Cedar Rapids. What a FUN event and a chilly one too! If you click on Fire and Ice Parade 2009 above, you can watch the parade in the warm comfort of your own home!

Many thanks to Neil Boudreaux for such a sweet ride ... I truly felt like a queen!

The Downtown District provided our 26th Annual Holiday DeLite ... we certainly are getting closer to rebuilding downtown Cedar Rapids after the devastation from the floods of 2008.

A HUGE thanks to my husband Ryan (a.k.a. Mr. Iowa) for driving me in the parade! You are such a wonderful support system!!

Pictured with Kristin (she rode along and kept Ryan company) and her family friend Lucas. Lucas is a volunteer firefighter in Hiawatha, IA. Thanks for all your volunteer efforts Lucas!!

Pictured below with Emily Rose. Emily is our reigning Miss Linn County Princess. Former Miss Linn County, Amber Ferry (not pictured) was also with Emily for the holiday festivities.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:46:00.000-08:00

Taking time today to count our blessings in the York Household! Best wishes to all and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Girls on the Run

2009-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today I had the honor of participating in Johnson County's Girls on the Run 5K. What an AMAZING experience!! Girls on the Run is a non-profit national organization that is geared toward girls in grades 3-6. This program and it's volunteers promote and educate these young ladies to live a healthy lifestyle. Topics such as physical exercise, proper nutrition, social and emotional health are touched on while they are training for a 5k cross-country event.

Their banquet was held today after the 5k to mark the closing of the 2009 season. I had a great time talking to the participants about the importance of being healthy both inside and outside. I'm so proud of each of them for having the confidence to participate in today's event ... YOU GO GIRLS!!!

Pictured with Mrs. Johnson County Iowa America 2010. She ran today today with some great young ladies!

The girls got in the running spirit with fun hair spray in many colors! Pictured is the finished product for some of lovely young ladies!

Light The Night 2009

2009-11-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

This year's Light the Night walk was held in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium on October 17th. I volunteered as team captain for "Team York Walks for Rhonda." For those of you who don't know, Rhonda is my wonderful mother, mentor and friend. She was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in June 2008. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society funds Brian Dunker, MD who lead the research for the medication that is helping my mom live with leukemia. What a GREAT honor to be a part of a fundraiser that raised over $129,300 for research to find cures for blood cancers!

Hoopla Commercial

2009-11-08T20:27:00.000-08:00

This year, I had an AWESOME opportunity to represent Mrs. Iowa International by appearing in a commercial for Hoopla. Can you find me in the commercial ... look quick about mid-way through the commercial and see if you can pick me out. :) Hoopla is a weekly entertainment and networking magazine featuring the latest information in Iowa's Corridor. This was a GREAT experience and don't forget to check out your copy today!

Miss Iowa and Miss Teen Iowa USA

2009-11-08T20:15:00.001-08:00

In October, I had a GREAT time with Sarah Moses from The Pageant Shop! I was honored to work with Sarah (pictured left) as she showcased her FABULOUS wardrobe expertise to the contestants for Miss Iowa and Miss Teen Iowa USA in Ames. I know first hand, Sarah's true gift for making all of her clients feel beautiful on the inside and out. Thanks so much for the opportunity Sarah!! I also had the added excitement of connecting with another great friend that day ... Laura Diers, Mrs. Iowa America 2008 (pictured below). What a great surprise Laura ... it's always great to see you!!

Naional Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL)

2009-11-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

In September, Ted Kepros, PT (Physiotherapy Associates) and I were guest speakers for Eastern Iowa's NCYL Conference at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids. NCYL's focus is to empower the youth of America by recognizing and fostering high ideals of leadership and integrity. Ted and I challenged Iowa's young leaders to "Dare to Make a Difference." While highlighting the importance of mental, physical and emotional health, I highlighted how becoming an advocate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma had changed my life and led me toward my quest toward Mrs. Iowa International. These individuals were truly inspirational. It was a great experience and I truly feel we are in good hands ... these children are our future!

My Journey Begins

2009-11-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

One area I love volunteering is for The Jefferson High School Swim Team. My husband Ryan is the head coach for the J-Hawks! One of the swimmers and I sell t-shirts in stands as a fund raiser for the J-Hawks at the state swim meet in Marshalltown (pictured on the left). My sister-in-law, Anne and I work a fund-raising booth for the J-Hawks during J-Hawk Relays in Cedar Rapids.