Motivation with a Purpose: Abbey Curran

Our guest is Abbey Curran, the first woman with disabilities to compete in the Miss USA Pageant. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2, Abbey wanted to create a pageant that gives participants a chance to be celebrated for who they are inside. The result is the Miss You Can Do It pageant.

Miss You Can Do It Pageant

The Miss You Can Do It Pageant is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year at the 2013 Pageant. Created by Abbey Curran, Miss Iowa USA 2008, the Miss You Can Do It Pageant is a national non-profit pageant for girls and women with special needs and challenges.

Abbey Curran

As former Miss America, Shirley Barret has taught me, \"accomplishment begins with two words: \'I\'ll try\'.\" Thanks to those two words, I had the strength and courage to try. Previously, I competed in the 2008 Miss Iowa USA Pageant. I was told that \"I couldn\'t\" and that \"I shouldn\'t\", but I said, \"I\'ll try\". I was not only the first contestant to enter the Miss Iowa USA pageant with a challenge; I was also the first contestant with a challenge to even win the Miss Iowa USA pageant. I made history that year being the first ever contestant with a challenge to compete in the Miss USA Pageant. I had the time of my life, and can honestly say I am living my dream! It all happened thanks to those two little words: \"I\'ll try!”
I was born with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that could have meant a life of difficulties and obstacles, but that is not the case. I am living proof that reaching for the stars can make all the difference in the world. I created this magical event as a stepping-stone for girls and women with special needs and challenges, so that they too can realize, if you truly believe in yourself, ANY DREAM CAN COME TRUE! And they will leave this pageant with an abundance of self-confidence that will live far past this magical evening.

Abbey\'s Website