End of 2013 Post

As I say goodbye to 2013 I wanted to take a second to reflect on the amazing things that have happened, I became a graduate of Binghamton University and received my Bachelors of Arts in Economics, and not only did I graduate, but I was offered and accepted a position at Seton Hall University starting in January 2014!  2013 had been a very interesting year filled with many ups and downs and 2014 has already started to take a turn for the best! I hope the whole year proves to be amazing!

I have also been preparing to compete in the Miss New York 2014 pageant, happening on January 19, 2014!  I have the confidence to know that no matter what happens, I will be the best version of myself on that stage and throughout the weekend.
















I want to wish everyone a very happy new year and that 2014 brings great things for all of my friends and family, and for everyone who is reading this blog!  May 2014 be the best year yet!

Binghamton University Makes Advances in Offering Allergy Free Foods

Today I wanted to write about something that I found very interesting and amazing all at the same time.  I was walking through the dining room in C4 at Binghamton University, and noticed that a new station was opening up offering allergy friendly foods.  Binghamton University's food service is ran by Sodexo, which services many different campus' as well as other on-site services. These Allergen Free foods are made in a separate area in the C4 dining hall without the use of the top 8 allergens.  These allergens are Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Soy, and Wheat.  I found this very interesting because as you know, I am an food and latex allergy advocate and have been for the past 7 years and to my knowledge there are no other universities that offer this. Binghamton already has a Latex Free Facility, so there is no use of Latex gloves in the food service establishments across campus, but this is something new. Through my online research, I have found that some universities have offered compromises for students suffering from allergies, but nothing like this has been done. Being a Binghamton University student, I expect nothing less than our University to set a precedent for other Universities across the country.

News as recent as January of this year, there has been a legal struggle against Lesley University in Massachusetts for not providing foods for allergy suffers and thanks to the students who were apart of the law suit, the allergy advocates world is celebrating from their strives.

"DOJ's Civil Rights Division announced last month that the Americans With Disabilities Act applies to students at Lesley University in Cambridge, Ma., who claimed that the school's food services and meal plans were inadequate for their needs. It was the first food allergy-related settlement under ADA in higher education, says a DOJ spokeswoman.

In the agreement with DOJ, Lesley is required provide gluten- and allergen-free food options in its dining halls, offer special meal plans for students with allergies, and pay $50,000 in damages to the students who filed the claim in 2009, among other measures." NPR News

The day the station at Binghamton opened up, I decided to stop and speak with Tammy Coroa the manager of C4 and asked her a few questions that were on my mind about cross contamination and the station itself.  With food allergies specifically, there is a very high risk of cross contamination and usually very hard to prevent it in a setting like the resident dining halls.  Ms. Coroa had explained to me that her employees are trained and continue to be trained about the severity of allergies, as well as how to avoid cross contamination.  All of the utensils and cooking supplies for the Allergy friendly section are a light purple color, indicating to staff that they are only to be used in this one section. I had noticed they are using this kit in this facility, as well as other supplies from the same company, San Jamar. I also came across this video explaining their products  

Also they are trying to prevent cross contamination by not allowing students to place their trays down on the counter by the food, as well as giving each student a new plate if they order food from this station.  I think the concept is a great idea, and a step in the right direction to help students with food allergies feel less excluded as well as provide safe meals for them.  Like I said, definitely a step in the right direction.  

This dining service is calling Simple Servings which I think fits perfectly because again, it does not scream "I have an allergy" and I believe that is extremely important. I know I am very proud to be going to a school that is constantly making strives to keep everyone healthy and safe and is constantly setting precedents for other Universities.

There also is nothing mentioned on their website about the new allergy friendly options, so I am not sure if and how they plan to advertise this, but when they do, I think it will become a great success. As an Allergy Advocate, I love seeing this type of progression, especially when its at the school I attend!

If there are any advancements with this I will be sure to share! 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or opinions about this! I would love to hear and share with Sodexo!

American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk 2013

I wanted to encourage everyone in the Southern Tier of New York to sign up for the American Diabetes Walk on November 3, 2013.  

Click Here to Watch Action News 12

I was honored to be on WBNG back in April to talk about the walk and I am happy to be sharing it with you!  As most of you know, I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes 2 years ago and now I am at a healthy weight and not at risk for type 2 diabetes!  This organization is an amazing one and you will definitely be happy you attended this event!

FESTIVITIES: 1 mile route inside the Oakdale Mall, concerned about the distance, that's ok we encourage attendees to walk at a distance that fits their fitness level, continental breakfast, Team Photos, Red Strider Recognition, DJ, Vendors and Raffle Prizes.

If you have any questions about the walk, please feel free to contact me!

I will post again after the walk with pictures!!

xoxo

-Leanne

Jaimie Hope, Author and Advocate

I had the opportunity to speak with Jaimie Hope, a children's book author with a powerful message and a wonderful attitude towards life. Jaimie is the author of The Adventures of Baby Jaimie which is the story of a young girl with a disability and how she copes with that.  Jaimie herself having a physical disability, does not let that define who she is. When we spoke, you could hear her smile through the phone, and her positive attitude was enough to make that sun shine on that rainy day. We spoke about the message she wanted to send to people everywhere, to which she replied that she wanted to teach non disabled children what it is like to be disabled, while teaching disabled children that they are not alone and that someone out there went through the same thing they are going through now.

Not only is Jaimie an author of Children's books, but she also has written and published young adult novels, a Biography and is working on her second biography in her trilogy to be released on Halloween 2013. To purchase any of her books, visit Jamie Hope's Online Store.  Jaimie donates 50% of her proceeds from book sales to Spina Bifida Research.

Jaimie was born with Spina Bifida and unfortunately was faced with bullying in junior and senior high school.  She said she never stood up for herself but wants others in the same situation to know that it is important to be your own advocate, and that you will never be okay unless you stand up for yourself.  On a recent Blog Post, Jaimie writes "Bullying has been a recurring theme since junior high for me. I have remained silent for far to long about it, but that part of my life is done. If you ever wish to bring about real change on this topic that has become a worldwide epidemic take a stand and clearly denounce it, I have." Jaimie stands up for herself in more ways than one.  She raises funds for organizations supporting Spina Bifida research, with her current focus being on the Walk-n-Roll happening in Orlando, Florida.  The WALK-N-ROLL® for Spina Bifida is a family-friendly walk event being held to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and celebrate the accomplishments of the over 166,000 Americans living with it. All proceeds benefit the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida's programs and services for individuals living with Spina Bifida. Please consider donating to Jaimie's online donation page with only 100 days left, Here

Jaimie also hosts her own online talk show called This Is How We Roll, if you want to appear on her show, please click here.

You can now see why I think this women is so incredible, she is so inspiring because despite her physical disabilities she is determined to be an advocate and encourage others to do the same.

Want to follow Jaimie? Take a look at her Blog, Twitter, Facebook Page, or Website.

So Happy!!

Last week was the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo and it went so Amazing!!! I am so proud of all we accomplished raising funds for a wonderful charity Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society! A Special thanks to Thatched Cottage and Jellyfish both located in Centerport, NY for providing the venue for this amazing event! Thank you to all of my friends and family who came out to support this event and the charity!!

Long Island Pageant Ladies!
L-R Marina Montez, Miss LI 2011; Lauren Doherty Miss LI Teen 2013
Jessi Ricco Miss LI 2013; Sabrina Mastrangelo Miss LI Teen 2012/NY Teen 2012

Fabulous Models and Friends

Me and Gino 

Fellow Binghamton Graduate, and Talk show host, Stephanie Ovadila

Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society 

Gail King and Bridget O'brien

L-R Bridget O'brien; Raquel Bromwell; Nora Schweihs

Vic Latino

Gail King and I

June Events and the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo!

This summer is packed with all typed of benefit events and fundraisers and I am so happy to be able to attend them!

Last week, I went to the Long Island Hospitality Ball benefiting the American Red Cross, I was able to meet some amazing people as well as have the time of my life!!  Located at the Crest Hollow Country Club this event just got better and better!

I had such a wonderful time not only with the people I do know, but meeting new people and making new connections, all while raising money for a wonderful charity!

Yesterday, I attended the book release of author Doreen Guma who just wrote "If I knew then what I know now" a book about happiness, and was able to not only listen to the wonderful stories of others who helped with the book, but was able to get to know wonderful people!

Leanne Pinard and Gail King of MaKING a Difference with Gail

Today, I am attending the Village Connection's Speakeasy Soiree at Jellyfish.  Jelly Fish is a beautiful restaurant/bar that is filled with amazing detail and is just an incredible place to be! If you've never been there I suggest going right now!  I can't wait to post pictures from this fantastic event!!!  Take a look at my facebook for more photos from all of the events I attend!  www.facebook.com/LeanneMPinard

**update** I have a BLAST at last nights event at Jellyfish! The music was amazing, the people in attendance were incredible and the event overalls was just fantastic! 

If you are available on June 19, from 7-10pm stop by The Historical Thatched Cottage for the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo that will benefit Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society!! Myself and members from The Dream Network have been working very hard to put this event together and would love to see you there!!  Tickets are being sold on Summerexpo.eventbrite.com for $25 per ticket, and will be offered at the door for $35 per ticket!  If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact me at 631-745-0745! Facebook page for the event!

xoxo

-Leanne

Photo Shoot!

I had recently had a photo shoot with the amazing Time and Moment Photography! They were easy to work with, and so friendly! I was so pleased with the work they did, and the amount of time they spent with me, to get the prefect shot! Their professionalism and team dynamic not only makes them great photographers, but thats what makes them great partners.  They take your personal style and look, and create more than just a photo, they create a story.  I am looking forward to working with them again in the near future.  Their ability to bring positivity and fun into the shoot was so inspiring, not to mention motivating, plus their photography skills cannot be beat!

Just take a look at the photos for yourself! I could not be happier with the way they turned out!

Check out their website for other photos! Time and Moment Photography Website

Celebrate More Birthdays Donation Page!

In my last post, I let you guys know that if you were planning on getting me a gift this year, to please use that money instead to donate to a cause that helps spread awareness on early detection.  I have set up a page through the American Cancer Society to raise money in honor of my birthday!

My goal is $421.00 because my birthday is on 4.21 and I will be turning 21.  Please help me reach my goal by donating.

Leanne's More Birthdays Page!

Thank you all for your continued Love and Support!!!

-Leanne

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Happy April Everyone!

I wanted to share something very personal, in hopes that it will educate at least someone about early detection.  When I was 8 years old my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, this was obviously very devastating news for our family, she had many options for surgery but chose the DIEP Flap performed by Doctor Alex Keller (http://www.breastflap.com/).  Dr. Keller was an amazing surgeon and saved my mothers life.  Now 12 years later my mom and I had to overcome another challenge.  Just last week my mom went into surgery again, this time for a bilateral oophrectomy (ovary removal) to see if she had Ovarian Cancer.  This procedure was shorter than her last one but just as scary. Thankfully her surgeon (Doctor Lisa Dos Santos) was incredible and again took great care of my mom!  I would like to thank the staff at North Shore LIJ for taking such great care of my mom during this stressful time in our lives, I could not be more grateful for your devotion to patient care.

Lucky, the results from the frozen section came back negative, which means my mom is still cancer free, but it was an eye opening moment for me, one that I wanted to share with everyone...Early detection is key.

This is a message that I have always known, but never really put into action, you always think that these things will never happen to you, but as scary as it sounds, it can.  I have worked with many organizations in the past spreading awareness about early detection, and I will continue to work with these organizations because again, early detection is more important than one realizes.

Cancer Schmancer is just one of the organizations that promote early detection for all cancers, consider hosting a Trash Cancer Party to inform your friends and families about the benefits of early detection.  Check out their early detection cheat sheets to help compare your symptoms and learn about warning signs.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, I urge you to do research, tons of it, especially about all of your options, doing your own research can open up a ton of possibilities for the treatment that is right for you.  If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, my mom and I personally recommend the DIEP Flap.  My mom would be willing to speak to anyone about this option, so please contact me if you would like to get in touch with her.  For a list of doctors that perform this surgery please click here.

As some of you know, my 21st birthday is this month (April 21) and I wanted to share with you my plans for this upcoming birthday, I will be advocating for early detection, not only because early detection saved my mothers life, but because it can save another life too.  So for my birthday, I would like each and every one of you reading this, to do the same, advocate for early detection, check yourself, and as the American Cancer Society would say celebrate more birthdays.  I myself will be joining the More Birthdays movement in honor of my upcoming birthday.

I would like to also add, that if anyone was planning on getting me a gift for my birthday this year, please use that money instead to donate to an organizations advocating for early detection, for example Cancer Schmancer or the American Cancer Society.

Thank you all for reading my blog, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or your family, and remember early detection saves lives.

Peace, Love, Health, and Happiness always

Leanne

Long Island Does It Again!

WOW! It has definitely been a long time since I have posted, and I am so sorry about that! The semester has just started and I can already tell it is going to be a very stressful one!

For starters, CONGRATS TO THE NEW MISS NEW YORK TEEN 2013, MISS LONG ISLAND TEEN 2013, NIKKI ORLANDO!!!! Long Island girls really are the best!  This is the second year that the winner of the Miss Long Island Teen pageant has won the Miss New York Teen title!  We are so proud of you Nikki, Good Luck in Miss Teen USA!

Next, I would like to wish Sabrina Mastrangelo, my best friend, and Miss New York Teen 2012 good luck in her future!  She is such an amazing, smart, beautiful, and all around incredible person, if anyone has gotten to know her, they all say the same thing.  Sabrina's efforts to reduce cyber-bullying through her Facebook page, Teens United Long Island, her dedication to others, and her persistance to achieve her goals, are just a few qualities that make her such an inspiring role model, and an inspiration to many, but even more importantly, my inspiration.    

As for me, I will be competing in the Miss New York U.S. International Pageant in April and just focusing on school.  I will update everyone soon with more events I will be involved in, but I just wanted to give a quick update about the amazing Long Island Win!

Peace and Love always!

-Leanne