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Kayla Martell – Expanding the Definition of Beauty

By HERWriter
 
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Miss Delaware, Kayla Martell, is redefining the definition of beauty.

Last Saturday in Las Vegas, Martell was one of the top 10 finalists in the Miss America contest. Martell became only the third Miss Delaware to make it into the top 10 during the first cut.

However, Martell is more than a pretty face. She is a woman who chooses to give back to community. As part of her Miss America duties, Martell spends her time volunteering and speaking for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Character Counts Program and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF). Martell is a lifelong 4-H’er.

This Delawarean is a woman who perseveres. For example, Martell was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that caused her to lose her hair at age 10.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), alopecia areata is a common autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. It usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth patches on the scalp and can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).

Alopecia areata affects than 4.7 million people in the United States alone, approximately two percent of the population. This common skin disease is highly unpredictable and cyclical. Hair can grow back in or fall out again at any time, and the disease course is different for each person.

In a recent telephone interview from her residence in Delaware, Martell said her personal mantra is Gandhi’s famous quote, "'We must become the change we want to see.'"

Martell’s dreams could have been easily come to an end because of her hair loss. However, this determined young woman continued her quest to become Miss Delaware. Martell’s parents convinced her anything was possible and Martell entered the Miss Delaware pageant five times. During the Miss Delaware pageants, Martell competed three times without wigs and twice with wigs.

When asked the question, what is the best advice anyone has ever given you. Martell stated, ʺGod won’t ever given you anything you can’t handle and I believe that.ʺ

Martell is an inspiration to women and young girls all over the U.S. She said the greatest thing she can do is give back to others. Martell’s advice to young girls and women is nothing should ever hold you back from your dreams.

For the next school year, Martell will continue her duties as Miss Delaware. In the summer or fall, she will return to Marymount University to complete her degree in speech communications.

Martell proves that beauty more than skin deep.

Sources:
http://www.naaf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110116/LIFE/101160369/Kayla+Martell+one+of+10+finalists+in+Miss+America+pageant
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8261880/Miss-America-finalist-Kayla-Martell-Bald-is-beautiful.html

Add a Comment4 Comments

Susan Beausang

I didn't realize you interviewed her. I too met her at an alopecia conference and was struck by the confluence of confidence and humility in her. Thanks so much for sharing!
Susan

January 20, 2011 - 10:06am

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MC Kelby
Empowered
HERWriter

Beautifully said! Martell was an absolute delight to interview. I've interviewed my share of celebrities and Martell is truly amazing. She is inspirational. She is very proud and humble in the same breath. Martell has a great future ahead of her.

January 20, 2011 - 9:43am

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Susan Beausang

Kayla is a ray of light for those of us with Alopecia. We are so proud of her, so inspired and thankful for her courage. We Alopecians live with constant societal messages that we're not "normal". I am especially happy for all the young girls with Alopecia, who thanks to Kayla, will hopefully encounter greater awareness of and empathy for their experiences as Alopecians. Most importantly, they can look at Kayla and identify bald as just one more image of "beautiful".

January 20, 2011 - 7:39am

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Susan Beausang

Kayla is definitely a ray of light for those of us with Alopecia. We are so proud of her, so inspired and thankful for her courage. Those of us with Alopecia live with constant societal messages that we're not "normal". I am especially happy for all the young girls with Alopecia, who thanks to Kayla, will hopefully encounter greater awareness of and empathy for their experiences as Alopecians. Most importantly, they can look at Kayla and identify bald as just one more image of "beautiful".

January 20, 2011 - 7:37am

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MC Kelby
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.