Media Monday: Healthy Surgery

Submitted by TEPF Volunteer

At the age of 24 years old, Miss America contestant Allyn Rose has decided to have a double mastectomy after the pageant. She has a mutation in her genes that leave her more susceptible to developing breast cancer. When she was 16, she lost her mother to breast cancer.

Allyn Rose is a great role model for positive body image by showing that health is more important than image. In an interview with Good Morning America she says, “A lot of people are confused when I say I’m choosing life over beauty, but it’s beauty as a stereotype, the Hollywood idea of beauty, the physical attributes. I’m not going to let my desire to achieve those goals distract me from my own health.”

While most “beauty queens” are quick to enhance their body, it is reassuring to see another point of view. Being so young and in the prime of her life, it is very impressive that Allyn has the knowledge and sense to prevent this life threatening disease.

She is a great advocate for women because she proves that a woman's identity and beauty is not defined by her physical attributes.  There is no doubt that she is a beautiful person on the inside and out.

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