Abbie’s Ambition

When I was nine years old, I met my best friend Maddie. From the first moment, she lit up my world with her energy and laughter. We were just kids—third graders who became best friends, my partner in every childhood adventure. There wasn’t a day we didn’t spend together, riding scooters, performing our own plays, and baking. Maddie isn’t just my friend; she is my family.

Even though I was young at the time, I knew Maddie was different. She frequently took medication before meals, made regular trips to the nurse’s office, and had a cough that wouldn’t go away. As a child, I recognized that this was all unusual but did not understand the seriousness of her condition. That changed the day I walked into her hospital room.

At just nine years old, I was confronted with the harsh reality of chronic illness. It was there I learned about Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening disease that Maddie would fight every single day. I have personally raised over 200k for the CF Foundation. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with political leaders to help pass legislation at the state level and advocating for both healthcare access and increased support for those with chronic illnesses on Capitol Hill. As Miss America, I have been named a National Ambassador for the CF Foundation. In my year of service, I will amplify my impact by raising awareness, increasing fundraising participation, and ultimately advocating for a cure for CF. Alongside this advocacy, I am focused on my future career as a Pediatric Nurse Anesthetist, a path that aligns with my passion for healthcare and my desire to make a difference in the lives of children. The $89,000 in tuition scholarships I have acquired from the Miss America Opportunity will pave the way to graduating completely debt-free with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University. As a 22-year-old dancer and choreographer, I’ve also had the privilege of sharing my passion for health and wellness through movement. A member of the Auburn University Tiger Paws Dance Team, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of a well-rounded, active lifestyle. These experiences shaped my understanding of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and inspired my commitment to empowering others to take control of their well-being.

My High Five for Kids initiative is a natural extension of the values I’ve long believed in. After spending countless hours in the hospital doing my clinical rotations, I’ve seen how essential early education in health can be. This initiative promotes healthy habits such as balanced eating, regular physical activity, proper sleep, hydration, and mindfulness. When children learn the importance of these habits early on, they are more likely to grow up healthier, more resilient, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Maddie taught me the true meaning of resilience, and as I pursue my career in healthcare and continue my work as Miss America, my mission is clear: to leave a legacy of light and hope, to ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive, and to fight until the CF in cystic fibrosis stands for Cure Found.