I confess. I do not watch the annual Miss USA pageant. Millions of people in over 90 countries do watch it, but I am not one of them. Or, I haven't been. I might watch now. Because, in my research of all things cancer-related, I found out that Donald Trump's Miss Universe Organization and Miss USA has been actively involved, since 1998, in support of breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivors. Each year, Miss USA raises money for nationally recognized breast and ovarian cancer organizations to fight the spread of these cancers, and has been a strong supporter fighting for Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act legislation. Legislation that could potentially create eight research centers to study the connection between breast cancer and the environment.

I was impressed to learn, that in one year, Shauntay Hinton, Miss USA 2002, helped raise more than $34 million dollars for breast cancer and ovarian cancer research and prevention. For the first time, on Friday, April 21, 2006, maybe I will watch the Miss USA pageant.

Dakoda Dowd, a 12-year-old golfing phenom, who has won 185 junior trophies, is the nation's top-ranked golfer in the graduating class of 2011. In the golfing world, all eyes are on this young golfer. Dowd, who began golfing at 4, has the concentration and precision of focus every top-notch athlete must perfect in the sport at which they excel. She has risen to the top in the junior golfing world because of this ability and her golfing talent. 

But for now, Dowd has walked away from golf. Kelly Jo Dowd, her mother, is dying from breast cancer that has spread into her organs and bones. Her mother beat breast cancer the first time around, but it came back with a sinister vengeance. Kelly Jo Dowd, 40, one-time Hooters swimsuit model, is the only woman to climb the restaurant chain's corporate ladder from waitress, to manager, and to general manager. Being competitive and winning is something the members in this family knows how to do. Except right now, her mother is not winning the fight against breast cancer.

In addition to leaving the world of golf, Dakoda has left school and is currently being home schooled, to be able to stay close to her mother. Dakoda, nicknamed “Koda” by her family and friends, dreams of one day playing on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour, but for now, she is devoted to being with her mother.