For Stephanie Solem, entering the is an opportunity to inspire others who struggle with anxiety and push past her own challenges in life.

This Canada Day weekend, the Surrey resident will take a second shot at winning the pageant.

香蕉视频直播淚 entered Miss BC when I was younger and unfortunately I had to drop out because my mom was diagnosed with cancer,香蕉视频直播� said Solem. 香蕉视频直播淪o this is kind of like a second chance for me, and when I got accepted I was over the moon.香蕉视频直播�

It香蕉视频直播檚 particularly meaningful since the charity pageant involves raising funds for Cops for Cancer, and supporting children who have the disease.

香蕉视频直播淚 know how much it can change your life,香蕉视频直播� she said of the disease that took her mother香蕉视频直播檚 life. 香蕉视频直播淗onestly I香蕉视频直播檝e always had a drive to make a difference. To live a meaningful life. Losing my mom at such a young age I learned how short life can be. I want to make a difference while I香蕉视频直播檓 here.香蕉视频直播�

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The pageant is also an opportunity for Solem to face her anxiety, which she says is the result of childhood sexual abuse.

香蕉视频直播淚 have suffered from anxiety most of my life and it does stem from the abuse I suffered when I was a child,香蕉视频直播� said Solem. 香蕉视频直播淏ut I香蕉视频直播檓 a survivor.香蕉视频直播�

Talking about it helps, she added.

香蕉视频直播淭he reason I shared that about myself in my biography was to raise awareness and inspire other women who have been abused,香蕉视频直播� said Solem. 香蕉视频直播淚t doesn香蕉视频直播檛 encompass who you are, and there香蕉视频直播檚 no need to bottle it up.香蕉视频直播�

But she acknowledged the anxiety she battles with makes it hard to put herself out there.

香蕉视频直播淏eing a part of this pageant I really had to push myself,香蕉视频直播� she said, 香蕉视频直播渁nd become comfortable in situations I normally wouldn香蕉视频直播檛 be.香蕉视频直播�

In addition to inspiring others who have anxiety and are overcoming abuse, she hopes to inspire her two children, ages two and five.

香蕉视频直播淚 just want them to see it香蕉视频直播檚 important to have a voice and be active in shaping the future,香蕉视频直播� Solem said, 香蕉视频直播渁nd what you can do if you put your mind to it.香蕉视频直播�

Solem, now a wife and stay-at-home mom, was a trained nurse for five years before having children.

She herself grew up with foster parents, and 10 siblings, in Tsawwassen.

香蕉视频直播淚t was absolutely a wonderful experience,香蕉视频直播� she recalled. 香蕉视频直播淚 learned so much from my parents and the children in my life. To love unconditionally. I really learned compassion.香蕉视频直播�

Solem said she香蕉视频直播檚 grateful for her main sponsor, Lucy Clothing in Langley, which is providing her pageant attire.

香蕉视频直播淭hey have clothing for the curvy plus-size woman, which I am and proud to be,香蕉视频直播� she said.

The Miss, Miss Teen, Jr. Miss and Mrs. BC Pageant will run from June 30 to July 2 in Fort Langley, with the pageant finale set for 6:30 p.m. at the Chief Sepass Theatre (9096 Trattle St., Langley) on July 2.

Visit for more information and to see a complete list of contestants across the province.

amy.reid@surreynowleader.com
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