From Miracle Child to Miss Rhode Island

Author Jessica Marfeo, who was treated at Hasbro Children's Hospital, was recently crowned Miss Rhode Island 2013. Jessica was inspired to volunteer at this member hospital after a childhood experience with cancer. Catch Jessica and 52 other contestants compete for the title of Miss America Sunday, September 15 on ABC.

As I conduct my morning rounds as a volunteer aide at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, I view each of my patients as “my little angels.” The children in the unit inspire me with their joy, enthusiasm, love and commitment to healing. They are my partners in crime for our painting activities together. When they participate in journal-writing activities, I am impressed by their imagination. The children have also discovered they can beat me anytime in a game of Connect Four.

In working with these kids, it brings me back to my own time spent as a patient at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. At five years old I was diagnosed with a type of cancer called Neuroblastoma. Through surgery and many treatments I was declared to be in remission at 13 years old.

My experience at Hasbro Children’s Hospital has not only impacted my life but also motivated me to pursue a career in health care. I remember the doctors and nurses teaching me how to measure blood pressure and to count a pulse. They made medical care something a child could understand instead of fear. The staff at this CMN Hospital did more than save my life — they helped guide my future.

Now as a proud triple major at the University of Rhode Island with hopes of attending medical school, I cannot convey my gratitude enough to the staff at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. I hope one day I will be able to help children and their families just as they did mine.

As I was being crowned on June 1, 2013, I stood on the stage as a proud daughter, student, volunteer and cancer survivor. I smiled knowing that the journey on which I was about to embark was so much more than gaining a crown. It was the beginning of a journey to promote a cause close to my heart.

One of my most cherished memories as Miss Rhode Island was meeting a CMN Hospitals patient who told me she would be following my journey and living it vicariously through me as I competed for the Miss America title. From that moment I knew that as I start my Miss America journey, it would be an honor to be doing this for every person who is fighting or has fought a battle with cancer.

I am proud of the fact that the Miss America Organization has a strong partnership with CMN Hospitals. The continued fundraising efforts for this charity make miracles happen for kids at children’s hospitals across the country. While competing for Miss Rhode Island I was able to raise $1,090 for CMN Hospitals. I look forward to continuing to support them in my role as Miss Rhode Island 2013 and — if I am lucky enough to be given the opportunity — as the next Miss America.

As I prepare to step across the Miss America Stage, I feel honored to represent Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the friends I have made there. I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve CMN Hospitals and Rhode Island!