A plus-sized winner of a Miss Alabama beauty contest, Sara Millikеn, has responded to online trolls who labeled her an “unhealthy embarrassment.” The 23-year-old was thrilled when she won the top prize in the National American Miss pageant, but her joy was short-lived as she faced a barrage of negative comments about her appearance.
“Even something that you type over a screen can have a lasting impression on people,” Millikеn told WKRG. “Even though I’m not at that point, it can lead people to do some very dark things to themselves.”
Millikеn’s response to the criticism highlights the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of kindness. Despite the negative comments, she remains determined to not let the harsh words hold her back as she prepares for the national final in Florida over Thanksgiving.
Among the cruel remarks, Blaine Tom Mieroughts wrote, “I thought it was a beauty pageant,” while Randy Hicks added, “Is that actually considered attractive in Alabama?” John Mason made a hurtful reference to the fast-food chain, saying, “This should have been (M)iss Jack in the Box winner.”
However, Millikеn also received support from many individuals. Tracie Stephens-Brooks praised her, saying, “To know is to love her. This young lady has a heart of gold and will give anyone in need a helping hand. A beautiful obese diva with style, sass, and a lot of class.” Samantha Thrash Duff expressed her pride, stating, “So proud of her! We watched her all weekend and prayed hard that she would come home with that title! She is an amazing, sweet young woman and is going to do great things!” David Junior added, “Great to finally not see some 100lb, blonde hair blue eyes who wants world peace win! Congrats to Alabama and this Queen!”
Millikеn’s victory was her third attempt at the contest, which aims to foster “positive self-image by enhancing natural beauty within.” She competed over Memorial Day Weekend, participating in interviews, volunteer work, and presentations. The pageant scores contestants based on “personality, confidence, and communication,” according to organizers.
The website for the contest states, “Braces, glasses, skin problems, varying heights, weights, and appearances are all a part of creating the special and unique individual that you are and that we want to celebrate.”
Although sh.ocked by the initial negative response, Millikеn has since received an outpouring of support from around the world, gaining 2,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook overnight.
She remains focused on spreading positivity. “I’ll be honest, it got to me for about five minutes,” she admitted. “Their words can hurt, even if it is online. I’ve always wanted to spread positivity, and this kind of put me in a position to do exactly that.”
Supporters have offered her everything from dresses to beauty products to help her in the next round of the competition. Millikеn emphasized the importance of kindness and noted that not everyone can easily shake off cyberbullying.
“No matter what your body looks likе, no matter where you come from, you can do anything you set your mind to,” Millikеn said following her victory. “I met so many amazing and accomplished women. That was definitely the best part.”
Hundreds of supporters have since flooded her inbox with offers of support, reinforcing the importance of community and positivity in the face of online negativity.
A Journey of Love and Hope: Sadie and Jarvis’s Incredible Adoption Story
Seeking to Get Pregnant
Jarvis and Sadie Sampson had aspirations of becoming parents to each other. They used fertility treatments and ovulation testing in an attempt to conceive naturally. They hoped and prayed for a positive pregnancy test for 14 long months, but every month brought despair.
Getting Medical Assistance
Sadie and Jarvis went to the physicians in a desperate attempt to get answers. Sadly, the only advice given to them was to try losing weight. Sadie lost 28 pounds after undergoing gastric surgery in the hopes of improving their chances of becoming pregnant. However, their desire to have a biological kid remained unfulfilled even after they lost the weight.
A Text That Completely Shifted Everything
Sadie and Jarvis received a text message that would permanently change their life just when they were beginning to lose hope. A friend inquired if they would think about providing temporary care for an infant in need of foster care. The pair hesitated for a moment but then consented. They had no idea that this choice would usher in the most amazing chapter of their life.
Fostering to Adoption
A brief foster arrangement quickly developed into an adoption opportunity. Sadie and Jarvis were deemed the ideal parents for the child by the biological mother. They went from being childless to becoming parents over night.
Baby Ezra, welcome to the world!
At just 4 pounds, 5 ounces, their son Ezra Lee was born prematurely at 33 weeks gestation. Sadie can still clearly remember seeing him for the first time, wrapped up in a white blanket with blue and pink patterns. He was incredibly cute even with his little stature and the difficulties he had as an early baby.
Accepting Love Without Conditions
After posting about their happiness on social media, Sadie and Jarvis were flooded with messages of support. In just three days, friends and strangers bought 55 of the 72 things on their registry. When their adoption of Ezra was officially finalized in October 2020, they commemorated the occasion with a sweet family photo session. They wore matching t-shirts with the slogan “Families Don’t Have to Match.”
Growing Their Adoring Family
Through embryo donation, Sadie and Jarvis were able to expand their family in 2021 when they welcomed twin girls, Journee and Destinee. Their family was complete with these lovely blessings, demonstrating the limitless nature of love.
Spreading the Love Message
Sadie, Jarvis, and their three kids are a remarkable family that defies social conventions and expectations in love. They think that the unshakable links of love, rather than appearances or DNA, define family. Their moving tale is a potent reminder that love knows no bounds and that families don’t actually have to match.
This amazing family has so much love and knowledge to impart to the world. Let’s tell everyone about their inspirational story.
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