Miss-Delectable
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Ex-beauty queen coming to town to aid deaf - 05/03/2008 - MiamiHerald.com
Heather Whitestone. Name ring a bell?
She was the first Miss America (1995) with a disability.
Whitestone, a married mom of three boys, became deaf after contracting the Haemophilus influenzae virus when she was 18 months old. She's swinging into town this weekend to help renowned events planner Barton G. Weiss launch The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation, a nonprofit for hearing-challenged children and their families.
The invitation-only event -- featuring a performance by Dionne Warwick -- will be held at the Palm Court in the Design District Saturday night.
Whitestone and Weiss have a lot in common: Weiss' baby daughter Jadin was born deaf.
Though Whitestone, now 35, has a cochlear implant -- an electronic device implanted behind the ear -- talking on the phone is a little uncomfortable for her, so she graciously answered our questions via e-mail.
What did you think when you won the title?
``I was shocked; I could not believe it. I was a bit scared because I understood that being the first Miss America with a disability was a big responsibility. Then I felt honor and grateful for this opportunity.''
Biggest obstacle as Miss America?
``I had one hearing aid and I read lips. Even though I could hear some sounds, I had to read lips heavily because the receptions were too noisy and sometimes the rooms were so dark that I could barely read them. I was frustrated and exhausted after 15 minutes.''
What are the implants like?
'Oh, my. They're unbelievable. I can hear more than I heard with one hearing aid. I can talk on the phone and I can hear music more. Sometimes I can hear the gossips [sic] behind my back. I can hear my baby cooing and crying in the other room. I hear my boys' burps, which kill me, but I'm glad to hear them so I can discipline them.''
What do you think of Marlee Matlin being on Dancing With the Stars ?
``I e-mailed her a few times to support her. I thought she danced well, especially after taking dance class for such a short time. Unfortunately, the last two shows she made mistakes, which caused her to leave the show. I felt bad for her because I knew how badly she wanted to dance well and represent the deaf community.''
Psyched to come to Miami?
``Yes, I love the crystal blue/green ocean. I live on the Georgia coast where I can't see the fish and shells in the water. I love to stare at the water and watch the fish swimming.''
Heather Whitestone. Name ring a bell?
She was the first Miss America (1995) with a disability.
Whitestone, a married mom of three boys, became deaf after contracting the Haemophilus influenzae virus when she was 18 months old. She's swinging into town this weekend to help renowned events planner Barton G. Weiss launch The Barton G. Kids Hear Now Foundation, a nonprofit for hearing-challenged children and their families.
The invitation-only event -- featuring a performance by Dionne Warwick -- will be held at the Palm Court in the Design District Saturday night.
Whitestone and Weiss have a lot in common: Weiss' baby daughter Jadin was born deaf.
Though Whitestone, now 35, has a cochlear implant -- an electronic device implanted behind the ear -- talking on the phone is a little uncomfortable for her, so she graciously answered our questions via e-mail.
What did you think when you won the title?
``I was shocked; I could not believe it. I was a bit scared because I understood that being the first Miss America with a disability was a big responsibility. Then I felt honor and grateful for this opportunity.''
Biggest obstacle as Miss America?
``I had one hearing aid and I read lips. Even though I could hear some sounds, I had to read lips heavily because the receptions were too noisy and sometimes the rooms were so dark that I could barely read them. I was frustrated and exhausted after 15 minutes.''
What are the implants like?
'Oh, my. They're unbelievable. I can hear more than I heard with one hearing aid. I can talk on the phone and I can hear music more. Sometimes I can hear the gossips [sic] behind my back. I can hear my baby cooing and crying in the other room. I hear my boys' burps, which kill me, but I'm glad to hear them so I can discipline them.''
What do you think of Marlee Matlin being on Dancing With the Stars ?
``I e-mailed her a few times to support her. I thought she danced well, especially after taking dance class for such a short time. Unfortunately, the last two shows she made mistakes, which caused her to leave the show. I felt bad for her because I knew how badly she wanted to dance well and represent the deaf community.''
Psyched to come to Miami?
``Yes, I love the crystal blue/green ocean. I live on the Georgia coast where I can't see the fish and shells in the water. I love to stare at the water and watch the fish swimming.''