Boys and Girls Club of Elgin DUCKAPALOOZA!!!

On Saturday, September 6th our family had the honor of participating in the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin's Duckapalooza 10th annual Duck Pluck. My Brother John Kent and two of his girls came to spend the day with Tony and I and our kids. Jimmy, Ali and Kayla all had the honor of being one of the twenty duck-pluckers to pick out the prize winners for 2008. Something must have clicked, because my brother John Won the Grand Prize, a New Chevy Aveo! wowsers! LOL

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Losing lots to win big

Mrs. Illinois 2008 reigns from Elgin

July 29, 2008

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By Charity Bonner Staff Writer

ELGIN -- To overcome morbid obesity is quite an accomplishment. To overcome obesity and be crowned a beauty pageant winner is almost unheard of.

Elgin resident Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello did just that, winning the Mrs. Illinois contest, and last week placing 13th out of 52 contestants in the Mrs. United States National Pageant in Las Vegas.

» Click to enlarge image

Mrs. Illinois 2008 is Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello of Elgin.
(Submitted)

On the Net

• Click on pageant for an update on which channel and when the pageant will be broadcast.
• Click on Mrs. Illinois United States 2008 for more information about Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello.

Gibson-Aiello is 120 pounds less now than she was in 2001 when she was 23. Since having gastric bypass surgery and losing the weight, she no longer suffers from sleep apnea and has retrained her body to be healthier.

"I used weight-loss surgery as a tool. No more Jenny Craig, no more buying pills at Walgreens," she said.

She went instead to a weight-loss support group where they convinced her to compete in the Miss Illinois contest four years ago. Members of the support group also helped her pick out her outfits for the pageant.

Since her weight loss, she has drastically changed her eating habits by making a conscious effort to eat fresh foods and stay away from sugar.

"I have learned to treat my body like a machine," she said.

Gibson-Aiello has been taking her message to local elementary and middle schools. She will join the Elgin School District U46 Wellness Committee in the fall.

"I go there to smile and show them how to be healthy. I talk to them about beauty and how everyone has their own unique assets and beauty," she said.

Gibson-Aiello also has been working with the YMCA's Activate Elgin program. She is employed as an IT project and instructional designer. In addition to speaking about nutrition and the importance of physical activity, Gibson-Aiello interacts by playing games and doing activities with the children.

In a phone interview conducted while she was in Las Vegas competing, Gibson-Aiello said that being a part of the pageant has opened her eyes to others who are working hard to improve their communities.

"What all these women have in common is that they got sick of hearing about the problems in our community and they all want to do something about it. It gives me hope especially now when everyone is complaining about the economy. At least there are people out there trying to do something still," she said.

Although she would not have expected to win the title of Mrs. Illinois when she was younger, Gibson-Aiello says her family comes from an entertainment background. Her older sister also competed in the Miss and Mrs. Illinois pageants.

Preliminaries and finals for the national pageant were held at the Orleans Showroom Theatre in Las Vegas and will be televised on cable in August.

Gibson-Aiello is sponsored by American Family and Downtown Photo in Crystal Lake, as well as family and friends and people from her church. She would like to find more sponsors for the future. As someone who has competed at the Miss and Mrs. level, she says they are very different.

"At the Mrs. level, you have to be your own manager," she said. "You have to manage your own time, you have a family and job and kids or other volunteer jobs. That makes it more rewarding. It is definitely an accomplishment."

And the Winner is...

Not me... but it was a GREAT experience overall! The final standings on Thursday Night were as follows:


4th Runner Up - Mrs. Virginia, Lisa Lutz
3rd Runner Up - Mrs. Minnesota, Melissa Hall Young
2nd Runner Up - Mrs. Mississippi, Melisa Zwilling
1st Runner Up - Mrs. North Carolina, Nicole Hinson (my roommate)
Winner - Mrs. South Carolina, Gariane Phillips Gunter, M.D. (Awesome Lady!!!)


I've had an opportunity to speak to the pageant judges and organizers afterwards, and they have been nothing but kind, complimentary and gracious to me and my husband Tony. Apparently I scored VERY well and was impressive to many... I know now I needed to spend a bit more on my wardrobe and get the fitness aspect covered to get into the top 10 at least, but I was VERY close at 13th place. Oiy! ;)

Pageant Week update - Judging Part 1

Today started off with an EARLY morning Photo Shoot at the pool in our swimsuits. The photographer did a WONDERFUL job on my pics, I can't wait to share them with everyone at home. One hard part about rehearsing all day and then going to Photo Ops and appearances, I'm not always able to get my personal camera into someone's hands to catch the moment. Thankfully we have WONDERFUL photographers following us around EVERYWHERE so I'll be able to look back and 'remember' those moments better. ;-)

Monday Night we had a night on the town in Vegas and all 52 of us ladies stopping into the Planet Hollywood Casino to do some photos and also stroll the Promenade Shopping Mall and meet all of our 'adoring' state tourists. it was great fun as lots and lots of folks made a game of finding their respective states throughout the HUGE complex. ;-)

Tonight was the all important Judges Interview – I had 4 minutes in front of 5 judges and it went VERY well. They were well informed and prepared to talk to each delegate individually and ask specific questions about them, their platform and their bios. I then went to the penthouse level to answer the all important question of “What does the Title of Mrs. United States mean to you” on camera, took some more photos in front of a screen in my interview dress and sash, then finally at 7:30 got to return to the room, change and go get in some minimal cardio before my upper body free weights workout… (arms and Shoulders baby!) It’s getting LATE as it’s 2 hours ahead in Chicago and 3 in Cincinnati, so I just wanted to post this link to my Pageant Week album into the Blog post so you can see the photos and captions as I add them.



Thanks for all the kind thoughts and well wishes! I’ll post more picture tomorrow night after Preliminaries and FINALLY getting to see my Husband, my family and our friends who have come to town. ;-)

God Bless!

- Laurie Faith

A short note before I leave to the Family and Readers...

Vegas is coming baby! I apoligizing to not updating the Blog more often... The last 6 weeks I've been traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio for my weekdays on a long-hours IT Implementation project, and home only on the weekends for 48 hours or so. Lots and lots of driving through Indiana for me! ;-)

On the news front, My mom, Laurel Nadine Gibson suffered a heart attack on Friday and won’t be able to attend the pageant in Vegas. It’s pretty scary of an event for a young 63-year old woman, but such a warning that she needs to cut out the Chinese Buffet down in Atlanta. Mom is doing well, they are medicating her and scanning her and doing the by-pass thing. Luckily she walked into a Health Food Store while having the heart attack, so the clerks actually knew what to do and who to call, so she got to the ER and later OR in plenty of time to help cease the attack and fix the damages. We’re all PRAYING for you Mom!!!! And I promise to drive out to Hot-lanta as soon as the pageant is over and we all get back home. I am so thankful that my Dad has the aide and support of my sister Mary Anne and her family to aide in mom’s recovery and also help take care of my 92-year old grandma too. I wish you could join us all in Vegas, but I’ll get yah a DVD.. I promise, and I’ll come in visit in PERSON to spend more time… perhaps in my pageant heels too. LOL

Right now, In the middle of the night/morning... I feel not as prepared as I can be in the packing field for the Pageant Travels on Sunday – but I’m getting there… just not enough time in the day to work, travel, be a wife and mom when home and also do my community commitments, etc. I’ve had trouble getting the local media sources to cover the Pageant news (hint!). I’m trying for one more blast tomorrow as I leave for the airport and Vegas. This Mrs. Illinois is on a budget, and unfortunately traveling for work just didn’t allow me to get out there and find more sponsors, and I was a little too charitable with my initial funds trying to educate the kids in U-46 and at the YMCA about Living Healthy and Stronger… ‘doh! Ah, well – it’s late, but I think I have EVERYTHING I need, and I didn’t have to spend and arm-and-a-leg out of our family budget to do so either. I’ll just have to wear it and sell it confidently, right?

My husband Tony has been WONDERFUL taking care of things at home with the kids, and also mentoring our 17-year old nephew Nick and my 23-year old brother Jake. It's a FULL house in the Aiello homestead. Today we celebrate our 1-year wedding anniversary. No longer newlywed status, but onward for more adventures! :) In the last 2 years or so we’ve survived purchasing our first home, transferring the kids into new schools and taking on residency, getting married with LOTS of family and friends and kids to plan for, switching up jobs right before Christmas, dealing with sick pets, winning a title of Mrs. Illinois (surprise!) discovering the joys of re-landscaping and removing interior walls, getting more involved with district U-46 and Chicago Public Schools to be an advocate for their kids fit programs, Jimmy successfully losing weight to get removed from the Morbidly Obese status before age 10, and both kids continue to grow taller and stronger and smarter… it’s just amazing! In all this time, Tony has continued to keep up his physical and mental prowess, all while taking care of the family and our friends/relatives too. He’s SUCH an amazing person, why isn’t there a Mr. Illinois…? Oh wait, he IS Mr. Illinois. LOL I just want to say to the world how much I continue to grow and Love Tony more and more and more, and am in awe at his ability and capacity to continue to creatively and proactively lead us as a family. I can’t WAIT to get him out in Vegas with me… and it will be hard to be away yet another 4 days, this time not at work, but my OTHER work… but this next week and weekend will turn into one wonderful anniversary trip to Vegas. I mean who else get to go out for their anniversary in a beautiful gown and he in a tux… I’m talking on Finals night of course…. With any luck, I’ll be wearing a bigger crown too… LOL

LOVE YOU BABY! Thanks for the Ride to the airport and EVERYTHING up until this point to get me here, and I’ll see yah in VEGAS!!!!

Independence Joys

The Kids and Tony and I got up early to prepare for the Elgin "Rockin' Abe" 4th of July parade. The parade was over 2.5 hours long and WONDERFUL!!! Richard Bennett and his wonderful 1957 Ice Blue Cadillac Convertible were my escort, as #31 in the parade. Right after Dick Durbin, the Illinois Senator and before Ronald McDonald! LOL
We had 5 queens overall in the parade and lots and lots of fantastic organizations, persons and schools within our community. After our 2 mile ride on the parade course, Richard was kind enough to drop me back at the house and I was able to enjoy the parade with the family, my Cousin Sue and her kids plus our good friends Trish and Paul. After the parade Ali and I went to the judges ground and city hall to hang out free Freeze-Pops to the crowds and give away the Parade Float awards.

The Blues Brother band played and we shortly left for home to join our family and friends for a cook-out and fireworks at our house. It was nice to take off the heels, crown and gown and just relax and play with the kids and adults alike for a few hours. The end of the evening was a hosting of our Fireworks display... a little more popular this year as the Elgin fireworks misfired and lasted only 10 minutes... we go the added company of neighbors and their children to enjoy the free "Mortar and Roman Candle" display by Tony, Nephew Nick and helper Paul. ;)

We had a great night sleep, and spent Saturday with Family at the Arlington Heights Frontier Days and enjoyed a kick-awesome concert with Dennis DeYoung of Styx in the evening. Nice guy, and FANTASTIC voice, even at age 61. ;)

I'm an Auntie again, for the 26th time!!!

Monday June 22, we got to welcome Baby Kenny Anderson into the bright blue world.

Tony and I took care of big sister Zoe (20 mo) while his Sister Maria and her husband Kenny Sr. went to our fantastic Sherman Hospital Birthing Center down the street. Jimmy and Ali had a blast taking care of Zoe for the duration of Maria's hospital stay, and we had great fun meeting Kenny Jr.

CONGRATS your Awesome Anderson-Aiello crew!!! ;)

Memorial Day - FoxTrot walk for Youth Scholarship Fund

Fox Valley Fox Trot for the Youth Scholorship Fund 2008

Well, Tony the Kids and I woke up bright and early Monday Morning to walk as a family for the 31st Annual FoxTrot in downtown Elgin.

Next year we hope to run the 5k with the kids, but it was a great start to get out these with 350+ walkers at 8:10 am, and watch the official race start for the 10 mile and 5k at 8:00 am with hundreds of runners from all over Chicagoland.

Laurie Faith and Tony on the Walk.. havin a good time...

Jimmy and Ali progressing at a good pace on mile 1.5

Football Coin-Toss and supporting Armed Forces Day

I was honored to be asked to perform the Official Coin-Toss for the May 17th Chicago Slaughter Arena Football Game. Our kids had won tickets as part of school honor roll rewards, and we wanted to go on Armed Forces Day to support the "Operation Care Package" charity and also have fun with the Navy, Marines and Army officers at the game. When the Time came, on the field I gave the coin to Marine Major Barrett - who had just finished a tour in Iraq. In my mind, he outranked this Queen... ;-)

The staff at the Chicago Slaughter were so very kind and professional gameday, it was a great privlidge to be there to 'represent' the Mrs. United States pageant system, support our troops and meet hundreds of Fans, Kids and Parents at the beautiful Sears Centre Arena. If you are looking for good Family sporting in the Chicagoland area, I highly suggest the professional events at the Centre. ;-)

Ali was very excited to get an autograph from Slaughter-Girl GINGER after the game.

Jimmy got to meet his favorite player in the Game Defensive Lineman Phil Alexander, #47.


Special Thanks to my Husband Tony for being such a fantastic Camera-man, Cheering Father, and Ultimate escort for this Mrs. Illinois. ;-)

May Flowers - Summer is creeping in...

On Monday, I received an invitation from a downstate City to appear in their Independence Day parade -it was a surprising and flattering offer (thanks for thinking of me!) - but I had to decline, I live in a community that has one of the most 'rocking' 4th of July parades in chicagoland, Elgin! ;-)

I spoke with our Parade Organizers and they have excitedly arranged to have Mrs. Illinois United States help Marshall the almost 2-hour parade route. I was also invited to assist in awarding the Parade Contest prizes at the Rib Festival with Concert immediately afterwards. I'm excited, little Ali and I had a lot of fun in the parade with the YMCA last year, and looking forward to getting some 'backstage access' this year for the family too. ;-)

The 'nice' season has kicked off in Chicagoland as well - this past Sunday our Family enjoyed the Cinco de Mayo Festival, and I got to meet Jalitza Conlon - Miss Hispanadad as well (totally deserving of a 10k scholarship!). Jimmy being 10 was a little braver this year to try the 'scary' rides - and Ali was pretty brave herself to try the harder 'spinning' rides at the festival grounds.

Tony and the kids were a great support earlier in the day attending my first 'Guitar Concert'. About 37 adults from our Westridge Center for the Performing Arts started a Guitar 101 course about 5 weeks ago, and I'm so proud with how far we've all come and progressed - goes to show it's never to late to learn a new skill or update those musical chops. My fellow Pageant Ladies, I highly recommend a music class when you have some time - and I'm looking forward to Guitar 120 to start in June. ;-)

Initial Mrs. Illinois Photoshoot is a success!

After some much contemplation on what to wear, when to take it and crown or not... I FINALLY made it into the studio and got my "Official" delegate photos completed. SUPER THANKS to Jim Peirce of Downtown Photo in Crystal Lake, Illinois for putting me at 'ease' and making the lighting and poses perfect. ;-)

My BIO and Headshot / Bodyshot is off to the www.MrsUnitedStates.com website - so I hope to see lots of delegates up there soon! I also started a Yahoo!Group for our 2008 delegates to get to know each other better - EMAIL ME and I'll give you the address to check it out! ;-)

My husband Tony was a great support on photo day as well, he always knows how to help me get the most flattering 'look' going before we head on out the door - and he looks pretty good in his grubby handyman outfit for the day as well. Love you Baby!!!! ;-)

Healthy Kids Education with U-46

In April I started a "Do this Generation Right" series with the kids of U-46. Until the end of the school year, I'll be a guest teacher for select classrooms lacking in completion of important health topics. I hope in the summer to be a Member of the Wellness Committee for the overall "Activate Elgin" drive for our community.

We're halfway through the Nutrition series with the 4th graders at McKinley Elementary - They kids have really gotten into learning about Carbohydrates, their effect on the body and how to use nutrition in tandem with activities and exercise to fuel your body and grown stronger, healthier and happier. Fruits and Vegetables was a huge success, with many of the kids trying new and exciting variations for the first time. I had some 'brave' souls in session that day. May will bring the Dairy and Protein groups, I hope they enjoy Ice Cream and some crazy international flavors for those food groupings... ;-)

I've also had some great assistance for Sherman Hospital to provide our kids with 'freebies' for hygiene and Hand Washing Health... we've covered stopping Bacteria and Viruses in preparation for cold and flu seasons, plus reinforcing proper hand washing and tooth brushing techniques. The coloring books, activities sheets and samples the kids brought home to their parents where a big hit, and so very helpful to be able to provide materials in multiple languages for our diverse households in the 2nd largest school district in Illinois. ;-)

YMCA Healthy Kids Day / Activate Elgin Campaign

This morning the articles appeared in the Kane County Chronicle and Daily Herald promoting the new NEOS system and the YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Our son Jimmy's picture was in the paper, playing against city councilman Mike Powers, and even this Mrs. Illinois was quoted a line or two. I really enjoyed being able to 'test' the system with adults and kids yesterday, and I hope the City of Elgin considers installing one at our beautiful Festival Park. The press coverage really helped turn out and awareness for the event as we greeted 200+ families in 3 hours today.

There were many vendors and experts from around the community talking with families and kids on how to get active, eat right and stay fit for the future of this generation. My cousin Kathy Hofman was also on hand demonstration the fun of Cardio Dance and Kids Dance programs offered at the YMCA. I snagged a picture with her near Event Registration, where I was greeting kids and signing in families to get Free T-Shirts, Vouchers, sports goodies and information inside the Heritage Ballroom.

I also had the honor to pose for the LIVE UNITED campaign for the United Way organization. "Live United! United Way is creating lasting change in our communities. Put your skills to work and gain valuable experience, knowing that your work matters to communities throughout the Greater Elgin Area."

After speaking with community leaders on Saturday, I am set to connect with U-46 (second largest school district in Illinois) in an effort to become a parent leader for their Wellness Committee. Currently they are participating in the ACTIVATE ELGIN program with a very successful pilot program for kids nutrition and fitness at Highland Elementary. I hope to bring the wellness program with proper funding to all 53 schools in our district for 2008-09, and increase Health Education at the Elementary grades and brings awareness into our home of the 'obesity and health' epidemic for Elgin's youth. ;-)

April Showers...

Hard to Believe that April is here already! March went by with a whirlwind, I celebrated my 30th birthday on Good Friday with my Brother Jake who celebrated his 23rd. We went out for Korean BBQ with Tony and the Kids - yummy, Bulgogi always has a special place in my heart. ;-) We then had a fantastic Easter with the kids holding an Egg Hunt with their cousin Zoe, and I had the honor to sing at West Ridge Church to celebrate the holy day as well.

Tony also threw a surprise Birthday Bash on March 29th with our close friends, what a shocker to walk into the house and find all those people hiding in the dark... They all did a wonderful job sneaking in while Tony and I were at Akina's with his Brother Dan and wife MK... decorating and cooking fantastic party dishes and goodies to pass around... (Amazed!) It was just good to be able to spend time with all of our friends in our home.... I truly know I am blessed to have such awesome, caring and supporting people in my life.

In the Pageant Realm of things... I've gotten a few Pageant dresses from eBay for a steal and will be taking official photos this Sunday for the Mrs. United States website and further Sponsorship letters, press release, etc. I also have the great honor of working with the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department and YMCA Healthy Kids Day. I'll be helping to promote the new NEOS Electronic Playground gaming system, and also help the YMCA organizers highlight the multitude of healthy activities kids can get involved in our area.

Mrs. March... My Barix Story

I am once again proud to be a part of the Barix Clinics family. My Success story of weight loss and personal growth are featured on their http://www.barixclinicsstore.com/ website. A connection portal for all past and future Barix patients and success stories in their own right.

The decision for Bariatric surgery in 2001 was not an easy one to come by, I shrugged off suggestions of my family physician and other persons many times, continually dumping time and money into diets, supplements, memeberships and prescriptions. I never lost the weight, only kept gaining... loosing myself in the process... Sure I looked secure and smart and professtional on the outside, I didn't let my obesity prevent me from performing on stage or getting infront of an audience of business executives. Deep down inside it hurt... the weight was holding me back, saddening my heart and finally in November of 2001 I had just had enough... something needed to change, and I finally was brave enough to look at a permanent solution - Roux'n'Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. I researched all of my options carefully, networked with hundreds on the internet and met with all available doctors and programs in the Chicagoland area... Barix Clinics was my final choice, they had the doctors, facilities and pre-post care program I needed to be a true success - Physically, Mentally and Emotionally.





I had surgery on Feb 22, 2002 - recovery wasn't easy - but within 2 weeks I had already re-learned how to eat better for my body, in 6 weeks I already lost 35 pounds, 6 months I was at 40 inches lost and 75 pounds total... at my one year aniversary I had lost 117 pounds and went from a size 22/24 to a size 6. I had more energy, creativity, motivation and the strength that I always knew was deep down inside... only food and weight were no longer controling my every thought and action. I was free to be Laurie Faith... all at the age of 23! I had my whole life ahead of me, and from then on I looked for avenues where I could give back to my community, support my Bariatric brothers and sisters as they went through the program and surgery, and excell in my own personal education and career paths. I became "Free to be Me in 2003". ;-)

Here's my Stats for my Successful WLS Journey with Barix Clinics...

04/04/2003 / 02/27/2002
Weight 147 lbs / 252 lbs

Height 5'8" BMI 22.3 / 38.5

Body Fat Percentage 16% / 46%

Daily Calories 1400 - 1500 / 3500+

Protein 100g+ / <50g

Carbs <70g>

Fat <30g>

Water 2 Liters / 1 cup

Clothing 8/10 Misses / 22W or 2X

Shoes 9 R / 10.5 W

Ring 6 / 9

Guess what Finally Came...?

My Mrs Illinois United States 2008 Pageant Banner/Sash!

I know, I know - this is the typical 'holding the camera shot' - but what a nice surprise on the front porch when we came home! ;-)

Special Thanks to Karen Guilbeau at LA Magical Memories for making such spectacular Rhinestone sashes for all 2008 Mrs. United States Delegates! It's Super!

Sunday I started my new Diet and Workout Regimen.... I learned a lot in 2004 getting in shape physically and mentally for the Miss Illinois USA pageant... Who would of thought that only 6 years ago I was 117 pounds heavier? It was a lot of work, but a great goal to get my skin and muscles and posture in premium shape only a few years ago. It's funny how the pounds creep back on - I'm not 'bikini ready' today - but I have no fear to put on my one-piece and jump on down that Tube slide with the kids at the Water Park... ;-) I'm looking forward to challenging my body in the next few months, especially since I'll be turning the big 3-0 in just a few weeks. Oh boy!

The kids and Hubby are working on a fitness program as well, getting ready for warmer weather and more activities outdoors too. As they say, there are only two seasons in Chicago - Winter and Construction. Hopefully we can avoid both and enjoy walking Downtown Elgin as a family and ride our bikes along the awesome Fox River Trails. ; - )

Q & A with Laurie Faith

Q. Women are called on to play so many roles in their lives: wives, lovers, daughters, sisters, friends, caretakers, hostesses, and much more. What problems do women run into when they try to be all things to all people? And how can women break from that trap?

A: One of the things I stress in my personal mottoes is that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be available to take care of other people. When you’re faced with a long list of responsibilities, prioritizing becomes critical. It’s very important that each woman understand that as a leading lady she cannot become so supportive of the other members of her cast that she forgets her own lines, her own well-being, her own preparation for the play. I'd like to help guide women in the proper ways of nourishing their bodies, minds and spirits... so they recognize the importance of preparing themselves so that the people around them can benefit from their creativity, rather than allowing themselves to become drained by the roles they play. Everything stops on stage if the leading lady is not there, so it’s very important she understand her significance as it relates to the other people with whom she associates.

Q. How did you become involved in the Children's Health Care initiative with Congress?

A. I joined a few online communities for Democrats and republicans in the state of Illinois. IN 2007 I was contacted by the local Kane County Democrats to help reach rep Dennis Hastert and organize Family Awareness demonstrations in the Elgin area to bring awareness to the Children's Healthcare bill. In October, we staged a successful event at the Gail Borden Library and across the Fox River bridge in Elgin, Parents and Children standing together - in a unified movement of awareness. The coverage by the Daily Herald spirited a movement of calls and emials to many State Congressional offices, to make sure the peoples voices were heard, and NOW was the time to pass the bill thru the House and Senate to cover all Children in the United States that need coverage the most.

Get to Know Laurie Faith

MY MARRIAGE:

As of 07-20-2007 I'm a newly married MRS. to Mr. Tony Aiello …and… a new mom to his wonderful children, James (10) and Alexandria (8). We've recently settled down in Elgin, IL for good and have taken ownership of an 1892 Victorian Home in the Spring-Douglas Historic District. (We are now HUGE fans of This Old House and DIY network)

I met my husband Tony through a common love of supporting the Theatre Arts in Northern Illinois. We became fast friends; he is a talented artistic director and actor at heart, and I… a producer, singer and musical theatre actress. Together in 2004, we formed the Actors for Creative Theatrics Company, to produce live Theatre aimed at Children to impart messages of creativity, morals, education, love and life. A.C.T. also produces Adult comedies and dramas to encourage our community to THINK about the issues at hand for our generation. As our own children get older, it's our hope to incorporate them into the arts so they learn to truly appreciate their God given talents.

Currently our family spends time at the Elgin YMCA dance and swim programs for the kids, PTO meetings, Westride Community Church and volunteering with the local Community Theatre Scene. I also enjoy teaching both kids the basics of Piano, music theory, art and drama.

MY PAGEANT BEGININGS:

I grew up with the stories of how my sister Elizabeth Joy succeeded in the Miss Illinois USA Pageant 1986 and watched our wonderful neighbor Debra Wolff win Mrs. West Virginia and Mrs. America 1984... and myself, like many little girls, dreamt of the honor and responsibility of wearing that crown and sash.

One problem, at Age 22 – I was a successful IT consultant, Leader in my Community and Church – but held-down with the heavy burden of Morbid Obesity. I went through my days putting on a show of how smart and strong, funny and successful I was for a young woman – only to come home and neglect myself and my environment. Those burdens let the weight creep on until I was 252 pounds and a size 24. After many unsuccessful diets and drug trials my doctor recommended, with my current poor medical health and family history, that I look into Weight Loss Surgery. I did the research, made the correct choice for me and in February of 2002 I underwent Gastric Bypass with Barix Clinics in Illinois. All I could say was FREEDOM!!! Food was no longer ruling my daily activities, I was more energized, and the pounds seemed to fall back off… finally my body was working the way it was supposed to – with me instead of against me.

I lost 117 pounds in 1 year; I became a speaker for the Weight Loss Support groups and later a model in their national ads. In April 2004, it was at the suggestions of my family and my local support group members that I enter the Miss Illinois USA pageant at age 26, and show that the former ‘fat’ girl got it together. ;-) In November 2004, I placed 13th out of 109 women, and met some lifelong friends in my pageant journey.

Looking back now, I see that the Pageant Systems on the 1980's and 1990's were TV's first real reality series.... Live at the local and state level and then the ultimate stage and spotlight in the national and world-wide audience level.

In 1996, I was proud to sponsor my sister Elizabeth Joy as Mrs. Libertyville in the Mrs. Illinois International Pageant. She was a radiant example to represent positive change for her community in her title reign. She placed as 1st runner up that year but the people she met and worked with during her competition were the real prize.

I hope my Mrs. Illinois United States title will enable me to bring awareness in the community to Childhood Obesity issues and Healthcare assurance. I want my children to have the opportunity to learn the correct nutritional, physical and emotional tools to live a happy and healthy life.

MY FAMILY:

I come from a family of 8 children, 24 nieces and nephews plus lots of extended family... by blood, marriage, friendship and faith. They have always been a great support and source of inspiration as I've grown and evolved into my adult life

My parents, Fred and Laurel Gibson have retired to Woodstock, GA – where my mother owns a successful Music School and leads the Praise Teams for many area churches, as well as serves as an Organist and Lay Minister… (Didn’t I say she was retired?)

My father's strength and personality have always inspired me to get involved in locals causes. Currently he supports the Marine Core Guild and raises awareness for the plight of our troops and their families while abroad. At age 73, he continues to serve as a consultant for the international bedding business and act as a mentor for many.

Recently my 92 year old Grama Ruth relocated from beautiful Durango Colorado to stay with my parents; she has been such an inspirational figure and support while growing up for my mother, my siblings and now my children too.


MY CAUSES:

In October 2006 I served as an activist within our 14th US Congressional District to grant health care for all children in America as a basic right. We received much publicity for our cause even though our president continued to veto the bill. I made many organizer friends, listened to families that have been put through the health-care bureaucracy and volunteered to help find them direction and relief though local state organizations. Eventually, in 2008 president Bush passed a version of the Children’s Health Care Bill into law. Although not perfect, it was a great triumph to finally offer a reasonable coverage options to families that cannot afford to pay private issuers.

I also raise monies and direct internet campaign efforts for UNICEF causes in the USA and bring awareness to the plight of so many children in the world. I was introduced thru the Trick-or-Treat for UniCEF campaign as a child, and hope to further education and inspire the youth of Illinois and our local school districts/churches to aid in carrying on the tradition of this important cause. I am currently renewing my UniCEF volunteer training certification on-line for 2008.

In the last several years, I’ve gotten involved in several youth awareness programs for health and nutrition. It started with my Bariatric Support Group as a Weight loss spokesperson and speaker, and continued on when I became a step-mother to Jimmy, who was suffering with his own Morbid Obesity at age 8.

Connecting with the ACES program and the National Obesity Awareness Foundation, I was able to mentor my step-son and support other parents in our situation to get control over our kid’s health NOW before it’s too late. I’m proud to say he’s gone from 140 pounds and a 40” waist to growing 3 inches taller, weighing 127 pounds and only a 34” waist.

Learning to balance activity, smart food choices and bypassing emotional barriers is increasingly harder for this generation. With more parents and schools working with the many Obesity Awareness foundations out there, I’m sure we can turn around this dangerous trend before it’s too late. Our kids deserve to have the best they can make of themselves, and a secure future is important too.

I was raised a Republican at heart, but since becoming a Mother, Homeowner and real grown-up American… I belong to the MoveOn.org and DevidedWeFail.org campaigns to ensure a brighter future for my children and my family. As a result, I found a greater platform to bring to light the plight of Childhood Obesity, and ensuring a greater future for this generation... I hope the lessons we instill on this generation now about Nutrition, Exercise, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual health and responsibilities will equip them to be the brightest American generation yet!