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Your Mrs. Universe is a wife, mother, health professional, and
sometimes road warrior. |
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Debbie has been happily married for 34 years and is the proud
mother of two wonderful children (Sean and Shelby), along with
three Australian shepherds. She chuckles whenever someone
inquires about how she and Malcom (her husband) first met.
Initially, she had invited a lifelong male friend to a
housewarming party with the intention of introducing her twin
sister to a mutual acquaintance. What was meant to be a blind
date unexpectedly became the moment she first encountered the
love of her life. Now, after 34 years, she still experiences
butterflies in her stomach when she thinks of him. In addition to
her two children and three dogs, she has also fostered a
teenager. |
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Her children have grown into two wonderful adults. She impressed
upon them the value of education and integrity at the outset and
they have not disappointer her. They form their own decisions
based on facts and not the latest fad. They are happy and
fullfilled. A mom can't ask for more |
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Since 2009, she has been actively involved with Place of Hope
Foster Care and since 2013, has supported St. Jude Children's
Research Hospital. Her dedication lies in helping children and
providing them with opportunities for a better life. “It’s all
about the kids and what we can do for them to give them a chance
at life,” she emphasizes. Place of Hope is a faith-based
organization that offers family-style transitional housing and
outreach services. They assist children whose families can no
longer care for them, providing housing for pregnant women,
mothers with children, and those who have been removed from their
families, as well as apartments for youth who have aged out of
the foster care system. They supply food, clothing, job placement
assistance, mentoring and, most importantly, ensure that these
children have access to education, whether in school or college.
Debbie believes that mentoring is not about shaping someone in
your own image but rather about empowering them to discover their
own identity. |
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St. Jude is at the forefront of transforming the understanding,
treatment, and eradication of childhood cancer and other life-
threatening illnesses. They focus on some of the most challenging
pediatric cases while investing in advanced resources and
technologies for groundbreaking scientific research. A remarkable
aspect of St. Jude is that once a family arrives, they will never
receive a bill for treatment, housing, or food, allowing them to
concentrate solely on their child's recovery. Unlike many other
hospitals, the majority of St. Jude's funding comes from generous
donors, which is why Debbie participates in fundraising efforts
several times a year. St. Jude holds a special significance for
me, as my son and I spent ten months there undergoing treatment
for his cancer, stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I am proud to share
that he has been cancer-free for 11 years. Praise God. |
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Debbie, in her role as a nurse practitioner, advocates that
investing in one’s health is the most important decision one can
make. She is passionate about teaching her patients and the
children at the Place of Hope about the essential links between a
balanced diet, physical fitness, and a positive life perspective,
no matter the challenges faced. She encourages individuals to
recognize that life is unique and should be lived fully—promoting
love, forgiveness, dedication to one’s passions, and spending
quality time with those who value and love you in return. |
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Debbie is both proud and humbled to represent married woman
everywhere.
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