Erynn

Erynn Landherr, a 14 year old freshman at duPont Manual High School/Youth Performing Arts School was named Miss Elizabethown Area's Outstanding Teen on September 26, 2009 at the Historic State Theater Complex. She was also named Overall Talent Winner. Erynn was selected by a panel of five judges from a field of six contestants. She performed a tap dance routine to “Hey Pachuco” and her platform is Cerebral Palsy HELP and HOPE. Erynn will compete for Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen, June 11 - 13, 2010 at the Center for Rural Development, Somerset, Kentucky. Erynn, from Louisville, Kentucky plans to pursue a career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.

Erynn was the 2006 Preteen Miss Kentucky and was winner of the Preteen Miss Kentucky Overall Talent Award in 2006 and 2007. She was fourth runner-up for the title of Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen in 2009. Erynn is a member of Beta Club and received the Presidential Award of Excellence. Erynn helped in raising over $1,100 for Big Brothers & Big Sisters. She was cast as Tootsie in the Seneca High School's production of 'Meet me in St. Louis'. She participated in a commercial for WHAS Crusade for Children. She has collected of 500 teddy bears for the Dream Factory: and pitches and plays second base on her High School softball team.

Cerebral Palsy affects only one out of every 1000 children born in the United States. It is caused by brain damage before or during birth, or in the early years of life. It results in loss of voluntary muscular control and coordination and can range from severe to mild. In addition to having Cerebral Palsy, some children also experience visual and hearing impairments as well as seizures. While there is no cure, the ultimate hope rests with prevention. As the sister of a very special little brother suffering from Cerebral Palsy, Erynn is committed not only to HELP these children, but to fight for the prevention, treatment, and HOPE for a cure. Erynn lives her platform each and every day. She has been at her brother’s side since birth to HELP maximize his development in any way possible. She assists him with daily living skills such as dressing and feeding himself. Erynn enjoys the opportunity to hold his hand as he tries to walk, and to be able to help him color a picture. Most recently Erynn and Easton have been working diligently as he learns to ride a cycle. Erynn states, “It is worth it all when Easton holds his hand up to give a ‘high five’ for his accomplishments.” Erynn spends countless hours in classrooms (at Tully Elementary) for special needs children. On a daily basis she helps them with reading, art activities, and to gather their things at the end of the school day. Erynn is working to become a peer volunteer for the special needs students at Noe Middle School. Creating public awareness begins with removing the stigma attached to people with Cerebral Palsy. It is her goal to show people that those individuals living with Cerebral Palsy are just everyone else. They have goals…they have dreams…they want to be loved…they want to experience life. Only by conquering the barrier of "fear" can we insure the inclusion of persons with Cerebral Palsy in every facet of society - from the Web to the workplace and from the classroom to the community.

As Miss Elizabethtown Area’s Outstanding Teen, Erynn welcomes the opportunity to partner with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Cincinnati to create awareness, encourage others to reach out and generate HOPE for a "life without limits." She will continue to HELP children with Cerebral Palsy to ensure they share the same experiences as other children...playing with friends, playing in the sandbox, swinging on swings, and spinning on the merry-go-round. Cerebral Palsy is not confined to the borders of our Commonwealth. Cerebral Palsy does not discriminate based on gender, race, or geographic area. She looks forward to the possibility of continuing her efforts on a national scale by partnering with the Miss Kentucky’s Outstanding Teen Organization, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, and United Cerebral Palsy. Erynn says, “Together, we can provide HELP and ensure HOPE.”