Elizabeth Anne Hawthorne, 16-year-old honor student at Clarkston High School and reigning Miss Michigan Jr. Teen, visited Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently and presented to her the ‘Pearls of Strength? bracelet on behalf of the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Hawthorne is working with the foundation to promote bone cancer awareness and education with the ‘No Bones About It? campaign.
In June 2006, Hawthorne was diagnosed with Scoliosis and what was thought to be a bone tumor on her ribcage. A recent MRI indicated it was extra cartilage and not a bone tumor.
‘When I was told I might have a bone tumor, I was terrified,? she said. ‘The word tumor is very scary.?
She researched bone care and found nothing for teens or younger children. She came upon the National Osteoporosis Foundation Website and wrote to them about informing other students about this issue.
‘I saw the ‘Pearls of Strength? bracelet and tried to purchase one for Gov. Granholm,? Hawthorne said. ‘The foundation not only sent one for her, courtesy of NOF, but also sent one for me and I cherish the gift. What a privilege it was to meet our governor and give her a bracelet from the foundation.?
Her goal is to speak publicly to her peers about the importance of making positive healthy choices and bone health.
‘Osteoporosis is not just for old people and not just for women,? she said. ‘The choices we make today will definitely affect our future.?
Hawthorne was presented the Certificate of Tribute in recognition of her work as Miss Michigan Jr. Teen by Granholm.
She is the daughter of Steve and Peg Hawthorne of Clarkston.