The annual Miss Houston pageant is full of glitz and glam, but for Lluvia Alzate, the event was about much more than just a title and crown. Just 2 months after her mother passed away from ALS, Lluvia was crowned Miss Houston.
“Being crowned Miss Houston was an indescribable experience, encompassing both joy and sorrow. The timing of becoming Miss Houston, right after such a profound personal loss, made the experience even more poignant and fulfilling. In the midst of immense sadness, being crowned Miss Houston felt like a beacon of hope and triumph. It was as if, amidst the depths of grief, there emerged a profound victory, and I could feel my mother guiding me towards it. This extraordinary milestone became a turning point, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and vision within me,” Lluvia said about her victory.
Lluvia strives to use her platform as Miss Houston to honor her mother’s legacy and to help support the fight against ALS from advocacy to research and beyond.
“While the pain of losing my mother will always be present, being crowned Miss Houston has provided me with a platform to transform that pain into purpose. It has empowered me to continue the fight against ALS, carrying my mother’s spirit alongside me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and remain committed to making a lasting impact in her memory. The moment I received the crown, it became a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring me to transform my emotions into meaningful action. Since then, I have been fortunate to leverage my title and platform to collaborate with various organizations dedicated to ALS advocacy. Together, we have hosted impactful events, where I have had the privilege to speak passionately about the challenges faced by ALS patients and their families.”
As part of her mission, Lluvia partnered with 51fifteen and River Oaks Hospital to host an event that has already raised over $10,000 to support those affected by ALS. She has also become more involved in the Walk to Defeat ALS this year so that she can help lead the way to a world without ALS.
“I vividly recall attending my first walk alongside my mother and our entire family. The atmosphere was filled with hope, determination, and a sense of unity among those affected by ALS. Witnessing my mother’s excitement as she jumped, danced, and radiated optimism during the walk remains etched in my memory. In her eyes, ALS seemed conquerable, and her unwavering hope was contagious. It was a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of individuals battling this devastating disease. This year, I am driven by the desire to continue the hope that I always saw in my mother’s eyes. I want to carry on her spirit and fight for a future where ALS is no longer a threat, where a cure is found,” She said.
Lluvia has also been taking the fight against ALS online where she has begun the Vive la Vida Movement to bring her message to a greater audience. She has been able to speak with multiple news stations where she was able to share her story and her mission. Through these interviews and events, Lluvia has reached a broad audience and been able to create a strong network of supporters and allies. She knows first-hand the importance of education when it comes to spreading awareness about ALS.
“I would encourage people who want to get more involved in the fight against ALS to take the first step by educating themselves about the disease and its impact. From there, they can explore various avenues of involvement, such as volunteering at local ALS associations, participating in fundraising events like the Walk to Defeat ALS, advocating for increased research funding, or offering your assistance and support to caregivers. Every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference in the lives of those battling ALS.”
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