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Denise McKnight will represent Louisiana in the Mrs. Universal Pageant in Reno, Nevada.
The recently crowned Mrs. Louisiana USA Universal, Denise D. McKnight, is a New Orleans native and a former Mrs. Galaxy and Ms. World 500 International. McKnight will represent Louisiana in the Mrs. USA Universal Pageant Winner July 23-29 in Reno, Nevada.
A veteran pageant competitor, McKnight's platform is Parkinson's Awareness and Research. This is near and dear to her heart because her father, Armond J. Duffourc, suffers from the debilitating disease and dementia. Her mother, Helen Duffourc, is his caregiver. You could hear the respect and sadness in McKnight's voice when speaking of her parents because it is such a difficult and heart wrenching situation.
Approximately 1 million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease – a chronic and progressive movement disorder for which there is no cure. The cause is unknown.
The disease involves the death or malfunction of nerve cells in the brain called neurons some of which produce a chemical called dopamine that sends messages to the section of the brain that controls coordination and movement in a person. As brain cells are destroyed dopamine production is decreased causing the person to lose control over normal movement.
Parkinson's disease varies from person to person and the primary signs affecting motor skills include such things as tremors, slow movement, impaired coordination and balance and rigidity of the body.
McKnight's reign allows her to reach out to the community and educate them about the devastating disease. She will also participate in state and national events to promote public awareness and raise funds for research.
She grew up in Westwego and graduated from L. W. Higgins High School. She started pageants at age 3 and won Jr. Sweetheart at Worley Middle School in the late 70s. Then it was Jr. Miss Jefferson Parish and Deb Miss Louisiana.
"Traveling around the country with my director was such a learning experience," McKnight said.
She won many pageants during her teen years. She got married and was approached about competing in the Mrs. Gretna Pageant which she won. This was preliminary to Mrs. Louisiana America.
"I won the Mrs. Louisiana America and on to the Mrs. America Pageant. It was a wonderful experience and I still keep in touch with friends made during the pageant events," McKnight said. Although she didn't win Mrs. America she did win Mrs. Congeniality America.
"I won my first international pageant in 1994 which was Ms. World 500 International. My husband encouraged me to start competing again," McKnight said. "My friend was crowned Mrs. Galaxy International. She raved about her experience so a week after her win, I entered for the next year's competition," McKnight said.
"After a week long competition I was crowned Mrs. Galaxy International which was held at the Cuyahoga Falls Sheraton in Ohio. I was so honored," McKnight said.
Sometimes pageants such as these receive a negative reception.
"However you can do so many good things after winning a crown. I know there are stereotypes about pageant queens. So many teens and women across America do hundreds of hours of volunteer work and community service and raise awareness for specific causes," McKnight said.
"Pageants teach confidence, poise, presentation skills, public speaking and interview skills and more," McKnight said. "Also, in many pageants there are many scholarships available and/or monetary awards."
"I have experienced the gamut of pageants from contestant to director to pageant mom, judge, entertainment and emcee," McKnight said.
Her father's illness gave her work more purpose.
"My daddy was diagnosed with Parkinson's right before Hurricane Katrina. He was a hero and took care of people all of his life and is my hero who is fighting this horrible degenerative disease," McKnight said.
"I am working with the Parkinson's group "Big Easy Fleur De Lis" which meets once a month at East Jefferson Hospital on the last Tuesday of every month. Bonnie Huddleston is the group leader and it is the largest most active group in Louisiana.
"My mom takes care of him and does such a wonderful job. I don't know how she does it except for her strong will and God by her side," McKnight said.
"There is no cure for Parkinson's yet but the Parkinson's Foundation feels that there may be in the next ten years," McKnight said. "It's known as a snowflake disease because it has different symptoms and no two people are the same – just like snowflakes."
"The patient suffers from the debilitating disease but the caregivers also suffer when they have to watch a loved one deteriorate and even with all of the medications, therapy and treatments there is no cure," McKnight said. "Care givers need a break and must take care of themselves. It is important for families to assist, help with meals, call, visit or take the caregiver out for a social activity – just for a mental health day."
With Parkinson's on her mind, McKnight decided to toss her hat into the ring one more time.
"I decided to do this one last time to enter the Mrs. U.S. Universal System which takes place in Reno, Nevada July 23-29. The winner will move on to the international pageant," McKnight said.
She is married to Brian McKnight, Sr. for 17 years. They have three children, Ashleigh, Brian and Cameron and a grandson, Nicholas.
Family has always been central but she also became a notable figure around town.
McKnight was the first spokesperson and ICON for Treasure Chest Casino and Boyd Gaming of Las Vegas.
"I was the original (1997-2000) "Treasure the Mermaid." I appeared on billboards, television, cab tops, wrapped buses and at numerous events such as the Treasure Fest," McKnight said. "I was also on ESPN while appearing at the New Orleans Zephyrs Stadium."
"I also sang at events, had a cooking show –"Cooking with Treasure," McKnight said. "I was the lead singer in a 50-60s show band and in the 1980s Gold Fever Band. We opened for Vince Vance and the Valliants, which was so much fun."
McKnight wears many hats and is very active in the community and church. She is a Eucharistic Minister of Communion at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Kenner and a home school mom.
As a hair stylist and makeup artist she has showcased her talent and work at carnival balls and television on Four Weddings on TLC. Her latest journey is getting her real estate license this spring.
It's time for one last round on the pageant circuit.
"The pageant is 40 percent based on interview, aerobic wear and evening gown and you must have a platform – in my case it is Parkinson's research and awareness and support for the caregivers." McKnight said.
"All of the pageant training and interviews have helped me in the world with jobs, interviews and public speaking. There is nothing that I don't feel that I can't accomplish at this point in my life," McKnight said. "And it all started because of being tiny and having to prove myself over and over in a lot of things. It has made me a strong woman, mother and wife and I am so grateful. I just want other girls to know that sometimes you have to push and strive harder, but it makes you more successful. There is no 'can't' only 'I can do'."
We wish you the best of luck!
1966 Behrman High School class reunion
The 50th class reunion of the 1966 class of Behrman High School will be held the weekend of April 8-10. The following activities are scheduled: April 8 - Courtyard pool and pizza party at the Best Western Plus West Bank. April 9– 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tour of Martin Behrman High School, 715 Opelousas Ave, Algiers Point. Group photos will be taken and it's "bring your own lunch/drink" day.
April 9– 7 p.m. – midnight main reunion event at the Empress Room, second floor of the Royal Palm, 1901 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey. There will be hors d'oeuvres, buffet, open bar, music, photos and free giveaways. The cost is $77 per person. All attendees must prepay with a check or money order made payable to "Donald Costello" and the check is non-refundable.
Behrman teachers will be invited at no charge. If you wish to sponsor a teacher contact Joy at behrman1966news@gmail.com. Dressy casual.
April 10 from 8 to 11 a.m. will be a prayer and goodbye breakfast at the Vieux Carre Room, Copeland's Restaurant in Harvey. Cost is $10 in advance.
For details and more information about the reunion weekend call Loreto DiGregorio at 504.341.3985 or email behrman1966news@gmail.com.
West Bank fundraiser at Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts opens Feb. 19
The all female cast of 40 will tickle your funny bone and entertain you with the classic female comedy about friendship, love, jealousy, marriage, gossip and more gossip about men, "The Women" by Claire Boothe Luce. The opening is Feb. 19-Mar. 6 at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts (old post office in Gretna) on the corner of Huey P. Long and 4th St. – 125 Commerce St., Gretna.
The cost of the buffet and show is $52 and for the show only is $37. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., buffet 7 p.m. and show 8:30 p.m. Matinee on March 6 with buffet at 12:30 p.m. and show at 2:00 p.m.
The fundraiser will benefit Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts. Mayor Belinda Constant wants to bring more cultural events such as ballet, symphony and theatre shows to the West Bank. For reservations call 504.362.4451.
Tonia Dandry Aiken is the Algiers Accent columnist who writes stories and news about people, events and resources that are of community interest. She can be contacted at 504.392.2927 or tdaiken81@cox.net.
http://health.einnews.com/article/311809691/fb-iALGvzKW3WNWx
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