Mrs. Delaware County America Advocates Invisible Illness Awareness in Upcoming Mrs. Pennsylvania America Pageant

Teena Handline made a New Year’s resolution that has come to fruition despite living with chronic illness. She is competing for Mrs. Pennsylvania America this coming Saturday, June 18, 2016. Today, the Glen Mills resident proudly wears her sash with the title of Mrs. Delaware County America.

“I love the preparation in competing - it pushes me to be a better version of myself," said the Glen Mills resident.

Handline, 27, is an attorney and works in the Research Administration department in Villanova. She strongly believes that pageants give young women a chance to learn how to speak in front of people, build confidence, poise and earn scholarships. Handline stresses that it gives women a voice to speak out about issues that affect them and start a dialogue for change. She has been happily married to Joseph Handline, a Philadelphia Police Officer for about five years.

“The real purpose of pageantry exists outside the glam and the glitz, we are leaders and advocates in our community. While preparing for the pageant is a lot of fun, it has a stronger meaning than just rhinestones, makeup and tiaras," said Handline.

When Handline was in a car accident in November, 2010, she experienced migraines, vomiting, numbness and tingling on the left side of my body. In February 2011, she was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia as a result of an MRI. Chiari Malformation is when brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. As a result of the tissue extending into the spinal canal, the spinal fluid flows improperly creating a cyst inside of the spinal canal, called Syringomyelia

“I had emergency neurosurgery in October 2011. My symptoms worsened in order to remove a golf ball sized portion of my skull to give my brain more room. I had 25 staples in the back of my shaved head,” she said. "Although this helped some of my symptoms, I was still experiencing frequent headaches and migraines on a daily basis. I went to a specialist in early 2012 and found out that I had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome - a connective tissue disorder characterized by chronic joint pain and essentially 'loose and hypermobile joints' The doctor advised me that losing weight could help some of the chronic joint pain - so that’s when my journey began,” said Handline.

Handline has lost over 40 pounds in preparation for this pageant by avoiding sugar, soy, dairy and gluten and incorporating an exercise program tailored to her illnesses. This loss has also helped to alleviate the intensity of the migraines.

Handline advocates a positive disposition and patience for individuals who live with invisible illnesses. “When you look at the outside of a person and turn him or her inside out, the body tells a whole different story. I want to utilize my platform to inspire others and tell them not be afraid to admit that you don’t feel well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You know your body better than anyone ” said Handline.

“I have learned to accept this about myself and refuse to allow these conditions to sit in the driver's seat. I graduated from Law School and passed three bar exams with this mindset in place. I used to not be able to run at at all, now I'm able to run a 5k. I used to be afraid and frustrated; I harped on the things I could not do, now I try to be adaptable to do things I couldn't do before. I had to make modifications to make these things happen. Everyone who experiences challenges must be willing to change their perspective. I want to take these things that have happened to me and inspire others. There may be no cure. You have to be grateful for the things you can do,” said Handline.

There are nine women competing for the title of Mrs. Pennsylvania America from all over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During the state pageant, the contestants are judged in three categories: interview (50 percent), swimsuit (25 percent) and evening gown (25 percent). There is also a costume portion that is not included in the total score where the contestants will wear a costume that is representative of Pennsylvania. The woman with the highest overall score wins the title of Mrs. Pennsylvania America and travels to Mrs. America to compete for the national title.

Kate Schartel Novak, Mrs. Pennsylvania America 2015, will crown her successor at the Mrs. Pennsylvania America Pageant 2016 is presented by An Officer and Gentlewoman LLC and ThomasRiley Strategies LLC. The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. June 18 at the University of Arts, Terra Hall Auditorium, 211 South Broad St., Philadelphia.