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A LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY When I heard about this contest, "A different kind of contest for a different kind of woman", I knew that I wanted to be a part of this history in the making. I have been an activist forever and felt the need to be in front again. This community, our leather family, has been hungry for a way to come together, to work as one toward a common good. This title called to that part of me that needs to step forward and be an active participant in my life, my family and my community. Without hesitation I knew my platform. Lupus. How could it be anything else? Lupus has changed my life, altered my world view, impacted me, my wife, my community. This past year has been full of travel, work, new friends, fun events, work, raising money and consciousness, work, long nights and longer days, satisfaction, heartache, tremendous highs and some of the lowest allows I've ever experienced, and still more work. I have been given a tremendous opportunity to make a difference. I have been both humbled by and grateful for this opportunity. Our leather community has embraced me, the title and the concept of Ms World Leather. People have asked questions about the title, about Lupus and about me. But, the question I was most often asked, no matter which event I was attending, was, "What can I do to help?" I cannot tell you how that filled my heart. I have met men and women who have lupus. I have made friends of loved ones of people with Lupus. My goal, my platform, what I promised you I would do was to increase awareness of and raise funds for Lupus. Through the support of my friends, my family, my community, I have done just that. I look into my wife's eyes and I know we have not come far enough. I know that we are not done. At the same time, I know that because of this contest, this title, this work, and all of you, we are closer than we have ever been. I step down from this title knowing we have done amazing work. I know that there is more to be done. There will be more titles and titleholders who will bring to us more causes and concerns. What I learned this year is that we are up to the task. We can gather in our local communities, nationally, internationally, and make a difference. As I step down I am older, wiser, a bit more white haired (although by all accounts it looks fabulous on me!) and more tired that I ever imagined possible. I thank you for listening when I spoke, talking when I needed to hear, following my lead and guiding me along my course. I thank you for standing beside me when I was steady, propping me up when I faltered, and even occasionally carrying my load when I just couldn't any more. I am honored to have been the first Ms World leather and I am honored to be a part of this community and family. It has been through all of you that I have learned to stand just a little taller.
Annie
Romano-Blas
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