Ashley's Blog
Miss Rodeo America 2007

February 07—Hey everybody, I'm Ashley, a cancer survivor and Miss Rodeo America.

This is my first blog, so I'll have to catch you up on where I've been.   December 2nd at the Orleans Hotel, I was crowned the 52nd Miss Rodeo America.  There was a standing room only packed Hotel Showroom, crowded by over 50 of my friends, family and supporters.  If there would have been an award for the rowdiest fan club, I would have won it hands down.  Having the Andrews family in Vegas was like the “Griswold's family vacation!"   I'm the youngest of six children, five girls and one boy.  Needless to say with five younger sisters, my brother (the oldest) is a pretty quiet guy.  But the excitement of coronation even made him stand up and cheer.

After coronation I was whisked away to start my busy week at the WNFR.  I made several appearances from the ProRodeo Hall of Fame golf tournament, to the rodeo performances, to the Gold buckle presentations.  The week was also filled with lots of media interviews.  I was pretty excited to see my story on CNN one night before heading to bed. 

Returning to North Dakota was something I will never forget.  I was greeted in the airport by our Governor, the First Lady, our U.S Senator Byron Dorgan, U.S Congressman Earl Pomeroy, the President of my University, three Mayors, family, friends and lots of media.  From here the real whirlwind began!
I spent the next couple weeks adjusting to my new life, at times wanting to throw my cell phone at the wall!  

I moved back to my parent's home in Bowman and unpacked the many prizes from my generous sponsors!  My parent's house looked like a rodeo queen threw up in every room.  It took a while to get everything in its place!

While at home, both cities of Bowman and Mandan threw a welcome home party for me.  Both celebrations were a packed house full of friends, sponsors, acquaintances, and family. In Mandan a representative from each rodeo association in ND stood up to congratulate me and tell stories of their encounters with me on the rodeo trail from a young age to now.  One cowboy even said how much of a brat I was as a six year old going to rodeos with my brothers and sisters.  Good thing I've come a long way since then!

The whole state of ND has been like one huge family for me!  Businesses have painted their windows to congratulate me, and a few billboards with my giant picture have been put up.  It has been hard to leave there, but is always great to go back!

My first big trip was to the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver.  I was greeted there by many old friends that made me feel right at home!  What an honor it was to carry that large American Flag in front of a huge crowd as Boyd told the story of how far I'd come to be Miss Rodeo America.  Last year during my stay in Denver is when I began to notice my health deteriorating, shortly after I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  After the long road of chemo and its side effects, I was back in Denver.  This time I was healthy and strong.

While in Denver for the rodeo, I also attended the Denver Market to meet many of my sponsors and pick out merchandise to wear during my year.  I am so lucky to have great sponsors behind me that fill my every need and more!  Being Miss Rodeo America would not be possible without them.

After my month in Denver, I was off to Rapid City. Rapid was like a hometown rodeo for me because I only live about two hours away.  I was able to see many friends and relatives at the rodeo.  The Sutton's were great hosts, and I always enjoy spending time with them. 

During the short round of Rapid, I was honored to receive the Shane Drury award.  I was pretty surprised to receive the honor.  Shane has touched so many lives including mine and I hope I can keep what he had going.  Each rodeo I attend allows me to touch another person's life many affected by cancer, and like Shane, my positive attitude and faith have kept me going.  He was a great person and that was quite an honor.
Now I'm on the road again in Kissimmee, FL, and this trip has been an exciting one! I went hunting for a wild hog (and caught one), sat on an alligator, and got to pet a stingray!  What will I do next??

Until next time, best wishes and happy trails!
—Ashley

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