Miss Arizona contestant battling rare ovarian cancer
ABC 15A 25-year-old Miss Arizona hopeful is not only fighting for the crown, she is also fighting for her life.
In July, Kristina Anderson was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. She started undergoing chemotherapy just a few days later.
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But, in between treatments, Anderson has been looking for dazzling gowns and beautiful headscarves as she prepares to compete for the title of Miss Arizona USA in November.
"I thought it would be a good distraction to focus on something else," she told ABC News. "Especially when I'm having chemo for eight hours a day, I'm able to get on the Internet and shop for dresses."
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The rounds of chemotherapy leave her feeling weak and tired, she said, but she is taking one day at a time.
"I have good days and bad days," Anderson told ABC15. "I try to stay positive and just be at peace with myself because it is challenging to know what's in front of me."
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On top of everything else, Anderson and her family also have to worry about substantial medical bills, as her insurance has not been covering the treatments.
Her friends and family have been rallying behind her, holding fundraisers and setting up websites where people can donate to help cover Anderson's medical and living expenses.
The former University of Illinois cheerleader, who is from Atwood, Ill., moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., to earn her MBA at Grand Canyon University.
vtaylor@nydailynews.com
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