When Kasie walks down the runaway, you cannot help but be instantly drawn to her big beautiful eyes. We aren’t talking about the sky-blue colour, we are talking about the infectious emotion you will feel when you lock eyes.
Diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at the age of two, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that causes a progressive loss of motor skills and speech, has required Kasie to communicate using expressive eye and facial movements. A barrier for some, but the perfect attribute for a pageant queen like, Kasie.
Kasie started her pageant career at only six months, when she participated in the Sunburst Canada competition in Chatham, ON. Despite it being the first time on stage, she took home 1st Runner Up (known as second place in the pageant world) and Most Photogenic Queen. In that very moment, Kasie’s Mother, Kim knew the crown was made for her.
Kasie with a Pageant Director
Kim, shares that she put both of her daughters in pageants at an early age. She wanted to give both of them the opportunity to learn to be comfortable in front of others and establish the confidence she always wish she had. It wasn’t until she was driving home from Kasie’s first competition that she realized that Kasie was not only a natural on stage, but that she loved it and this would be the start of an exciting bonding hobby between the two of them.
“You could tell the pure joy she got when we dressed her in all the fun outfits. My favourite was always the sailor costumes.” Says Kim.
During her reign, Kasie participated in hundreds of pageant competitions, with some notables being Miss Ontario taking place in Chatham, ON in 1992, accomplishing Most Photogenic Queen and 3rd Runner Up, and Universal Charm, an International competition in Nashville, Tennessee, achieving a spot on their printed calendar for the month April.
Throughout her life, Kasie has never let her disability put any limitations on her goals and dreams and would often use her successes in the pageant world to discover new places, meet new people and educate the community on this rare disorder.
“I admire Kasie’s strength and determination. That sparkle has been in her eyes since day one.” Says Kim.
Since retiring from the pageant world, Kasie is always seeking her next adventure. From cheering her niece on in her own pageant competitions to exploring the Bruce Peninsula trails, gambling on the slot machines at the Casino, swimming with dolphins and enjoying a glass of rosé with her roommate, Sam-Kasie and her family know a lot about living life to the fullest.
Kasie has also created a community of her own through her Facebook page, *name and link of Facebook Page*. Through this Facebook page she shares all the incredible volunteering she does in her local community. Kasie actively partakes in local food drives, donates blankets to non-profits and retirement homes in the area and organizes garbage clean up days.
Kim’s greatest advice to other mothers or parents of children with a disability is to never underestimate them.
“Enjoy every minute, find ways to make life an adventure, let them try everything and give them all the opportunities they desire. Your only barrier is your imagination.”