Eight years old might seem too young to be considered a veteran at anything, but when it comes to competing in pageants, Hoppers Crossing’s Zariah-Lee Sealey is just that.
Zariah began participating in baby shows at just six weeks old and transitioned to competing in pageants when she was four.
“To help build her confidence and overcome anxiety,” explained Zariah’s mother Markita Williamson of why her daughter began competing at such a young age.
It appears to have worked.
Four years on, the Woodville Primary School student is gearing up for her biggest competition yet, the Miss Diamond International pageant to be held in Queensland on September 21 and 22.
Zariah has been named a finalist for the pageant which, like many others, contains a fundraising component. Her mum said Zariah is raising money for the #loveyourovaries campaign for ovarian cancer awareness.
“Her goal is to raise $1000 and she has currently raised $560 with the help of family and generous individuals,” said Ms Williamson of Zariah’s fundraising efforts, which have primarily been through a GoFundMe page.
Zariah is also raising funds the old fashioned way, holding raffles, photo competitions, a recycling collection, and in a nod to her veteran status, selling some of her old pageant clothing.
All funds will go towards raising awareness of ovarian cancer, one of the most common cancers among women.
Almost 20, 000 Australian women are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
Ms Williamson said that while Zariah doesn’t have any family connections with ovarian cancer, any family member or friend she has could have the gene associated with the disease, making them high risk.
Even she doesn’t, Ms Williamson said her daughter needs no encouragement to raise funds for a good cause.
“Zariah loves giving back to the community.”
To donate: gofund.me/1d4322d6
Cade Lucas.
