by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Jillian Duffy is living her dream as the current Miss Connecticut. In December, Duffy will get to advance that dream by competing for the title of Miss America.
But at age 13, there was every possibility that the now-22-year-old would never get to see that dream become a reality.
Duffy, who had been a dancer and who had held several pageant titles as a child, was diagnosed with acute lymphblastic leukemia, a cancer that attacks the bone marrow and affects red and white blood cells and platelets.
Duffy, a Burlington resident, underwent six months of chemotherapy, which was followed by two more years of maintenance chemotherapy.
While she was undergoing treatment, Duffy continued to compete for pageant titles. For a while, she appeared on stage bald after the chemo caused her hair to fall out.
MIKE CHAIKEN PHOTO
Duffy also was forced to give up dancing. She learned to sing for her entry into the talent requirement for the Miss America system.
As a competitor within the Miss America Organization, Duffy, who had been Miss Wolcott before winning the state title, was required to designate an issue of concern ‑ a platform for her to promote during her year as a title holder. She decided to use her own experiences with cancer as a launching point for “Jillian’s Journey: Pediatric Cancer Research and Awareness.”
Miss America moves to Connecticut for the first time in its history, setting up shop for 2019 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville. The competition left Atlantic City after that city chose not to renew its agreement to host the pageant for 2019. Miss America was launched in Atlantic City in 1921. Uncasville is only the third location for the national competition in its history. Las Vegas also hosted the contest for several years.
Duffy, who graduated Lewis Mills High School in Burlington, will find herself in a different version of the competition then in previous years.
Last year, swimsuits (lifestyle and fitness) were eliminated from the competition. The evening gown competition was eliminated as well and replaced with a quick walk down a red carpet in the wardrobe of the contestant’s choice, which ended with a 30 second sound bite about their “social impact” statement.
This year, evening gowns are relegated to the opening number and garner no score.
MIKE CHAIKEN PHOTO
There is now a two-minute opportunity to make a “social impact pitch.”
With this new competition category, Duffy will be given a chance to talk about “Jillian’s Journey” on a national platform.
“I just want to share my story with everyone—about my battle with cancer,” said the Southern Connecticut State University student.
Duffy also is looking forward to promoting the Children’s Miracle Network, the official charity of Miss America.
Duffy had her cancer at Connecticut Children’s in Hartford, which is part of the CMN. “They helped me get my life back.”
If she is given the national platform by being crowned as Miss America, , the former cancer patient said, she wants to show people that no matter what obstacles are placed in your way you can overcome them.
At a send-off luncheon at Mahan’s Lakeview Fine Catering in Wolcott on Nov.10, Duffy said she was excited that Miss America was coming to her home state. “It’s an honor to have Miss America in my home state.”
“I think our state is very special,” said Duffy.
Duffy also was excited that the 50 other contestants (from each state plus Washington D.C.) are coming to Connecticut at what she feels is the most beautiful time of year, winter. She said she hopes that once every one arrives safely at Mohegan Sun, they’ll get to see a New England snow fall.
To get ready for Miss America, Duffy said, she has been having meetings each week with her preparation team.
Additionally, Duffy said, she tunes into CNN each night to keep abreast of current events. Sitting with a cup of tea and catching up with the headlines is her way to relax after a busy day, said Duffy.
At her send off, Duffy was offered some advice from past titleholders.
Savannah Giammarco, who was first runner-up at last June’s Miss Connecticut competition, said Duffy should just be herself at Miss America. “Just put yourself out there for other to see.” The judges “will fall in love with you,” said Giammarco.
Eliza Kanner, who competed as Miss Connecticut at Miss America in 2017, said, “When you go to Miss America, you’re really reaching the pinnacle of all pageantry.”
“Everyone dreams about competing at Miss America and only one young woman will walk away with the title,” said Kanner. “So it’s important to remember that you’re there, you did it, you made it to Miss America, so enjoy every single moment.”
Kanner also said Duffy will meet some lifelong friends as she competes for the title. Two years after she competed, Kanner said she still keeps in touch with her fellow contestants every day.
“Those relationships are so real,” said Kanner. “Yes, you’re all competing for the same thing. You all want the same thing.
However, said Kanner, “At the end of the day, those friendships are going to remain strong, long after the competition.”
The Miss America finals will be broadcast on NBC live from Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m.
There also will be two nights of preliminary competitions that will be open to the public on Sunday, Dec. 15 and Monday, Dec. 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun.