Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, July 14, 2008
Local girl to compete in Miss You Can Do It Pageant
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Sydney Fitzpatrick has two special dresses hanging in the closet.
But through the facial expressions of the blonde-haired 6-year-old, it’s easy to tell which she prefers.
The white one with lilac flowers only gets a smile, while the Disney “Belle” dress receives giggles when her mother, Vikki Fitzpatrick, brings it out.
“Princess,” said Sydney, who was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
“Yes,” Vikki said. “You’re going to look like a princess.”
Sydney will wear the dresses July 26 when she competes in the Miss You Can Do It Pageant, a competition for women and young girls with special needs and challenges, in Kewanee, Ill.
The competition — started by Abbey Curran, the reigning Miss Iowa, who was born with cerebral palsy — will be Sydney’s first.
YWCA A-Pro is sponsoring her in the pageant.
Vikki entered her daughter in the pageant to allow Sydney to be around other youngsters with disabilities similar to hers and to meet Curran.
“Every little girl watches pageants and wants to do the same thing,” Vikki said.
“With this opportunity, she will have the chance.”
Vikki was told shortly after her daughter was was born that Sydney’s disabilities would prevent her from participating in many activities.
But after starting “baby boot camp,” Sydney soon was able to push a ball back and forth.
“‘No’ was definitely not in her vocabulary,” Vikki said.
This summer, Sydney is enrolled in swimming lessons and will ride horses.
She also enjoys riding her hand-cycle, drawing with sidewalk chalk and spending time with her friends from La Crescent-Hokah Elementary School.
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
Fitzpatrick file
NAME: Sydney Fitzpatrick
AGE: 6
FAMILY: Parents
Vikki and Jason Fitzpatrick; brother Jacob, 23 months
HOMETOWN: La Crescent, Minn.
SCHOOL: La Crescent-Hokah Elementary School — will start first grade in the fall
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