Talofa Lava,

My name is Sailau Schwenke and I am a contestant for the 2008 Miss Samoa USA Pageant. A little about myself, I am 17 years-old and probably one of the youngest contestants. The experiences I have had in my life, however, place me far beyond my years. I was born in Hawaii and lived there until I was five when my family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, were I pretty much grew up. I am the youngest daughter of Reginald Leland Schwenke and Elizabeth “Nana” Lefagaoali’i Schwenke (D). I have very close ties to my family, but especially to my mother. She passed away about 20 months ago — after battling carcinosarcoma, a rare cancer in found in her uterus.

As a family, we still miss and love her so much. In the final months of her illness, I was her primary care giver. We relocated to Seattle, Washington, to provide treatment for her at the Fred Hutchinson Seattle Cancer care Alliance, one of the world’s most renowned cancer treatment and research facilities. They took really good care of her. I took almost a whole year off from school to concentrate on helping my mom. Even though I have struggled to get caught up with school work to graduate on time, I have no regrets.

Participating in this pageant has helped bring my immediate and extended family closer together again and we are working together as a team. I am truly grateful for the love and support my family has shown me and I hope to make them proud. I am running to represent a strong family and to honor my mother and grandmother, Talaitupu Soliai Ho Ching, who also passed away last October. We have assembled a committee named in their honor, TUPUOALI'I.

With the support of my family, I am asking for your support as well. I am looking for sponsors to help one of my dreams become a reality. Everything helps. Whatever you can provide as a sponsor would be most appreciated, whether it is materials, seamstress labor, money and anything else. As one of my sponsors, you will be recognized by name during the Pageant and on my web sites. If I am crowned Miss Samoa USA 2008, I would travel to compete in Apia, Samoa, for their prestigious Miss Samoa Pageant at Teuila Festival. I would greatly appreciate any contribution you could provide. You can send your contributions to me at:

JASMINE SAILAU SCHWENKE
5219 N. Eagles View Drive
Lehi, Utah 84043

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