Miss NM Outstanding Teen Natalie Benson came to help New Mexico Cancer Center at the 15th Annual Eyewitness News 4 Health Fair. Natalie came and spoke very eloquently for such a young lady, she reached out to speak with the participants of the health fair about her thoughts on diets for cancer patients and some of her work within the cancer community, and her very personal story with a cancer patient.

I was wholly impressed with Natalie's knowledge of chemotherapy treatment and her platform of "Chemo Courage Fighting Chemotherapy Induced Nausea." Natalie is an incredibly intelligent young lady and your organization should be very proud of her, I am certain that you are. Many patients today face incredible challenges, "not just" their courses of treatment for cancer care. New Mexico Cancer Center prides itself on being the best of the best in our community for providing exceptional care to our patients. 

One of the most important things that patients look for when they come for their treatment at NM Cancer Center or any cancer center for that matter is competence with staff, administration, doctors and midlevels. That competence has to be authentic and come from a place of true compassion. In the short time I spent with Miss Benson I felt a sense of urgency in her, she wanted very much to use this opportunity with the pageant to communicate her platform to others and help her community. If every patient had a Natalie Benson by their side during their journey through this dreaded disease, well they would be blessed. As Natalie's time as NM Outstanding Teen comes to an end we certainly hope that she will continue to use to use her voice and advocacy efforts on behalf of cancer patients.

Carol if you could please communicate this message to Natalie on behalf of NM Cancer Center. Natalie we want to thank you, it was great getting to know you and your beautiful mother Lynnae and we look forward to working with you in the future. Hopefully, when you finish your M.D. and specialty in Medical Oncology (wink wink) you will come to work at NM Cancer Center helping many cancer patients and survivors of cancer, and their families across our great state. The Disney Corp. will just have to wait their turn!

Many Blessings and NAMASTE!
Paul Sanchez
Director of Community Relations
New Mexico Cancer Center 

Following the letter presentation, Natalie was presented with a $1,000 scholarship from the Jerome Westheimer Family Foundation. In addition, 2013 Miss and Teen contestants, unbeknownst to the state board or production staff, created a processional, each handing Natalie a bouquet of flowers for her outstanding service to the state and to the Miss New Mexico Organization. The contestants wanted Natalie to know that they knew and understood Natalie's commitment to her platform and to the Miss New Mexico Organization.

Congratulations to Natalie on her outstanding year of service at Miss New Mexico's Outstanding Teen. Best wishes in your education and platform work in the future! 

Source: Lynnae Benson