Chelsea Rae Gregory Uses Miss South Carolina International Title for ADHD Advocacy

Nov. 13, 2011 - PRLog -- Chelsea Rae Gregory used her title as Miss South Carolina International 2011 the weekend of November 10-12 in Orlando, Florida to advocate for ADHD awareness.  She was a guest speaker during the International Conference for CHADD, the organization that supports ADHD, at the Contemporary Hotel in Walt Disney World.  The conference had over 1200 in attendance and spanned 4 days.  Authors, psychologists, neurologists, medical personnel, educators and parents of those suffering from ADHD were part of the audience in attendance.  

The event was the 23rd annual conference of it's kind for CHADD.  Beginning on Thursday,  main speakers and breakout sessions included topics such as recent neurological research, educational techniques, strategies for educators and sufferers alike.  Some of the most popular topics included how to handle friendships and relationships, managing money, organizational issues and medication strategies.  

Miss Gregory was one of a panel of four speakers that presented A Journey Through ADHD;  Stories from the field.  Speakers included Avery Close, Miss Teen South Carolina International 2011, Chelsea Gregory, Miss South Carolina International, Marko Ferek and Katherine Ellison.  Miss Gregory acted as MC for the presentation and fielded questions at the end.  

The plenary speakers were blessed to have Patrick McKenna and Rick Green.Patrick McKenna, comedian and actor, best known for playing Harold Green on the television series The Red Green Show, Marty Stephens on Traders, and the Trudeau miniseries is one of many notable alumni of Toronto’s The Second City comedy troupe. Rick Green, writer, director, comedian (The Red Green Show, Prisoners of Gravity, The Frantics, “ADD & Loving It?!” and History Bites) is the winner of the 2009 ‘Celebrity Transforming Lives’ award from the CAMH Foundation. Dr. Umesh Jain, internationally-acclaimed psychiatrist and professor from the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance, and the University of Toronto.  They also produced the video I Used To Suffer From ADHD, Now I Just Have It which was also their keynote address by Rick Green; Umesh Jain, MD; Pat McKenna.

The emotional journey for individuals with ADHD can seem uncontrollable. Resisting getting a diagnosis or treatment won’t prevent the inevitable roller coaster ride. What influences the journey and how do you deal with negative forces like dismissal and resistance? Discover the tools to take control and actually have some fun. How do we know? Rick and Patrick have been through it and Dr. Jain sees it every day. You aren’t alone!  *The CHADD website

Chelsea will continue to work as an advocate for CHADD and making ADHD a priority in raising awareness that the disorder is real. " It is a neurological issue and is very real!" says Chelsea.  And she should know.  She has dealt with her disorder since childhood and is just now feeling like she has conquered her major demons.  

If you would like to know more about ADHD, you can go to CHADD's website at www.CHADD.org.  And Chelsea also has a website dedicated to education and advocacy at www.misssouthcarolinainternational.com  Chelsea welcomes comments, emails and correspondence.  She also has a Facebook page, Miss South Carolina International 2011 and Chelsea Rae Gregory.  If you have questions, please contact her.

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Mentors-Matter is a non profit founded by Chelsea Rae Gregory, Miss SC International. The program offers workshops, support groups and a website resource that helps students with learning disabilities get into college and be successful in life.