On Aug. 28, 1994, Katelyn Hollar was born at United Hospital Center. Today, as Miss Teen West Virginia 2014, she toured the new hospital’s Cecil B. Highland, Jr.  & Barbara B. Highland Cancer Center in support of a cause quite important to her.

 

“My platform is cancer awareness,” said Hollar, a 2012 graduate of Lincoln High School who was crowned Miss Teen West Virginia United States this past May.

 

During her reign, she is taking advantage of every opportunity to encourage individuals to be screened for types of cancer for which they are at risk. Early detection and treatment can be lifesaving, as Hollar knows from experience.

 

“I’ve had several members of my family diagnosed with cancer and luckily, they all survived and are being treated,” she said.

 

Hollar was led on her tour – which included the radiation department, infusion center, mammography and mammotone/biopsy departments - by Peggy Johnson, UHC’s clinical navigator for breast health.

 

Enabling Hollar to see the facility up-close-and-personal is important because throughout the coming months, she will have access to a variety of venues and audiences  to share what she has learned.

 

“She’s young and we need her to be able to go in and speak to that age group so they will know what to look for – the signs and symptoms,” Johnson said. “It’s just really important that we capture that age group so they will have the ability to know.”

 

Although Hollar is interested in all aspects of cancer screening, diagnoses and treatment, there is one area that is of particular interest to her.

 

“I want to get involved with the ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ program,” she said. “I believe most cancer patients get down on themselves and start losing confidence because they don’t feel as pretty as they once did. Getting an awesome makeover and teaching them how to apply scarves and wigs is a good transformation for those ladies – and for men too.”

 

Hollar, who was previously enrolled in Fairmont State University’s pre-dentistry program, plans to pursue cosmetology.

 

“So cancer awareness is my platform – but it’s also what I want to do with the rest of my life,” she said.

 

Hollar has been involved in pageantry since her sophomore year at Lincoln High School. This past May was her second attempt at being named Miss Teen West Virginia. She took part in the national pageant this past July in Washington, DC. She continues to be excited about working within the Miss West Virginia United States organization.

 

“It’s an organization that promotes volunteerism and supports girls in causes which they embrace – and with which they may just change the world,” she said.

 

UHC’s last ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ program of 2014 will be held Nov. 3. For more information, call 681-342-1818.

 

Editor's Note: Hollar is shown left with the Ribbon and Butterfly Tree in UHC's lobby. Ribbons can be placed on the tree to pay tribute to someone who has battled breast cancer or served as a caregiver.