Autistic Somers Point Woman Representing NJ at ‘Miss Amazing’

Kaitlin Manson has been chosen to represent New Jersey at this summer's Miss Amazing National Summit in Chicago, but she will need our help to attend.

Kaitlin, 26, lives in Somers Point and is on the autism spectrum. But, more importantly, she is amazing and I think she would be the perfect person to represent the Garden State at this year's pageant. Her platform is standing up to bullying.

The Miss Amazing competition celebrates all the things that make its contestants so special. The goal of the pageant is to celebrate them while slashing stigmas.

It's a pageant designed for girls and young women with special needs. There are a variety of age groups and winners competing in each category at this summer's national competition in Chicago.

Kaitlin Manson has already proven her entertaining ability performing with former Miss New Jersey Alyssa Sullivan in the South Jersey competition, "Precious Gems" several years ago -- sort of a local version of Miss Amazing.

Now she is ready to take her positive attitude and showcase her skill nationally this summer at Miss Amazing.

What is the purpose of Miss Amazing? According to the program's website...

"Because of widely-held myths about their capabilities, girls with disabilities are often held back from taking risks that could enrich their personal development, deprived of opportunities to make friends, and granted less access to resources. As a result, girls with disabilities are more likely to experience low self-esteem than girls without disabilities."

Co-state director Rachael Hunter explains this one-of-a-kind competition is a way for young ladies with special needs to break down those labels.

Help Kaitin Attend This Summer's Miss Amazing Pageant.

There is only one thing holding Kaitlin back from representing New Jersey at Miss Amazing this summer, as Kaitlin has spelled out on her Miss Amazing funding page.

I am very honored to be chosen as NJ Miss Amazing Miss. All queens are responsible to fund their own trip for their family. The cost of it is anywhere between 2500 to 3000. Unfortunately my mother is a single mother who is currently on disability because of a back injury & is unable to assist me monetarily.

Transportation= $1000; Lodging= $900; Event tickets for family=$200; Meals= $500; Miscellaneous=$350 ...Total needed= $2,950

I hope you will help me fulfill my dream of attending the Summit & to be able to speak on my platform of Bullying with an emphasis on bullying special needs individuals. Thank you for your consideration.

Please join me in helping make this trip to Miss Amazing a reality for Kaitlin!