Kiss The Pig 2026

I'm taking part in Kiss the Pig because I know firsthand how much literacy and education can affect a person's life.

As a nurse with Watson Clinic for almost thirty years, educating patients is part of your daily routine. Working in Cardio-Thoracic Surgery for almost a decade, I often met patients struggling with instructions or educational materials due to illiteracy. The fear and anxiety from not understanding often causes non-compliance resulting in negative outcomes. That experience
stayed with me and gave me a deep appreciation for the opportunities that education and literacy can provide.

I've also experienced the power of education in my own life. Continuing my education opened doors for me, gave me confidence, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. It reinforced that learning does not just
change what you know-it can change what you believe is possible.

That is why READ Lakeland's mission is so important to me. Literacy gives people a foundation for greater confidence, independence, and opportunity. It can help adults pursue better employment, support their families, and achieve better health outcomes.

I'm honored to stand for Watson Clinic as this year's Kiss the Pig candidate. And if kissing a pig helps raise awareness and funds to give someone the literacy skills and opportunities they need to move forward, I'm happy to do it!

Thank you for helping me support READ Lakeland and the adults in our community who are working hard to build a better future.