A Very Important History

This is a very important share for me, Vanessa Schwartz, because this is the story of how this crazy journey all started. Richelle Lanphear and I first met at my grandfathers house, she was a friend of the family. It was so special to me to meet Richelle and to be able to share our stories of the difficulties we faced in everyday life with having children with special needs. Even though our children had different diagnosis... there were still shared experiences, struggles and the little milestones that were major for us.

Richelle was looking for something to get her daughter into but that can be a difficult task when you have a child with severe needs. Richelle then found The Arkansas Angels Pageant System and got to speaking with BJ Thorn who ran that organization. Richelle told BJ she was looking to create one out here in Colorado and BJ told her that it takes a lot and that she would need another person to help run it.

This was back in 2012

Richelle Lanphear came to me with the idea of starting the Colorado Angels pageant, needing a partner in crime… 

I said… “but that’s crazy, we’re both moms who have kids with special needs, our lives are hectic and that’s a lot of work!!! Let’s do it!” hahaha. 

Our first pageant was in 2013 and both our daughters were sick that year 

but the show still went on. 

I am so happy to have started this journey with Richelle and that our daughters could be friends. 

Sami Lanphear was a miracle baby, a fighter and a beautiful soul, she and my daughter Nasyah were friends and it was so special and beautiful that we crossed paths the way that we did.  Since then we have lost our little Sami and oh do we all miss her and that sweet smile... Sami went home to heaven Feb. 25th 2019. 

After that Richelle moved away but is still such a huge part of this because it all came to be with her. I so appreciate having had our time together starting this amazing organization.

We built a community of lifetime friends and we continue to give our community something fun to look forward to every year.  

The Colorado Angels Pageant is still here stronger than ever, with an ever growing board and committee that I am most grateful for, every individual helping in their own way making this all come together! 

I appreciate all of you who donate their time to make this happen and love you very much for that!

Having a child with special needs myself, I know that sometimes life can be heavy... this is a special day for these kiddos AND their family members, to have a worry free, fun filled day, at no cost to them