My name is Liz Fogg, and I am a single, work-at-home mom to my wonderful 24-year-old son, Alec.
I have been involved with charity and community service since the age of 8, when my family became involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You see, I grew up with 2 younger brothers with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We traveled the state making countless public appearances while they were the local and state poster children for MDA. As the oldest, I played a very large role in raising my brothers, and I was devastated as each of them were taken from us. My youngest brother was just 21 when he died 22 years ago. Chris was taken just a few short years later.
I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and that the heartache helps to form who we are as people, just as much as the joy.
While serving in the US Army a short time after high school, I met my now ex-husband and became pregnant with my son. We made the decision that our child would not be raised by daycare, and I chose to use the military’s clause that allows pregnant women to be honorably discharged. While I support all that serve our country, and am proud to be a veteran, my priorities had changed and my son became the center of my universe. I have worked from home most of his life, which has allowed me to also homeschool him. I chose to continue to homeschool him as a single parent because it allowed us to travel and explore the country on our schedule, and to give him a fully rounded education. We spent an entire month one summer driving from coast to coast seeing many of this nation’s landmarks.
I spent 15 years in the pageant industry doing nearly everything there is to do, with few exceptions. I worked alongside some great state directors, judged for state and national pageants, worked backstage for Miss USA and Miss Universe, and chaperoned and assisted with a long list of state and national pageants over the years. People ask why I did it, especially when they learn that it is mostly as a volunteer. My passion is helping others to live their dreams and learning more about themselves, and pageantry was a great way to do that.
When I took on the title of Ms. Arizona US Universal 2013, I did over 65 appearances, in 6 different states. I put thousands of miles on my car doing everything from volunteering countless hours for various charities, to attending red carpet events, speaking to elementary school children, and walking 40 miles in a weekend for Breast Cancer research. I flew to NYC to help with cleanup after Super Storm Sandy, and rallied for people to send needed clothing and supplies to the town of Broad Channel when my mom, and the entire town, lost everything in the storm and they weren’t receiving assistance.
I was beyond humbled on many occasions throughout my reign by not only the amount of overwhelming support that I received from friends and strangers alike, but also by the number of people that have told me that I inspire them. I inspire them with the story of my life’s journey so far, as well as the changes I’ve made to become healthier and much more fit, and my commitment to my son and my community. If I’ve inspired even one person to make positive changes in their life, just by being me, then I’ve done my job.
It’s time to take on a new challenge, and that’s definitely what this year will be! I was hit by a thrown bat at a professional baseball game in September 2013. As a result, I had a broken orbital rim for well over 4 years that prevented me from eating most healthy foods as well as working out. I’ve used this experience to inspire others to work through all circumstances and persevere while trying to raise awareness of the need for better stadium safety.