Deanna Linz~TV Host and Pageant Coach

Well as you can imagine, I am on cloud nine and feel so blessed...God is GREAT!


I have made the decision to compete for Mrs Maryland International. This was a decision I made right after Mrs International last year (literally) and then God gave us the beautiful gift of Carter and everything changed. Because of our journey, I have learned and grown so much. There are days I thought my heart would break and I just wanted to crawl in a hole. As I look around the NICU and see how many babies come in EVERYDAY, I am far from alone in my story as many have gone through it before and will continue to even after Carter is home. Feeling sorry for myself is not an option. What good would I be for my son if I did that. I fell in love with the International system because of the people involved in it and the extended family it has given me through my sisters in pageantry. The amazing women I have met humble me. I have seen them come together through tragedy and rally when needed. The love and support I have felt for Carter leaves me speechless and so blessed I could not have gotten through this without it.


I have choices in life. I remember after I lost my parents I felt so alone but I knew my parents would want me to live my life and make a difference, which is why I became involved with the American Heart Association. Through my sisters battle with breast cancer, I became involved with various breast cancer events and walks.Even after walking so many miles, I realized I did not walk in her shoes. Through my husband and his 5 deployments in 9 years, I have learned the value of our military and the sacrifices they make everyday.

My journey through life is one that many people live everyday. The challenges we face, the tragedy's and the beautiful gift called life. My choice is to stand up for my family, my son, my husband and my God and hopefully make a difference.


I am humbly inspired by people like Cay Stout who lost her husband to ALS, Jervaun Trier and her husband for the missionary work they do, Lindsey Brothers for her work with the Armed Forces, Laine Berry for all she has gone through with her parents health and her ability to make a difference, Amy Gregario for doing so much for so many, the doctors and nurses that take care of our beautiful babies everyday and save lifes....and the list goes on and on.


So I am competing for my son, my husband and those who make the choice everyday to stand up and make a difference. I realize a crown is not what you need to do that but it does offer the platform to be heard on a broader level. If I can just touch one person, then my job is done....


The Maryland International family is a beautiful one. There are so many incredible people involved and competing. The ladies are beautiful and frankly it is anyone's pageant. I encourage and ask to please support all of us who are competing. We are all excited and support each other, which again, is what makes the International family so special. We all have stories so don't judge until you walk in someone shoes. We all know what we can handle.

To Joe Peri & Dimitri, love you guys! Thank you for continuing to sponsor my journey. I'll do my best!

To my little hero Carter and my big hero Andy, I love you both...with everything I have. You make me want to be a better person everyday....