photo credit to Flickr: Jennifer Donley

I'm completely in awe of this year's Miss Washington D.C. who will compete in Miss America on January 12.

I just read her story in People Magazine (!) and I had to share it! 

Allyn Rose, at just 24 years old, has decided to undergo a double mastectomy. This pagaent queen is anything but just a pretty face-- the girl is fearless.

After losing her mom to breast cancer when she was just 16, Allyn is taking her health, her future, and her fate into her own hands and making the incredible choice to give up her breasts. I'm the same age, and I can't imagine having to make such a difficult choice. She's beyond brave. After finding out she carries the same chromosomal disease that her mom had-- which gives women a nearly 75% chance they'll develop breast cancer-- she decided not take any chances.

I'm rooting for this brave, local woman to make it to the top this January! Allyn for Miss America! You can follow Allyn on Twitter and check out the full story from People Magazine.