Teresa Scanlon’s favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. “The first wealth is health”. If true, then she is the richest girl in the world! In August 2010, Teresa was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor. In a recent interview with FOX 45 she said “I’ve had two brain surgeries and dealt with numerous health challenges over the past 20 months, but with the strength of my faith in GOD, the expertise and commitment of my incredible surgeon and the enduring support of my family and friends, I am better than ever. Today, at the age of 52, I am proud and humbled to be representing Maryland at the Mrs. America pageant.”

Teresa is now a national spokesperson for Johns Hopkins Hospital Neurosurgery Unit where she shares her experience as a Pituitary Tumor survivor and publicizes the continued need for brain tumor research. As a result of her experiences with the health care system, Teresa has created a website, BecomeYourOwnHealthcareAdvocate.com as a resource to inform and educate Americans on the importance of being informed, prepared and pro-active when it comes to medical care.

After spending time in foster care at a young age, Teresa learned the value of hard work and the importance of setting goals for herself. Pageantry offered the opportunity for personal growth and access to continued education. She was able to capitalize on the experience and interview skills she had acquired in competition to land her first job at ESPN, where she advanced from Production Assistant to Coordinating Producer and Network Programmer. It was at ESPN that Teresa met her husband, Robert “Scan” Scanlon. They share a passion for sports television production and after 30 years of marriage have “produced” two sons, Kyle, 26 and Trevor, 24.