Inner strength is often learned over a lifetime, but not for Christine. A span of ninety days in 2008 and three shocking events truly changed her life. Pregnant with her first child, Christine was diagnosed with HELLP Syndrome, the most critical form of preeclampsia. At 27 weeks, Christine delivered her daughter, Delaney, at a mere 2 lbs. As Delaney was released from the hospital 60 days later, Christine’s father was diagnosed with cancer. Committed to caring for her family, Christine left her job as a motivational speaker in order to care for her daughter and father. The following month, Christine lost her home and all personal belongings in the historic Cedar Rapids flood.

All is well now with the Streets: Delaney is two and healthy; Christine’s father survived his fight with cancer; and her family has been able to successfully rebuild their life.

In December 2009, Christine found herself weighing 210 lbs. She then made a commitment to retake control of her life. She has now lost over 80 lbs thanks to a healthy diet and regular exercise. Christine was interviewed by Oprah for an upcoming show that will air this July about weight loss and goals.

Christine now uses her motivational speaking skills as she travels throughout the nation as an advocate for the the Preeclampsia Foundation and the March of Dimes. Christine feels that in some strange way, the disease that threatened her life has actually given her her life back.

"I entered the Mrs. Iowa United States Pageant because I wanted to make a difference when it came to Preeclampsia Awareness. Preeclampsia is the leading cause of maternal death killing 76,000 women per year and over half a million babies. I am honored to represent the state of Iowa and I share this title with all the mothers, sisters, wifes, and babies that are not with us today because of this disease."

In her spare time Christine, a self described "old soul," enjoys snorkeling, weather, boating and camping. But her favorite past time is shelling. For this reason each summer, Christine and her family head to Sanibel Island, Florida. Every day of vacation they walk the beaches and collect the beautiful shells that the ocean generously offers to the residents and tourists of the Island.

Through everything, Christine’s childhood sweetheart, best friend and husband of four years has been her pillar of strength.