MISS NEW JERSEY USA Making a Difference “T
Photo by Susan Tepelinsky
here’s so much I want to do with my reign. I want to leave an absolute legacy,” Alexandra Lakhman says with a smile as she adjusts her crown. “Some people are asking me how I’m sleeping. I’ve put a lot on my plate, but it’s all exciting stuff.” Lakhman is Miss New Jersey USA. She wants to use her title to make a difference in Hoboken and beyond.
“I have a brother who has a progressive physical disability called spinal muscular atrophy. He can’t walk, and he needs help with all of his daily life necessities. Unfortunately, to date, there is no cure for the disease,” Lakhman explains. She and her brother, Joseph Lakhman, are close. She visits him at Seton Hall, where he attends college, providing care when needed. “Throughout my life, I’ve been volunteering for the Cure SMA Organization. About four years ago, I became
Alexandra Lakhman
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the communications chair for the New Jersey Chapter. As the communications chair, I not only raise awareness about what SMA is, but I help put on different events throughout the state of New Jersey that help fund scientific research that ultimately can lead to finding a cure for the disease.” Now that she’s Miss New Jersey USA, she plans to continue her work with the organization. She met with the president of Cure SMA after winning her title last April.
Photo by Anthony Gomes
By Tara Ryazansky
