11 Mississippians are part of Saintsation squad

Chances are great if you live anywhere in the South, you know that "Who Dat?" is an expression and chant for the New Orleans Saints and Saintsations are its cheer and dance team.

Mississippi has a lot to be proud of on that squad.

There are eleven Mississippi women on the Saintsations, which represents about one-third of the team.

Kriste Lewis of Moss Point joined the Saintsations at 40 years young.

"It was always on my bucket list," Lewis said. She has been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a genetic disease where cysts form on the kidneys which will ultimately cause kidney failure. There is no cure and the only options include dialysis or a transplant.

"A healthy kidney is the size of your fist; a PKD kidney can grow as large as an NFL football. Ironic for me don't you think," she said with a smile.

Being a Saintsation for Lewis means that when you have a dream, you should always follow your heart. On being a part of this team, Lewis said, "So many little girls need positive role models to show them you can accomplish many dreams in your lifetime. I can be a wife, mother, teacher, friend, and still do something I enjoy."

At 41, Lewis believes in redefining what a woman can do. She doesn't let her age define her. She doesn't let her kidney disease define her. "I want to show women what it is to be intelligent, daring, beautiful, and kind. I want to show them what 'girl power' looks like at any age."

"Eventually, I know my disease will catch up with me. But that doesn't mean I'll sit on the side of the road and wait for it," she exclaimed. "I plan on making good choices so I can have as much time for making memories with the people I love. That's what life is all about, those memories, and being a Saintsation is a part of that. And, I love the fact that my family, especially my guys, are having just as much fun as I am," Lewis gushed. "The Saints organization and our director, Lesslee Fitzmorris and her staff, work to empower women; this experience is a blessing."

"I love being able to show women and girls from Mississippi that they can follow their dreams," said Andre'El Brown. "I love that I can show people from across the United States that great people come from the South." The advice Brown gives to others is to overcome every obstacle and never give up. She said, "Give it all you've got, leave everything on the table, and have no regrets."

"My teammates are amazing and extremely supportive of each other in every situation," she said.

Sarah Bass of Hattiesburg didn't make it to the Saintsations tryouts last year. She spent months eating healthier, working out longer to stay in shape, and studying up on the Saintsations. But on her way to the audition, Bass said, "I swerved off the road in the rain and totaled my car. Although this set me back a year, I decided not to let it effect my dream."

She spent the next year working harder. Her efforts paid off this year with a slot on the team.

"Everyone faces trials and tribulations in their lives. ... Setting goals is step one," Bass said, "and never giving up."

Of her involvement with the Saintsations, Bass said this team inspires her to be a strong, independent woman who values and respects herself and others. The team for her is about family, support and love for each other.

Elizabeth Kiehn of Hattiesburg also offers advice to others pursuing their dreams to never quit.

"I was a chubby little girl with big dreams wanting to be a professional dancer," she said. "Being a member of this team makes you a better person in life."

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 9:01 PM with the headline "11 Mississippians are part of Saintsation squad ."