Miss Universe 2013: The Real Winner Erin Brady‘s Awe-Inspiring Anecdote [VIDEOS]

Erin Brady, after winning Miss USA 2013 become the first woman from the state of Connecticut ever to be crowned Miss USA. She will now represent USA at the Miss Universe 2013 in Moscow, Russia, on Nov 9. Her life is not as sparkling and smooth as it now appears, but her tale is absolutely awe-inspiring. Keep reading to find out how.

Coping with an alcoholic father at the age of 18, Erin Brady moved out on her own along with her younger sister. She worked split shifts as a waitress to pay her fees for a Finance degree which she graduated with honors from Central Connecticut State University. She also had seen the disturbing divorce of her parents when she was young. She has worked as Financial Accountant for Prudential Retirement in Hartford, CT.

Brady, in earlier interviews, has admitted that her family has suffered due to her father's alcohol and substance abuse, and that it has been a "struggle but it shaped who I am."

"Sometimes I feel like a 35-year-old in a 25-year-old body but the struggles helped me be better," she said in the interview.

Graduated in the 2005 class from Portland High School, Erin was well-liked and was voted "Best Personality" by her classmates and was also crowned Prom Queen at the 2004 prom.

"Wherever your dreams take you, just know that I love you and I am truly blessed to have you in my life. You are a special gift and I will cherish you forever and a day," wrote her mother in the back of the yearbook.

"We've been thought a lot but I couldn't have done it without you. Life is too good to feel bad," Brady wrote.

Her philanthropic work of choice include:

Association with Ferrari and Friends Concorso, which works with the Children's Medical Hospital
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Susan G. Komen, Walk for The Cure
Habitat for Humanity
Currenlty Erin Brady is supporting breast cancer awareness programme in association with Bright Pink

"As Miss USA, our platform is Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer awareness and education. The event is going to be held on Sunday and they are expecting a lot of people to go which is great. It's beautiful," Brady said in an interview with NECN.

Her goal to be an advocate for children of alcohol addicts is influenced by her own childhood. "I grew up in a family influenced by that and I think it's really important to help the children of families that are suffering from those problems," she stated.

Help spread #BreastCancerAwareness this Oct! Visit http://t.co/CJJKejGsW5 to see how @bebrightpink is arming women w/ lifesaving knowledge
— Erin Brady (@MissUSA) Oct. 24, 2013

"Last month, I headed to Capitol Hill and met with representatives of our government to discuss Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Check it out: http://youtu.be/rjuJPJSX2ss," she posted on her Facebook page.

Brady is engaged to Tony Capasso. As her grandmother said, she's a leader to the end we agree with the thoughts.

Do you think Erin Brady deserves the crown? Then, let your voice heard and support your favourite MISS UNIVERSE 2013 contestant.

How to vote:

Step 1: Like Miss Universe Facebook page

Step 2: Give the app permission. Click here to grant permission to the app (you need to do this just once).

Step3: Vote for your favourite contestant!

We wish this young bold, beautiful and brave lady all the best!

Watch Erin Brady on Capitol Hill: