Miss You Can Do It (2013) Spoiler-Free Summary – What It's About

In a world where beauty contests often spotlight flawless poise, the documentary follows Abbey Curran, Miss Iowa USA 2008 and the first woman with a disability to step onto the Miss USA stage. Determined to rewrite the definition of “pageant,” Abbey channels her own resilience—living with cerebral palsy and thriving in sports, driving, and the spotlight—into a heartfelt mission: to create a space where inner strength shines brighter than any crown. The film invites viewers into the warm, bustling atmosphere of the annual Miss You Can Do It pageant, an event that gathers girls with physical and intellectual disabilities from coast to coast for one unforgettable night of celebration.

The tone is intimate and uplifting, balancing tender moments with lively energy as families arrive, set up tables of homemade treats, and share stories of perseverance. The setting feels like an oasis of fun and femininity, where bright costumes, music, and heartfelt applause replace judgment with admiration. Within this vibrant community, each participant is more than a contestant; they are ambassadors of possibility, supported by volunteers who believe that “what’s right with them” outweighs any perceived shortcomings.

Among the young hopefuls are Tierney, a five‑year‑old who zips around in a powered wheelchair, and Natasha, a fourteen‑year‑old navigating cerebral palsy and seizures alongside her sister Kenna, who lives with an intellectual disability. Their journeys intersect with those of Ali, a six‑year‑old born with spina bifida whose therapy includes horseback riding, and Teyanna, a pre‑teen whose speech challenges stem from cerebral palsy. The narrative also introduces Daleney, a quadriplegic girl yearning for independence, and Meg and her newly adopted sister Alina, both living with Down syndrome. Together, they embody the pageant’s core belief that every girl, regardless of ability, deserves a moment to shine.