Kynlee’s Cause: Never too old to raise awareness
Published 12:00 pm Friday, October 11, 2013
- Awarded for best overall chest contraption concept titled “Eye of the Tiger,” Kynlee Mashburn alongside her dad Greg proudly received her award.
Kynlee Mashburn, a fifth grader at Odenville Intermediate isn’t your run of the mill kid; even at her young age she realizes you’re never too young to raise awareness.
Affected deeply by the passing of her beloved grandmother Nancy Mashburn who died five years ago due to breast cancer, Kynlee felt called to do something in her honor, so others wouldn’t have to go through the pain she experienced.
“My grandmother and I were very close, she was even my next door neighbor,” Kynlee said. “My aunt Trese and I were talking about it and we wanted to have a fun day to get people involved and aware.”
Their efforts lead to the creation of the first Kynlee’s Kause event at Odenville City Park.
Sending out an all call for the community to get involved St. Clair County citizens and area businesses were asked to create spirited support systems (brassieres) for a men only runway showdown.
Bras for Kynlee’s Kause awarded individuals and businesses first, second and third place trophies with a pink breast cancer awareness ribbons featured on them.
Tara Fulford, Director of Bras for the Cause, and Odenville native Debbie Henderson served as judges.
Individual winners were:
1st Place: Lisa Moyers for her Wonder Woman bra
2nd Place: Hump Day modeled by longtime Odenville teacher Jo Whitten
3rd Place: Christy Pardue’s “No Carving on these Pumpkins” themed over the shoulder boulder holder.
Businesses who took top honors were: Shear Magic who took first and second places (they have more than one location, hence more than one submission) with Boobie Trap and Treasure Chest and third place went to the Girl Scouts.
Touched by the response of the community, Kynlee’s dad, Greg (also Nancy’s son) told the crowd he was humbled by their help.
“Thank you all for your time and being here. It’s been a blessing and we’re so grateful by the outpour of support.”
The money raised through donations from local businesses, selling Kynlee’s Kause t-shirts and wrist bands will go to assist those who cannot afford mammograms and to help those going through breast cancer treatments who have a financial need.
To date Kynlee and her crew have raised approximately $2,200.
The cause is ongoing so, if you’d like to support Kynlee’s Kause visit their Facebook page for details on how to purchase a t-shirt or wristband (or both).
Pleased with the success of her inaugural event, Kynlee said, “I just want to help find a cure.”
