Just think of it as paying it forward – or at least that’s how Candi Bowdoin and members of Kaden’s Krewsaders think of an upcoming fundraising event for the Spina Bifida Association of Alabama.

Bowdoin’s son, Kaden, was born with spina bifida, a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. At birth, doctors closed Kaden’s back and placed a shunt in his head.

Now, Kaden’s health is progressing nicely.

“He uses a walker and wears braces on his ankles,” she said. “He takes physical therapy twice a week and has since he was born. He is affected from his waist down and has no muscle tone in his ankles. If it weren’t for his braces, his feet would turn in ways they shouldn’t.”

Despite the uphill battle to recovery, the Bowdoin family isn’t complaining. In fact, they’re so thankful for the help they’ve received from the community and the SBAA, they are working to organize a fundraiser to pay it forward.

“The SBAA has been helping me since I was pregnant,” she said. “They were my resource for finding out about spina bifida. I’ve been in contact with a great group in Montgomery, and starting last year, we did the first Alabama Walk-N-Roll at the Montgomery Zoo.

“Because of that walk, the SBAA has been able to donate back to families,” Bowdoin said. “Kaden was able to receive a specialized tricycle that he can use through the SBAA. Now, we’re basically paying it forward. We want to give back to them so they can give back to other families.”

Bowdoin said she knows there are other local families affected by spina bifida.

“Just having someone who’s been through what you’re going through, the support you get is amazing,” she said. “That’s what I hope to give to people who visit us.”

The organization is selling raffle tickets on a prize basket to be given away on Sept. 15 at the Silver Locket. The prize pack is valued at $200 and growing, she said.

“Just a few samples included are a family dinner at A-Town Pizza, a socket set from O’Reilly’s, one month of tanning at Gitty-Up-N-Go, a gift certificate from Sugar Rush.

The list just keeps growing, too,” Bowdoin said.

Tickets are $1 each and available at the Red Level VFW and American Legion, the Silver Locket and McNeil Concrete.

The drawing will held at 1 p.m., but the day will start with a bake sale at 9 a.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Bowdoin at 334-428-4255 or Anita Hall at 334-208-1477.