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ALABASTER – With birthday celebration plans foiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, an Alabaster family found a different way to celebrate and make the day special for 9-year-old Kasyn Henderson.

On Tuesday, March 24, Kasyn turned 9 years old and more than 20 of her teachers, friends and relatives drove past her house in parade-like fashion, with their windows rolled down shouting happy birthday to her. Some also had ‘happy birthday’ signs attached to their vehicles.

Kasyn’s mother, Kayla Henderson, said her daughter’s original birthday plans included an art party at The Art Studio in Montevallo, but the party had to be postponed.

“We still wanted to do something special to celebrate,” Kayla Henderson said. “The idea came from the videos on Facebook of teachers driving through neighborhoods waving at their students. A friend of mine suggested we do something similar for her birthday.”

Kayla Henderson got busy reaching out to Kasyn’s friend’s parents, her teachers and family members to see if they would be willing to participate, and they all agreed.

Kasyn’s father, Patrick Henderson, said vehicles filled their cul-de-sac. Kayla Henderson added that everyone was excited to get out of the house and see each other, even if for a brief moment.

When asked if she enjoyed her birthday, Kasyn said, “It was so good,” as she proceeded to name everyone she saw that day.

Kayla Henderson said she explained to Kasyn beforehand that she couldn’t hug anyone or get too close to them.

“She was still so excited as everything was happening,” Kayla Henderson said.

Patrick Henderson added that the family is grateful for everyone who participated.