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By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE | Special to the Reporter

PELHAM – Madelyn Rasco, Miss Shelby County’s Teen 2025, is hosting a fundraiser in October to raise money for a cause close to her heart.

Rasco’s aunt, Trinity Faith Hogue, had spina bifida and passed away four years ago at the age of 34. Rasco is using her pageant platform to support this cause.

The Crowns for a Cause Roll-a-Thon event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon and presented by Rasco’s nonprofit: The Following Faith Foundation, to raise funds for Camp Sunshine– a Spina Bifida Camp hosted by Children’s Harbor. Each summer in July and August, there are separate week-long camps for children and adults.

“Madelyn’s aunt got to go to the camp every summer as a time to come together [with others affected by the disease] and do things they don’t always get to do,” said Crystal Rasco, Madelyn’s mother. “She had a spirit that she could do anything, even though not physically, but her mind was so sharp. She had an undergraduate degree and two masters degrees.”

The Roll-a-Thon will be held at the Fun Go Holler Park located at 200 Racquet Club Pkwy. in Pelham and feature a one-mile fun run, walk or roll through the park.

“You do not have to have a disability to participate in this event,” Rasco said. “This is a Pelham/Shelby County family event to raise money for a good cause for anyone who wants to register and attend.”

Those in wheelchairs are invited to dress up in their favorite costume and will receive a special token during the event. They can also enjoy a wheelchair car wash, featuring a bubble station where they can get their tires cleaned and take a fun photo.

The Helena Belles and members of the Pelham Fire Department will be in attendance at the event for a meet-and-greet.

“[Raising these funds] is the most impactful in our local community and will make the most difference here in Alabama,” Rasco said. “This camp is vital. It is where spina bifida patients can go and be together with one another and do things they don’t normally get to do, such as water skiing, tubing and playing basketball. This was my late sister‘s favorite thing to do every year, as she said she never felt more like herself when she was there.”

Buck Creek Coffee and Smoothies will be onsite at the event and Rasco is working to secure a food truck as well. She is also looking for more corporate sponsors. Those interested can email followingfaithfoundation@gmail.com or call 205-478-9970.

Anyone interested in securing tickets can do so at Eventbrite.com/e/crowns-for-a-cause-roll-a-thon-for-spina-bifida-tickets-1002611226167.